I saw some web articles on the “filth” that collects in the piping of home whirlpool type bath tubs- i am trying to get more info- looking for info on home whirlpool or air bath tubs, NOT HOT TUBS. Info relative to infection risk-
Any ideas on where to look?
Thanks
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Once or twice a month, if your concerned, why not fill the tub to just above the holes and pour in a half gallon of household bleach and turn on the whirlpool action. Let it circulate for 10 minutes and flush with fresh water...that'll fix any sanitation problems.
Yes, it is a legitimate concern. The instructions with the tub should give cleaning instructions. If I remember right it was a small amount of bleach and non-sudsing detergent like dishwasher degergent mixed in a tubful of water and circulated for a short time.
Follow directions and don't overdo the bleach. A public swimming pool only has about 1 part per million of chlorine, so only a very small amount is needed to sanitize.
The resort where I do some work has both hot tubs and jetted soaker tubs. Apart from the bleaching the other posters have advised I would also make a point of removing the jets periodically. Unlike hot tubs which have filters, soaker tubs tend to accumulate hair and other debris behind the jets. You would be amazed what shoots out when you turn the pump on.
Does any of this present a health risk? Assuming you are filling the tub with potable water and periodically bleaching the lines I doubt that there is much that is more than superficially harmful in a soaker tub - unlike badly maintained hot tubs which regularly kill people.
http://www.science.tamu.edu/articles/493/
and just do a Google search on "whirlpool tub health risk?" and you'll find lots more reading
"Is it February yet?"
ok, THIS doesn't sound good...
"Bath residue contains soapscum, dirt, body secretions, skin cells, and bath oils. With each use of a whirlpool bath, these organic materials combine with mineral deposits from water and form scale deposits. The warm, dark and humid environment of a whirlpool system provides ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms that can cause many different ailments (eg. vaginal, kidney, bladder, skin, eye and lung infections, just to name a few). Scientific testing has proven that household products such as bleach, vinegar, baking soda, and automatic dishwasher detergent are ineffective for the purpose of cleaning bath residue and scale deposits from whirlpool bath circulation systems.
Flush your whirlpool after every use with a cleaning solution specifically formulated to remove bath residue, and have the circulation system professionally cleaned at least once a year."
"Is it February yet?"
That's an ad. Can't reference that as authority.
Criticism is ok - but...Do better than me wouldja? (i.e. post a better response then)
"I'm a work in progress; still learning every day!"
I did. Number 3 above.
well then you get a GOLD STAR!
enjoy it
"I'm a work in progress; still learning every day!"
Seems some good info here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/615801/how_to_clean_whirlpool_tub_jets_avoid.html?cat=6
bottom line:
fill tub with hot water
add 1/4 c of low foaming dishwasher powder (cascade type product)
add some bleach
run jets 10-15 minutes
drain tub
fill with cool water
run jets 10-15 minutes
drain tub
you're good to go!
(might be good to stay outta tub when have open sores or chapped hands, etc)
"Is it February yet?"
We buy American Standard tubs with the StayClean™ system that is supposed to avoid many of those issues. It's an added cost option on most of their whirlpool tubs.
Bill