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"Spa Slime & Odor Problems"
The result or poor sanitation and/or water chemistry.
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through some archived SPA & HOT TUB questions and answers.
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Slimes are films of
microorganisms, usually bacteria or algae, that can be found on the underwater surfaces of
inadequately sanitized spas and hot tubs. Biofilm is another common phrase.
That slippery, slimy feeling on underwater spa surfaces, especially those in hard to reach spots, is evidence
of this problem. Proper sanitation and circulation of the water will eliminate and
prevent this problem. Microorganisms can be associated with the development
of spa water odor problems. However, odors can result from chemical conditions, especially very low pH and high
levels of chlorine and/or bromine.
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►
Spa Odor And Irritation?
There is bad smell in the tub that burns your eyes and mouth and it
leaves a stinging taste on your tongue. The tub sits outside with a cover, the water is
clear. We use all of the biguanide spa chemicals.
Tom F., Winona, MN, 3/2/2006
Proper use of the chemicals should not
be creating such problems.
I suggest that you bring in a water sample into a
local spa professional. Low pH conditions could be a cause of the odor
problem and
irritation. In addition, biguanide can lead to the development of resistant
micro-organisms. Please refer to other topics, in the archives, for more
information. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
3/2/2006
►
Slippery Surfaces?
Every now and then there are certain areas of the spa that seem to
be slippery. I've been using bromine in a small floating cartridge. The pH is
7.6, bromine 2.5, the alkalinity is 112 ppm and the water looks clear. What's
causing the slippery feeling. Thank you.
Nameless, 11/2/2003
What you are describing sounds like a bacterial
slime. Simply stated, that slippery, slimy feeling is a film of bacteria. Your water
chemistry seems reasonable, although,
the optimum range for
bromine is 3-5 PPM. But what was the bromine level yesterday? I
suggest that you shock the spa with a quick acting product such as a non-chlorine
shock. Boost the bromine readings above 5.0 PPM and keep it there, until all traces
of the slime is gone. Keep the filter running during this period. Thereafter,
resume a bromine level of 3-5 PPM. Test the spa water before each use and add
shock, if the bromine level is too low. After periods of heavy bather use, test the
water and add additional shock, as might be required. The bromine, in the floater,
is slow dissolving and the addition of shock is a way to quickly boost the bromine
level. Keeping a proper bromine level should prevent a recurrence of the
problem. Having an
ozonator will make it easier to maintain a proper level of bromine and make
problems, such as you have described, mush less likely. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
11/2/2003
► Uninvited Guest?
Yesterday morning I found a piece of a large earthworm in
our spa. I found the other pieces in the filter. I'm not exactly sure how it
got in there, but I'm fairly certain it happened the night before. The earth
worm didn't smell too appealing when I took it out and it seems that this smell
had been transferred to the water and filter. My question is, will
shocking be sufficient to remove any unwanted organics left behind by this
partially decomposed creature or should I drain and refill the spa? I had just
refilled the spa 3 days prior to this incident and didn't want to do it again
unless absolutely necessary. Thank you.
Ken G., 11/2/2008
The earthworm smells like the decomposing animal that it
is. Shocking the spa will destroy all of the organic contributions and
odorous products. There is no need to drain and start over. This is
a fairly common thing in a swimming pool, as it can be at ground level.
Enjoy the spa and I hope that I've been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
11/2/2008
►
Musty, Moldy Spa Odor?
Let me start by saying
this website has been extremely helpful. My wife and I just purchased our
first house and on the back porch sits a nice spa. It holds 230 gallons. I
spoke with the previous owner and asked them what type of maintenance they
performed on the tub and how they took care of their water. I was told
that they didn't very much to it and they changed the water every six months.
When I asked them what type of chemicals they used, I was told they used no
chemicals, because they didn't like what the chlorine would do to their skin.
Now, at that point I had no idea but after reading through this site I'm rather
afraid of what might be growing in there. When I remove the cover the water
looks fairly clear and it smells musty and moldy. Should I sanitize before I
drain the water? How would I go about sanitizing. In the near future I
plan on purchasing an ozonator and mineralizer to handle the sanitization.
