Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: xqqqsme on February 05, 2006, 12:30:04 pm
-
Chem experts, I need some help.
I found a growth on my filters this morning. 2005 HS Grandee. The growth is a beige colored brown slimy pliable stuff that hugged the filter and formed ring shapes.
Should I drain right away and fill?
Don't know if this would have any impact but lowered the temperature from 102 to 100 yesterday and I rotated the filters about a week ago. Rinsed them two weeks ago. I am getting close to a drain and refill. Weather is 40 degrees. I shocked and am rinsing the filters in Dishwasher. I usually put 1-1.5 tbsp di-chlor in the tub after use.
-
You don't know what it is and your putting them in the diswasher? ::)
I would suggest super chlorinating the spa and letting it run for a period of time with the cover open for 15 minutes to eliminate the intital gassing off from the water.
Then clean your filters as you will. :-/
More importantly, let's try to find out what this stuff is. You say it is in the filter, did it get filtered out of the water, or would you say it was attached to the filter or even may appear to be a growth on the filters? Do you have any floaties in the water that may be a clue to the origin? What kind of chemicals do your use? Do you have ozone? ???
-
I am guessing "white water mold." If so, there is a NSPI (I know that is the old name of our trade group) decomtamintation process.
Have you always used dichlor after every use, or have you previously tried the "chlorine free" Everfresh System?
-
sounds to me that you need a strong batch of penicillin. stop having strippers in the tub, that should clear it up real quick ;D
-
It isn't white water mold. This looks like tissue paper in the spa.
I would super chlorinate, as previously suggested and see if that will kill the stuff and then drain and refill.
-
Refilling & super chlorinating now. Will report back after the big game.
-
Have you used a water clarifier lately?
-
No, haven't used water clarifier.
Is there a site I can find tech info to ID this growth on the filter thing?
-
I have seen it (or it sure sounds the same). Superchlorinate, run pumps for an hour because you ahve to assume the plumbing may be compromised, drain thoroughly, refill, give it a heavy dose of chlorine again with the pumps on. While you're doing that rinse the filters and then soak them for 24 hrs in a helthy dose of filter cleaner (I wouldn't use the spray type cleaner in this case) and rinse them until the cows come home.
-
Is there a site I can find tech info to ID this growth on the filter thing?
It's kind of like using a "site" to diagnose skin issues. The only way to really find out is to go to an expert...Doctors for skin issues; water labs for water issues...they could likely take a sample and determine its origin by trying to grow it under lab conditions. My $.02 :)
-
It's kind of like using a "site" to diagnose skin issues. The only way to really find out is to go to an expert...Doctors for skin issues; water labs for water issues...they could likely take a sample and determine its origin by trying to grow it under lab conditions. My $.02 :)
I think a full expense paid trip for bonibelle and her husband is in order ... They're our resident experts here, I guess we could get Vermonter out from Doc's place if need be!!
Good thing it's not my tub ... ;D
-
Any chance you could take a picture of it? I really don't know if I could be of help, but what you describe is just what I thought might grow in the warm water. I was surprised about Pseudomonas being the worst contaminant (but now that makes sense to me). There are organisms that thrive very well in hot water (some in very very hot water), called thermophiles. The one I have in mind is bacillus, an organism found in soil etc. As this organism grows, it often forms an almost crusty covering over a slimy glob of colonies. Xqqqsme, Do you by chance live near farms?
It may not be a microorganism at all...but if it is a bicillus organism, it could be very resistant to disinfection, as it is able to form spores.
If I were you, I would shock and empty and disinfect very well. On the other hand could it just be a glob of lotions oil or make up stuff?
-
Any chance you could take a picture of it? I really don't know if I could be of help, but what you describe is just what I thought might grow in the warm water. I was surprised about Pseudomonas being the worst contaminant (but now that makes sense to me). There are organisms that thrive very well in hot water (some in very very hot water), called thermophiles. The one I have in mind is bacillus, an organism found in soil etc. As this organism grows, it often forms an almost crusty covering over a slimy glob of colonies. Xqqqsme, Do you by chance live near farms?
It may not be a microorganism at all...but if it is a bicillus organism, it could be very resistant to disinfection, as it is able to form spores.
If I were you, I would shock and empty and disinfect very well. On the other hand could it just be a glob of lotions oil or make up stuff?
See ... I told you she was our resident expert! ;D
-
Consult with my hubby, he says 5/1 bleach solution to disinfect and drain then wipe down with IPA. (I am pretty sure my dealer said it was safe to IPA the shell but spa guys on here could verify that). Realize he is suggesting what he would do to sterilize equipment in the pharmaceutical industry. He thinks it could be bacillus or maybe a mold. I would love to know though!
I think I would also disinfect my dishwasher ???
-
I think a full expense paid trip for bonibelle and her husband is in order ... They're our resident experts here, I guess we could get Vermonter out from Doc's place if need be!!
