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#1
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
This is essentially the same question that someone else ("Justin") asked
in this group two years ago -- still looking for an answer: Jacuzzi indoor whirlpool bath, 4 jets, often stands empty (tub drained) for several months between uses, in a generally cold climate (house temperature 50 F or so). The first 6 to 10 times the tub is filled and used after each such interval, turning on the jets causes them to spew out small flakes (1/4" to 1/8" in size) of a translucent brown polymeric-looking crud. These flakes have random shapes and appear to be slightly curved as if they came off the inside of a pipe or fitting. Anyone have any suggestions for a cleaning agent that would inhibit the formation or growth of whatever causes this? (Just filling the tub with clean hot water and running the jets for a prolonged period before draining the tub doesn't seem to do the job.) Email answers appreciated; I don't always get to read this group. |
#2
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
"AES" wrote in message
... This is essentially the same question that someone else ("Justin") asked in this group two years ago -- still looking for an answer: Jacuzzi indoor whirlpool bath, 4 jets, often stands empty (tub drained) for several months between uses, in a generally cold climate (house temperature 50 F or so). The first 6 to 10 times the tub is filled and used after each such interval, turning on the jets causes them to spew out small flakes (1/4" to 1/8" in size) of a translucent brown polymeric-looking crud. These flakes have random shapes and appear to be slightly curved as if they came off the inside of a pipe or fitting. Anyone have any suggestions for a cleaning agent that would inhibit the formation or growth of whatever causes this? (Just filling the tub with clean hot water and running the jets for a prolonged period before draining the tub doesn't seem to do the job.) Email answers appreciated; I don't always get to read this group. When you drain the tub, some water may remain in the pipes where mold and bacteria can grow. It is possible that the crud you see is this. John |
#3
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
AES wrote: This is essentially the same question that someone else ("Justin") asked in this group two years ago -- still looking for an answer: Jacuzzi indoor whirlpool bath, 4 jets, often stands empty (tub drained) for several months between uses, in a generally cold climate (house temperature 50 F or so). The first 6 to 10 times the tub is filled and used after each such interval, turning on the jets causes them to spew out small flakes (1/4" to 1/8" in size) of a translucent brown polymeric-looking crud. These flakes have random shapes and appear to be slightly curved as if they came off the inside of a pipe or fitting. Anyone have any suggestions for a cleaning agent that would inhibit the formation or growth of whatever causes this? (Just filling the tub with clean hot water and running the jets for a prolonged period before draining the tub doesn't seem to do the job.) Email answers appreciated; I don't always get to read this group. Newsgroups are open forums, emailing you would prevent future searchers from finding answers. You found Justin's question, so it would be polite of you to allow others to benefit from yours. In technical terms, you have **** growing in the pipes. Water-jet tubs never completely drain and the standing water, sloughed off skin cells and bacteria are a veritable petri dish of a breeding ground. Every whirlpool manufacturer has instructions on how to clean their tubs, and you'll find that information on their web site. Basically you'll be shocking the system with either bleach or pool shock chemicals. R |
#4
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
"JohnR66" wrote in message ... "AES" wrote in message ... This is essentially the same question that someone else ("Justin") asked in this group two years ago -- still looking for an answer: Jacuzzi indoor whirlpool bath, 4 jets, often stands empty (tub drained) for several months between uses, in a generally cold climate (house temperature 50 F or so). The first 6 to 10 times the tub is filled and used after each such interval, turning on the jets causes them to spew out small flakes (1/4" to 1/8" in size) of a translucent brown polymeric-looking crud. These flakes have random shapes and appear to be slightly curved as if they came off the inside of a pipe or fitting. Anyone have any suggestions for a cleaning agent that would inhibit the formation or growth of whatever causes this? (Just filling the tub with clean hot water and running the jets for a prolonged period before draining the tub doesn't seem to do the job.) Email answers appreciated; I don't always get to read this group. When you drain the tub, some water may remain in the pipes where mold and bacteria can grow. It is possible that the crud you see is this. John Try running some liquid diswashing detergent through and rinse before closing down or during the first use. Do you have hard water. Nothing will inhibit the deposition of minerals from evaporating water except to prevent the water from standing in there in the first place. Do these flakes dissolve? perhaps the impeller of the pump is deteriorating |
#5
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
This was on a news group posting yesterday.....