Thanks in advance!
Luc, 3/3/2009
I believe that you better
off starting with a clean slate. Add a healthy dose of chlorine and boost
the free chlorine to about 10 PPM. Run the filter for an hour or two and
if there is still free chlorine present, drain the spa and clean it out.
Otherwise, add more chlorine and repeat. Fill the spa and start the unit
on bromine. Try and keep the level at 3-5 PPM. Once you add the
ozonator,
you should be able to lower the level to 1-3 PPM. The
ozonator will let
you use less bromine to maintain a satisfactory level. If you plan to add
a
mineral sanitizer, bear in mind that
only THE SPA FROG can be used with bromine:
check into this when purchasing or a draining may be necessary.
A properly maintained spa should be relatively free of odor.
I prefer using a sanitizer that can be measured. Natural is great, but not
necessarily for every spa situation. I hope that this information will
prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 3/3/2009
►
Strong Chemical Odor?
I always seem to be adding pH reducer
to my spa The pH seems to be very high. The TA is too low. I use bromine
tablets in a floater and the spa has an Ozonator. The problem is there is a very
strong chemical odor. We would like to use the spa, but am afraid. What should
I do?
H.L., Lanham, MD,
4/14/2004
I suspect that the cause of the
odor is that the pH is really too low. I'll bet that it is below 6.0. The
problem is that the test kit, you are using, is not properly formulated to test the pH, in
the presence of bromine. The phenol red could be reacting with the bromine and
turning a deep purple color. This makes it appear that the pH is too high. In
fact, it can be too low! You should rarely if ever have to add a pH reducer to
your spa. If anything, you have to add a pH increaser. I suggest that you
bring in a water sample to a local spa professional and get the water tested.
The
low pH is capable of producing and contributing to the strong odors that you are describing.
Over production of ozone could be an additional factor. However, I'd bet on the low
pH. Make sure that you use a test kit that the dealer knows will work with
bromine.
To better assure proper overall
spa water chemistry, visit a pool/spa store that has a very reliable,
professional lab such as a WaterLink or Pinpoint system, rather than a less
accurate test kit or strip reader.
To locate a dealer near you, go
to:
www.lamotte.com/pages/pool/expdeal/index.html
I hope that this information will help get you back into the water.
Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
4/14/2004
► Unpleasant Spa Odor?
I have had a spa for 6 months.
I use bromine tablets in the spa and keep the pH where it should be. My
spa always has an odor, that smells like chemical, and it is not very pleasant.
If you get your hair wet with the water, it is very difficult to get rid of the
smell from the hair. The filter has been cleaned with liquid chlorine.
Also, is it possible to drain the spa for the winter and not have any damage to
it? What would I need to do?
Forwarded from Backyardcity
Support, 1/3/2005
Backyardcity.com forwarded
your question onto me for additional information. A properly maintained
bromine spa should be almost free or odors. Certainly free of objectionable
levels of odor. Two possibilities come to mind. One is that the bromine is
interfering with the pH test and your pH is actually very low. I suggest that
you have the pH tested by another method and or dealer. Bromine tablets are
acidic and you should have to add pH increaser on a regular basis. Is this the
case? The other possibility is that the bromine level has been
maintained at too low a level and that microorganisms have taken advantage.
Bromine tablets are slow dissolving and do not play catch up very well. On a
regular basis and whenever the bromine level bottoms out, you should add a dose
of shock: monopersulfate or sodium dichlor. Having an
ozone generator
on a spa
can greatly reduce chemical requirements and improve the water quality. If, as
I suspect, your spa does not have one, you might consider adding one. It is
possible to drain a spa for the winter. Just be certain that all the water
is completely drained. Water in the pipes could lead to freeze-thaw
damage. You can drain the spa
for the winter. However, you must make sure that all the water is completely
drained. Otherwise you will risk freeze-thaw damage. You might have to add
some propylene glycol antifreeze to protect the water that remains in the pipes.
I hope that you will find this information helpful. For additional information,
please visit the website.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 1/3/2005
►
Fuming And Milky White Water?