Good thing it's not my tub ... ;D
Now gear down there, big rig ;D...my wife is a lead tech in our provincial virology lab with specialization in molecular diagnostics...don't I get a whirl at the free trip? ;)
-
Hey Steve, Just curious...do you ever ask her about any of this stuff on here? It sounds like she is highly specialized. Ask her if she thinks B. Stearo could possibly cause the growth described. And if she says yes, you have won the trip..since I am retired, I can only consult from my computer! ::)
-
Hey Steve, Just curious...do you ever ask her about any of this stuff on here? It sounds like she is highly specialized. Ask her if she thinks B. Stearo could possibly cause the growth described. And if she says yes, you have won the trip..since I am retired, I can only consult from my computer! ::)
Nope...I did send a water sample once that came back pos for pseudomonas. But it wasn't confirmed as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and some pseudomonas is likely to be found in most tub samples according to the water lab (different area from hers). Besides, she's to busy researching the flu pandemic, avian flu TB and other stuff to do with this molecular thing. Her lab is really wowing the docs with the quick / detailed results and fast turnaround :). Thanks for asking! I'll mention it to her when I see her...
Steve
-
Don't bother her, Steve, what she is involved in is far more interesting and important than what we are talking about on here. I am so encouraged by the rapid advances in diagnostics. Hopefully professionals like your wife will put this avian flu scare to bed. Sounds like she has the kind of job I could only dream of! ;)
-
Consult with my hubby, he says 5/1 bleach solution to disinfect and drain then wipe down with IPA. (I am pretty sure my dealer said it was safe to IPA the shell but spa guys on here could verify that). Realize he is suggesting what he would do to sterilize equipment in the pharmaceutical industry. He thinks it could be bacillus or maybe a mold. I would love to know though!
I think I would also disinfect my dishwasher ???
Bonibelle, I didn't use the dishwasher, just rinsed out filters and refilled but now I guess I'll have to empty and refill again after I super chlorinate.
Check your email
Thanks XQQQSME
-
Any chance you could take a picture of it? I really don't know if I could be of help, but what you describe is just what I thought might grow in the warm water. I was surprised about Pseudomonas being the worst contaminant (but now that makes sense to me). There are organisms that thrive very well in hot water (some in very very hot water), called thermophiles. The one I have in mind is bacillus, an organism found in soil etc. As this organism grows, it often forms an almost crusty covering over a slimy glob of colonies. Xqqqsme, Do you by chance live near farms?
It may not be a microorganism at all...but if it is a bicillus organism, it could be very resistant to disinfection, as it is able to form spores.
If I were you, I would shock and empty and disinfect very well. On the other hand could it just be a glob of lotions oil or make up stuff?
See, I told you the diswasher wan't a good idea. ;)
-
Oh, I think I need to clear up my earlier post. My hubby said to disinfect the empty tub with 5/1 bleach solution followed by alcohol. I would really concentrate on the area around the filters and if you have a water fall, there too. I think the guys on here already suggested that you super shock before draining. I am glad that you didn't put the filters in the dishwasher. And I hope you are in a warm weather area and that you are able to do all of this without too much difficulty.
Would one of the dealers on here comment on using the IPA to wipe down the tub? I don't see it being a problem and I am pretty sure my dealer said to do it, but I just want to be sure. thanks
-
Oh, I think I need to clear up my earlier post. My hubby said to disinfect the empty tub with 5/1 bleach solution followed by alcohol.
Wow.....now I know why I've enjoyed reading these posts......I agree, bleach 'er up, and have a margarita!
*lol* Okay....well, sidenote from a newbie, has anyone used the tub that's used tinted lotions or got one of those spray-on tans? I could EASILY be wrong, but there's the .000001% chance I might be dead nuts on, for a change.
In a fish tank the algae growths are usually linked to the amount of light provided....but then, in the fish tank I don't use chlorine, bromine, etc....nor do I keep it at 100 degrees, so.....
I'm learning lots here, please keep us informed on your progress!
-
I don't know if this will help but when I was using Soft Soak and my ph and AT were out of wack I would get this peanutbuttery substance mostly in the filter reseviour. Once I got my ph and AT somewhat figured out and used a scum bag, it was a done deal...unless of course the ph and AT would get wacked out.
I will be changing to Nature2 and dichlor and god only knows what I will run into on this adventure ;) but I am up for the adventure.
-
Xqqqsme, Where are you? were you able to disinfect and get things up and running again? I guess anything is possible, it could be tons of lotion or tan stuff...I guess that is one of the reasons that our tub is a family only tub!
-
Xqqqsme, Where are you? were you able to disinfect and get things up and running again? I guess anything is possible, it could be tons of lotion or tan stuff...I guess that is one of the reasons that our tub is a family only tub!
Boniebelle
Sorry about the delay, work took over. I'm real good now. I followed your advice to the T by bleaching the Filter's for 2 hours in 5 to 1 water, swabbed down the tub after draining and super chlorinated. I checked the levels and shocked! You ROCK! It's been perfect ever since. Check your messages to see my answer to your questions.
Thanks everyone!
Xqqqsme