Water Not Clean or water is Cloudy

Why Is My Spa Water Cloudy or Unclean?

Cloudy or murky spa water is one of the most common issues hot tub owners face — but the good news is it's almost always fixable. Water clarity problems are usually caused by one of three things: poor filtration, imbalanced water chemistry, or contamination from bathers. Understanding the root cause is the key to getting your water crystal clear again.

What You Might Notice

Cloudy or milky-looking water
An unpleasant or strong chemical smell
Visible debris or foam on the surface
Skin or eye irritation after use
A greasy film on the waterline

Common Causes of Cloudy Spa Water

1. Insufficient Filtration

Your spa filter needs to run long enough each day to turn over the full volume of water. If the filtration cycle is too short, particles and contaminants won't be captured effectively. Most spas should filter for a minimum of 8–12 hours per day, depending on usage.

2. Dirty or Clogged Filter

A filter that's clogged with debris, oils, and minerals can no longer do its job properly. Even if your filtration is running for the right amount of time, a dirty filter will push dirty water back into the spa. Filters should be rinsed weekly and deep-cleaned monthly.

3. Imbalanced Water Chemistry

Water that is out of balance — whether pH, alkalinity, or sanitiser levels — can quickly turn cloudy. Low sanitiser allows bacteria and algae to grow, while high pH causes minerals to precipitate out of solution, creating a hazy appearance.

4. High Bather Load

Every person who uses the spa introduces body oils, lotions, sweat, and other organic matter into the water. A high number of users in a short period can overwhelm the sanitiser and filtration system, leading to cloudy water.

5. Hard Water or High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

Over time, minerals and dissolved substances build up in the water. When TDS levels get too high, the water becomes saturated and can no longer hold everything in solution — resulting in cloudiness. This is a sign it may be time for a full water change.

Step-by-Step Fix

Check your filtration run time — Increase the daily filtration cycle if it's set below 8 hours. For heavily used spas, aim for 12 hours or more.
Remove and inspect the filter — Take out the filter cartridge and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose, working from top to bottom between the pleats.
Deep-clean or replace the filter — If rinsing doesn't restore the filter's appearance, soak it overnight in a dedicated filter cleaning solution. Replace the filter if it's discoloured, damaged, or more than 12 months old.
Test your water — Use a test strip or liquid test kit to check pH, total alkalinity, and sanitiser (chlorine or bromine) levels. Ideal ranges are:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- Chlorine: 3 – 5 ppm / Bromine: 4 – 6 ppm
Balance your chemicals — Adjust pH and alkalinity first before adding sanitiser. Follow the dosing instructions on your chemical products carefully.
Shock the water — Add a non-chlorine or chlorine shock treatment to oxidise organic contaminants and give your sanitiser a boost. Run the jets for 20–30 minutes with the cover off after shocking.
Use a water clarifier — A spa clarifier works by binding tiny particles together so the filter can capture them more easily. Add as directed and run the filtration for several hours.
Consider a full water change — If the water remains cloudy after all of the above steps, or if TDS levels are very high, it's time to drain and refill the spa. Wave Spas recommend a full water change every 3–4 months under normal use.

Preventing Cloudy Water in Future

Establish a Regular Maintenance Routine

Consistent maintenance is the best defence against water quality problems. A simple weekly routine makes a big difference:

Test water chemistry 2–3 times per week
Rinse the filter cartridge weekly
Add sanitiser after each use or on a regular schedule
Shock the water weekly or after heavy use
Keep the cover on when the spa is not in use to reduce debris and evaporation

Shower Before Using the Spa

Encouraging bathers to rinse off before entering the spa significantly reduces the amount of body oils, lotions, and cosmetics introduced into the water. This simple habit can dramatically extend the life of your water and reduce chemical consumption.

Avoid Overcrowding

Stick to the recommended maximum occupancy for your Wave Spa model. Too many users at once can overwhelm the filtration and sanitisation system, leading to rapid water quality decline.

Keep the Cover Clean

A dirty or degrading spa cover can leach contaminants into the water. Wipe down the underside of your cover regularly and replace it if it becomes waterlogged or damaged.

When to Contact Us

If you've followed all of the steps above and your water is still not clearing up, there may be an underlying issue with your filtration system or pump. Please reach out to our support team via the chat at the bottom of this page and we'll be happy to help you get your spa back to its best.