Over the years we have found that the four most common spa challenges
people face are over chlorination, under chlorination, cloudy water
and occasionally algae.
To help you solve these problems or avoid them in the first place, we have outlined
the most asked questions and their answers. Click on your spa challenge
to learn more.
Over
Bromination | Under
Bromination | Cloudy Water | Algae
In each topic section there is a series of questions in
blue. Click on the question to display it's answer. Click again
to close it.
Over Bromination
When using the SPA FROG In-line or Floating systems, the amount of bromine in your spa at any given time is dependent on a number
of variables. Please review the following list and click on any issue that
may be
a cause for over bromination.
Is your bromine reading above 4.0 ppm?
To alleviate over bromination and start fresh, remove the bromine cartridge.
- Store cartridge away from children, pets or other chemicals.
- Test water daily until the bromine reading has dropped to 1 ppm.
- Reinsert cartridge and follow the manual directions for achieving the
correct cartridge setting for your spa.
Could your hours of filtration (pump run time) per day be too high?
Your filtration time has an impact on your bromine levels.
When your pump is running, you are continuously
putting bromine into the spa. Always follow your spa manufacturer's directions for proper filtration time.
Could your bromine cartridge setting be too high?
The proper cartridge setting is important for maintaining the
correct bromine level. See your manual or
click here for directions on how to achieve the correct setting.
For a quick lesson,
begin with 1.0 ppm chlorine residual in the spa after shocking.
Set mineral cartridge wide open to setting #6. Set bromine cartridge per instructions for either SPA FROG Floating System or SPA FROG In-line System. Test water daily and adjust bromine cartridge up or down by one setting per day until 1.0 to 2.0 ppm is achieved.
Could there be a lower than normal bromine demand on your pool?
Bromine demand is anything in the water or environment that depletes
bromine including:
- The number of soakers using the spa per day
- Algae forming in the spa
- Weather (rain or high heat) if spa is outdoors and uncovered
- Landscaping chemicals containing nitrates
During times of low demand the bromine cartridge setting may need to be turned down
or over bromination could result.
Under Bromination
When using the SPA FROG In-line or Floating Systems, the amount of
bromine in your spa at any given time is dependent on a number of variables.
Please review the following list and click on any issue that may be a cause for
your under bromination.
Could the bromine cartridge be empty?
Make sure your bromine cartridge is not empty. Remove and drain all water from the cartridge. Then shake to see if bromine is still present. Replace if it is empty. A bromine cartrige lasts on average 2-4 weeks depending on spa size or use.
Could your hours of filtration (pump run time) be
too low?
Your filtration time has an impact on your bromine levels.
When your pump is running, you are continuously
putting bromine into the spa. Always follow your spa manufacturer's directions for proper filtration time.
Could your bromine cartridge setting be too low?
The proper cartridge setting is important for maintaining the
correct bromine level. See your manual or
click here for directions on how to achieve the correct setting. For a quick lesson,
begin with 1.0 ppm chlorine residual in the spa after shocking.
Set mineral cartridge wide open to setting #6. Set bromine cartridge per instructions for either SPA FROG Floating System or the SPA FROG In-line System. Test water daily and adjust bromine cartridge up or down by one setting per day until 1.0 to 2.0 ppm is achieved.
Could their be a higher than normal bromine demand on your spa?
Bromine demand is anything in the water or environment that depletes
bromine including:
- The number of soakers using the spa per day
- Algae forming in the spa
- Weather (rain or high heat) if spa is outdoors and uncovered
- Landscaping chemicals containing nitrates
During times of peak demand the bromine cartridge setting may need to be turned up
and the spa should be shocked to get the bromine level back in line.
Could your filter be clogged with debris?
A clogged filter will slow down the water flow through
the system. Remove all debris from skimmer
and clean filter regularly.
Could your test method be faulty?
If your bromine level is very high, it could bleach the test regent
making it look like there is no bromine in the spa. Take a
water sample to your professional spa dealer for testing.
Test kits lose their effectiveness over time. If using an old
test kit, replace and retest the water.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water is typically caused by contaminants that have built up in the water
due to one of the following factors:
Could your filter be dirty?
Check filter cartridge(s) and clean if dirty. If the cartridge is torn, replace it. After cleaning or replacing cartridge, run filtration system
continuously until water is clear.
Could your water be out of balance?
Does your spa have a lot of foam on top?
Detergents used to clean suits are the primary cause. Wash suits in mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
Could your bromine levels be low?
If your bromine level is very low or zero, it cannot keep up with
the demand of the environment or use. Shock the spa and reinstate the
maintenance level of bromine.
Go to Under Chlorination for possible causes
of low bromine levels.
Algae
Algae is not very common in spas due to the hot temperatures but it can happen. It can be free floating in
the water or it can cling to sides, floor and equipment. Nourished by sunlight and heat,
algae thrives in water with a high pH level and water with a high nitrogen or
phosphate level. If treatment is not taken quickly, it gets harder to kill and remove.
Please review the following list and click on any issue that may help you eliminate or
prevent algae growth.
Types of algae
- Green Algae. Most common algae growth. Forms in green patches on pool
and spa surfaces. Can be removed by brushing, but must be treated with chemicals.
- Yellow or Mustard Algae. It creates a slimy layer that guards it from
sanitizers. When brushed, yellow algae is removed easily but returns quickly.
Bromine or chlorine may slow its growth, but
will not completely kill this strain of Algae. An algaecide must be used to
effectively kill and prevent this algae.
- Black Algae. Algae with dark blue, black and green color. Grown in colonies
as small dots. Forms a protective layer over itself visible mostly in white plaster.
- Pink Algae. This pink slime is really a form of water mold and not algae.
The condition looks and sounds worse than it is. The mold has the appearance of
shredded tissue paper in the water. The primary cause is a soil bacteria
that is harmless to humans.
Common causes of algae
- Insufficient sanitizer. Make sure your bromine level is not below recommended levels.
- Possible chemical imbalance. Adjust your pH to the recommended range.
- Proper filtration. Clean and replace filter cartrdges when needed.
- Environmental issues related to the weather or the introduction of other chemicals
like phosphates or organic waste such as perspiration or urine.
Steps for elimination of algae
1. Circulate the spa water for 24 hours continuously while fighting the algae problem.
2. Raise the concentration of bromine to 3-5 ppm with a non-stabilized chlorine shock.
3. Check the pH and balance to 7.2 – 7.6.
4. Brush and vacuum the algae at least twice daily.
5. After brushing and vacuuming, clean the filter cartridge to remove the dead algae.
6. When the spa returns to a clear and algae free condition, return to normal operating mode.
7. Drain and refill the spa every 4 months.
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