Scary News About Your Home's Bathtub If you have one of the very popular whirlpool bathtubs in your home, beware! You could be sitting in a simmering pool of toxic bacteria. A study by Texas A&M University microbiologist Rita B. Moyes shows that whirlpool bathtubs can be a breeding ground for dozens of types of bacteria, many of which are potential pathogens, making such water ground zero for infectious diseases. That's right, the water in which you're leisurely soaking could be some of the filthiest and nastiest in the world. Moyes tested 43 water samples from whirlpool bathtubs--both private and public--and found that all 43 had bacterial growth ranging from mild to red-level dangerous. A whopping 95 percent showed the presence of fecal derived bacteria, while 81 percent had fungi and 34 percent contained staphylococcus, which can cause deadly staph infections. "Whirlpool baths are almost always a prime area for potentially harmful microbes," Moyes explains. "The main reason is the lining of the pipes. They are full of inaccessible air, and water in these pipes tends to get trapped, often for long periods of time. When the jets are then switched on, this water with harmful bacteria gets blown into the tub where a person is soaking and then trouble can start." How much bacteria are in whirlpool tub pipes? Moyes says that a normal teaspoon of tap water contains an average of about 138 bacteria, with many samples not having any bacteria at all. But the same teaspoon of whirlpool tub water contains an average of more than 2.17 million bacteria. "The stagnant water in a whirlpool bathtub pipe is a great place for bacteria to grow and grow," she says. Such harmful bacteria can lead to numerous diseases, including urinary tract infections, septicemia, pneumonia and several types of skin infections. Because of the aerosol mist created by the whirlpool action, microbes are forced into the lungs or open cuts, she explains. One type of bacteria, L. pneumophila, can cause Legionnaires Disease, of which 90 percent of all cases can be traced back to bacteria developed from a warm environment. Moyes says that as long ago as 1972, studies were done to test the bacteria levels in whirlpool baths and hot tubs, but evidence collected has often not shown sufficient reasons for concern. "That's probably because a hot tub or whirlpool as a source of infection can't be clearly distinguished from other sources," she adds. "An example might be when you develop a respiratory infection. The doctor can tell you that you do have a respiratory infection, but he or she can't tell you how you got it. What can you do? Clean out the pipes! And it's not easy. They need to be scraped. It's probably best to hire a professional to do the job at least once a year. The lesson learned: Enter a whirlpool bathtub at your own risk, and it may be a considerable one. |
#6
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Just keep filtering, then clean your filters, and keep the sanitizer
levels up. Tom |
#7
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Fortunately most of the bacteria in Your tub comes from You and your body
already knows it. The real nasty stuff is in those foot baths used in spas and nail salons. That is a well known source of serious infections not just a potential one. I stopped going to the commercial hot tubs a few years ago when I pulled up a nasty clump of hair and my girlfriend said that was the last visit there. (tip to guys, if you find something nasty, don't let her see it) I said it already, dishwashing detergent works great. It excells at breaking down oils and organic contaminants. The enzymes they put in the stuff are quite effective. Cuts through soap scum faster than Ajax or soft scrub, I don't buy tub cleaner anymore just use that stuff. wrote in message oups.com... This was on a news group posting yesterday..... Scary News About Your Home's Bathtub If you have one of the very popular whirlpool bathtubs in your home, beware! You could be sitting in a simmering pool of toxic bacteria. A study by Texas A&M University microbiologist Rita B. Moyes shows that whirlpool bathtubs can be a breeding ground for dozens of types of bacteria, many of which are potential pathogens, making such water ground zero for infectious diseases. That's right, the water in which you're leisurely soaking could be some of the filthiest and nastiest in the world. Moyes tested 43 water samples from whirlpool bathtubs--both private and public--and found that all 43 had bacterial growth ranging from mild to red-level dangerous. A whopping 95 percent showed the presence of fecal derived bacteria, while 81 percent had fungi and 34 percent contained staphylococcus, which can cause deadly staph infections. "Whirlpool baths are almost always a prime area for potentially harmful microbes," Moyes explains. "The main reason is the lining of the pipes. They are full of inaccessible air, and water in these pipes tends to get trapped, often for long periods of time. When the jets are then switched on, this water with harmful bacteria gets blown into the tub where a person is soaking and then trouble can start." How much bacteria are in whirlpool tub pipes? Moyes says that a normal teaspoon of tap water contains an average of about 138 bacteria, with many samples not having any bacteria at all. But the same teaspoon of whirlpool tub water contains an average of more than 2.17 million bacteria. "The stagnant water in a whirlpool bathtub pipe is a great place for bacteria to grow and grow," she says. Such harmful bacteria can lead to numerous diseases, including urinary tract infections, septicemia, pneumonia and several types of skin infections. Because of the aerosol mist created by the whirlpool action, microbes are forced into the lungs or open cuts, she explains. One type of bacteria, L. pneumophila, can cause Legionnaires Disease, of which 90 percent of all cases can be traced back to bacteria developed from a warm environment. Moyes says that as long ago as 1972, studies were done to test the bacteria levels in whirlpool baths and hot tubs, but evidence collected has often not shown sufficient reasons for concern. "That's probably because a hot tub or whirlpool as a source of infection can't be clearly distinguished from other sources," she adds. "An example might be when you develop a respiratory infection. The doctor can tell you that you do have a respiratory infection, but he or she can't tell you how you got it. What can you do? Clean out the pipes! And it's not easy. They need to be scraped. It's probably best to hire a professional to do the job at least once a year. The lesson learned: Enter a whirlpool bathtub at your own risk, and it may be a considerable one. |
