There’s nothing worse than peeling back your hot tub cover on a perfect summer evening—only to be greeted by cloudy, foamy water. It’s not just uninviting—it can signal underlying issues that, if ignored, may shorten the life of your system and affect your health.
In the Portland-Vancouver area, warmer weather, increased outdoor debris, and higher guest usage can make summer a prime season for water clarity problems. At Rose City Pool & Spa, we help homeowners from Sellwood to Salmon Creek tackle these issues quickly and effectively. Here’s how to diagnose, treat, and prevent cloudy or foamy water so you can get back to stress-free soaking.
What Causes Cloudy Hot Tub Water?
Cloudy water is typically a sign of imbalanced chemistry, poor filtration, or contamination. In the Pacific Northwest, additional factors like pollen, tree debris, and fluctuating temperatures can complicate the picture.
Common culprits include:
- Low sanitizer levels: Without enough chlorine or bromine, bacteria and organic matter thrive.
- High pH or alkalinity: Poor chemical balance reduces sanitizer effectiveness and creates hazy water.
- Old or dirty filters: A clogged filter won’t remove particles, no matter how much sanitizer you add.
- Suspended solids: Portland pollen, Vancouver tree droppings, and skin oils all contribute to water cloudiness.
If your hot tub water looks dull or murky, the first step is to test your chemical balance and inspect the filter.
Why Is My Water Foamy?
Foam is slightly different from cloudiness—it usually indicates an excess of surfactants (soaps, oils, lotions) in the water. These substances lower surface tension, creating persistent bubbles that cling to the surface.
Foam is often caused by:
- Body oils and cosmetics: Sunscreen, shampoo, and sweat from users build up over time.
- Old water: If you haven’t drained your spa in 3+ months, total dissolved solids (TDS) may be high.
- Low calcium hardness: Soft water allows surfactants to create foam more easily.
- Overuse of spa shock or chemicals: Some foaming can result from poor dosing technique or incompatible products.
How to Fix Cloudy or Foamy Hot Tub Water
- Test and Balance the Water
Use test strips or a digital kit to check pH, alkalinity, sanitizer levels, and calcium hardness. Ideal ranges are:
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Chlorine: 3–5 ppm (or 4–6 ppm bromine)
- Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm
- Shock the Water
A non-chlorine shock oxidizes oils, lotions, and organic waste. Follow the dosage carefully and leave the cover off for 20–30 minutes after shocking.
- Clean or Replace Filters
Rinse filters weekly and deep clean them every month. If yours is over a year old or still looks gray after cleaning, it may be time for a replacement.
→ Schedule a filter clean or inspection if you’re not sure where to start.
- Drain and Refill (if needed)
If the spa hasn’t been drained in 3–4 months or the foam persists after shocking and cleaning, a full water change may be necessary.
- Use a Foam Reducer (for emergencies only)
Anti-foam products can be a temporary fix, but they don’t solve the root problem. Think of this as a band-aid, not a cure.
Preventing Future Water Issues
Once your water is clear again, take these steps to prevent the same problem from recurring:
- Shower before entering the hot tub
- Avoid lotions, deodorants, and hair products before soaking
- Rinse swimsuits in plain water—detergents create foam
- Use a spa-safe cover to limit debris and UV exposure
- Stick to a regular cleaning schedule
Our weekly hot tub/spa service includes chemical balancing, surface cleaning, filter checks, and system monitoring—perfect for Portland-Vancouver homeowners who want clear water without the hassle.
→ Book your weekly service here
When to Call a Pro
If you’ve cleaned, balanced, shocked, and drained—and the foam or cloudiness still comes back—it’s time for a full system inspection. Hidden leaks, failing circulation pumps, or improper water flow can all contribute to persistent clarity problems.
Our technicians serve the entire metro area—from downtown Portland to east Vancouver—and can diagnose and correct water quality issues that go beyond surface-level fixes.
Soak in Confidence
Don’t let foamy, cloudy water ruin your summer soak. With a little know-how (and the right support), your hot tub can stay crystal clear all season long. Whether you’re enjoying solo soaks in Hazel Dell or hosting spa nights in the Pearl District, Rose City Pool & Spa is here to help.
Schedule your filter cleaning or sign up for hot tub/spa maintenance and enjoy clear, inviting water every time you lift the cover.