#8
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
AES writes:
Anyone have any suggestions for a cleaning agent that would inhibit the formation or growth of whatever causes this? Chlorine and low pH together cure all. |
#9
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
If you have one of the very popular whirlpool bathtubs in your home,
beware! You could be sitting in a simmering pool of toxic bacteria. Bunk. Properly chlorinated pool or hot tub water is sterile. Furthermore, it does not support microbial growth because any microbe food will have been oxidized to outgassing end products or inorganic minerals. Untreated or improperly treated water, then you deserve what you get. Don't swim in yesterday's cheek wash. |
#10
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
AES writes:
The first 6 to 10 times the tub is filled and used after each such interval, turning on the jets causes them to spew out small flakes (1/4" to 1/8" in size) of a translucent brown polymeric-looking crud. It is called biofilm. Caused by improper use and maintenance. |
#11
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Hi guys in Australia we have had outbreaks of legion-airs disease from
badly maintained spas so be careful. |
#12
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Hi guys in Australia we have had outbreaks of legion-airs disease from
badly maintained spas so be careful. |
#13
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
On 13 Mar 2006 15:49:31 -0800, "RicodJour"
wrote: Email answers appreciated; I don't always get to read this group. Newsgroups are open forums, emailing you would prevent future searchers from finding answers. You found Justin's question, so it would be polite of you to allow others to benefit from yours. Actually, she and Justin have been seeing each other for the last two years. That's how she knows about his problem. It's nothing romantic. They just get together and discuss their flakes. |
#14
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
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#15
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
AES wrote:
This is essentially the same question that someone else ("Justin") asked in this group two years ago -- still looking for an answer: Jacuzzi indoor whirlpool bath, 4 jets, often stands empty (tub drained) for several months between uses, in a generally cold climate (house temperature 50 F or so). The first 6 to 10 times the tub is filled and used after each such interval, turning on the jets causes them to spew out small flakes (1/4" to 1/8" in size) of a translucent brown polymeric-looking crud. These flakes have random shapes and appear to be slightly curved as if they came off the inside of a pipe or fitting. Anyone have any suggestions for a cleaning agent that would inhibit the formation or growth of whatever causes this? (Just filling the tub with clean hot water and running the jets for a prolonged period before draining the tub doesn't seem to do the job.) Email answers appreciated; I don't always get to read this group. Can you put bleach in the water and run whirlpool to clean it once in a while? Never used one, but I would think that soap scum, skin cells, bacteria all circulate and remain in whatever water is left standing in the plumbing (which is pretty much the same reason I would not want one ). Dead skin, hair, soap scum are great medium for bacteria or mold. |
#16
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry writes:
These are fabulous breeding grounds regardless of how well you maintain the water in the tub itself. Nonsense. No nutrients, no microbial growth. 10 ppm free chlorine for a few hours will destroy the nutrients and the microbes. |
#17
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry writes:
Nonsense. No nutrients, no microbial growth. 10 ppm free chlorine for a few hours will destroy the nutrients and the microbes. You are 100% incorrect on this one Richard. The clorine never gets there. Never gets where? You fill the tub with superchlorinated water and circulate it. |
#18
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry writes:
If the secondary pump doesn't get used often, none of your "superclorinated water" will ever reach the stagnant water in those tubes. So superchlorinate and turn on the jets. Try and follow along, Richard. Don't be a troll. |
#19
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry writes:
I won't acuse you of being a troll, although, over time you have established that you prefer to say "up" when everyone else is saying "down". You post anonymously. Earnest people worth of reply do not. |
#20
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Richard J Kinch writes:
You post anonymously. Earnest people worth of reply do not. Sorry, that should be "worthy of reply". |
#21
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
In Canandaigua, NY there is a water park called Roseland. Several
years ago, there were a whole bunch of toddlers who got sick after playing in the water. Best they could figure, someone had a BM in the water, and they weren't using enough chlorine. I'd think that any whirlpool oughta have enough chlorine so you could smell chlorine before you got in. Hi, Jack. How's Ginger? She still around? She was young enough when I met her, she ogutha still be plenty lively. -- Christopher A. Young You can't shout down a troll. You have to starve them. .. wrote in message oups.com... This was on a news group posting yesterday..... Scary News About Your Home's Bathtub If you have one of the very popular whirlpool bathtubs in your home, beware! You could be sitting in a simmering pool of toxic bacteria. A study by Texas A&M University microbiologist Rita B. Moyes shows that whirlpool bathtubs can be a breeding ground for dozens of types of bacteria, many of which are potential pathogens, making such water ground zero for infectious diseases. That's right, the water in which you're leisurely soaking could be some of the filthiest and nastiest in the world. Moyes tested 43 water samples from whirlpool bathtubs--both private and public--and found that all 43 had bacterial growth ranging from mild to red-level dangerous. A whopping 95 percent showed the presence of fecal derived bacteria, while 81 percent had fungi and 34 percent contained staphylococcus, which can cause deadly staph infections. "Whirlpool baths are almost always a prime area for potentially harmful microbes," Moyes explains. "The main reason is the lining of the pipes. They are full of inaccessible air, and water in these pipes tends to get trapped, often for long periods of time. When the jets are then switched on, this water with harmful bacteria gets blown into the tub where a person is soaking and then trouble can start." How much bacteria are in whirlpool tub pipes? Moyes says that a normal teaspoon of tap water contains an average of about 138 bacteria, with many samples not having any bacteria at all. But the same teaspoon of whirlpool tub water contains an average of more than 2.17 million bacteria. "The stagnant water in a whirlpool bathtub pipe is a great place for bacteria to grow and grow," she says. Such harmful bacteria can lead to numerous diseases, including urinary tract infections, septicemia, pneumonia and several types of skin infections. Because of the aerosol mist created by the whirlpool action, microbes are forced into the lungs or open cuts, she explains. One type of bacteria, L. pneumophila, can cause Legionnaires Disease, of which 90 percent of all cases can be traced back to bacteria developed from a warm environment. Moyes says that as long ago as 1972, studies were done to test the bacteria levels in whirlpool baths and hot tubs, but evidence collected has often not shown sufficient reasons for concern. "That's probably because a hot tub or whirlpool as a source of infection can't be clearly distinguished from other sources," she adds. "An example might be when you develop a respiratory infection. The doctor can tell you that you do have a respiratory infection, but he or she can't tell you how you got it. What can you do? Clean out the pipes! And it's not easy. They need to be scraped. It's probably best to hire a professional to do the job at least once a year. The lesson learned: Enter a whirlpool bathtub at your own risk, and it may be a considerable one. |
#22
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry writes:
Smart people don't post personal information here for good reason. It has nothing to do with veracity. The term is "anonymous coward". You're afraid, you fear being known. You're worse than wrong: you're not worth listening to. You're a troll picking fights with knowledgeable and respectable persons, with pantyhose over your head. In real life, it is literally a crime to disguise yourself in public. If you think I fake my identity as you adumbrate, you're a fool. If you cannot confirm my purported identity with a few mouse clicks, you're inept when it comes to first-grade Internet-based research. If you would rather insult me than take the trouble to confirm my identity, you're contemptibly inconsiderate. If you enjoy spewing your abuse at honest efforts of people of good will to discuss material subjects, you're sick. Even if we were to grant you the petty argument at hand, things still look grim for you. |
#23
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
picking fights with knowledgeable and respectable persons, with pantyhose over your head. In real life, it is literally a crime to disguise yourself in public. Where? |
#24
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Goedjn writes:
In real life, it is literally a crime to disguise yourself in public. Where? New York State, for example. |
#25
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry writes:
You are the archetype contrarian. Usenet traffic consists of a few bottles of truth floating in a sea of error, ignorance and stupidity. Your posts are raw sewage piping into that sea. Forgive me while I paddle to somewhere less polluted. |
#26
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Mys Terry wrote:
Yeah. I remember how they rounded up all the women in New York state wearing makeup and wigs and shot them! Everyone feels much safer now. Brides wearing veils are usually given accelerated rehabilitation. Welders wearing faceshields have to pay a "lookout" to watch for THE MAN! Whatever you do, when in New York State... DON'T WEAR GLASSES! Its the LAW! God help all those halloweeners :-) |
#27
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Black gunk in home spa/whirlpool bath?
Dan Wenz writes:
God help all those halloweeners :-) From the Laws of New York State: 240.35 Loitering. A person is guilty of loitering when he: ... 4. Being masked or in any manner disguised by unusual or unnatural attire or facial alteration, loiters, remains or congregates in a public place with other persons so masked or disguised, or knowingly permits or aids persons so masked or disguised to congregate in a public place; except that such conduct is not unlawful when it occurs in connection with a masquerade party or like entertainment if, when such entertainment is held in a city which has promulgated regulations in connection with such affairs, permission is first obtained from the police or other appropriate authorities; or ... http://wings.buffalo.edu/law/bclc/web/NewYork/ny3(b).htm |
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