We have a customer who
recently added bromine tablets to her Spa. She had not removed any water
from the spa and had used other brominators in the past. She discovered
her spa was producing a "milky white" water when the jets were on. There
was a lung searing fumes coming off the surface of the water. I believe
this was a bromine fume? Test strips indicated high everything. Any
ideas as to what the problem might be?
Ken B., Cody, WY, 3/4/2007
High
levels of bromine can interfere with the pH test and make it seem like it is
off the chart, on the high end. In fact, this purple color has nothing to
do with the actual pH. I suspect that the pH is low and this can
cause fuming. In addition, the low pH could be releasing scale from the
plumbing and clouding the water. The best way to test high bromine
or chlorine levels is with a product such as the
LaMotte Insta-Test
strips. However, very high bromine
levels may still interfere. If you have some chlorine neutralizer
chemicals or reagents, add some to the test sample before testing the pH.
The homeowner should not have had to add any pH decreaser, as bromine
tablets are acidic. Ask if pH lowering chemicals were added! I hope
this helps find the answer.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
3/4/2007
►
Masking A Spa Odor?
Are the spa fragrance products
effective at masking a chemical odor?
Jane B.,
1/4/2004
A spa that is being
properly maintained should not have an overwhelming chemical odor.
The spa fragrance products are intended to create a pleasant aura about the spa,
with the use of an assortment of scents. Use the product to stimulate a
mood and not to mask, what would otherwise be considered, an odorous spa water
problem. Cosmetic bath or fragrance products should
not be used in a spa.
I hope that I have been helpful. Enjoy the spa.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
1/4/2004
► Burning Spa Odor?
I would like to know why when I turn my air valves on when
jets are blowing the tiny air bubbles smell and taste acidic. They burn our
noses and make us sneeze. It's difficult to breathe. My sanitizer, pH and
alkalinity
all seem in check with the test strips. Could the pH be just a little too high
or low or is there something else involved? Is there some agent I could add to
eliminate this? Truly.
Dean, 10/8/2005
If your spa is equipped with an ozonator, you may be smelling ozone.
Although, I would not describe the odor of ozone in those terms. If you
have an ozonator make sure that it is not producing too much and it is not
producing any ozone when bathers are in the spa. Ozonators are usually
switched off automatically, when the pump is on high speed or can be controlled
by a timer. If you don't have an ozonator, it is possible that the odor is
due to low pH conditions.
If you are using bromine, it is possible that you are getting a false high pH
reading and that your pH can be very low. If you are using bromine
tablets, you should rarely ever need to add pH reducer! If you
have been adding pH decreaser, your pH testing is probably wrong.
I suggest that you have a dealer test the water. Adding a drop of chlorine
neutralizer solution, to the pH test vial or water sample could eliminate the
possibility of a false reading. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/8/2005
►
Cabbage-Like Odor?
I searched through the archives and
did not find an answer to this specific question. I am meticulous about
maintaining our spa, and for the first time there is a cabbage or rotten
egg-like smell coming from it (after my son and his friends used it). I shocked
it, adjusted the pH, and got the bromine levels at the desired level. Everything
seems in balance, but the smell is still there. What might be causing this?
Thank you for your assistance.
Cathryn F., 2/18/2007
The odor could be
indicative of a sulfur compound. There is no obvious reason it should have
happened. Spas should be periodically emptied, every 3-4 months and this
might be a good time. You may not have all the facts and this
course of action makes the most sense.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/19/2007
►
Natural Treatment?
We have had our spa for about a week now. As of yet we
have not added any chemicals to it, but the water is starting to get a bit
cloudy and smelly. We are not too keen on the idea of using chemical
cleaners/purifiers and wondered if we could just use pure rock salt
instead. Would that be any good. Thanks.
Jan C., 10/12/2006 Without the
addition of sanitizing chemicals and an oxidizer, your spa will become dirty
old bath water. Rock salt is useless! You need to add a
sanitizer and/or oxidizer and get the overall water chemistry adjusted.
There are lots of sanitizers to choose from and I suggest that you
browse through the website. Choices include: chlorine or
bromine,
ozonators,
mineral sanitizers,
ionizers,
salt chlorine generators and
ultraviolet sanitizers. Some
can be used in combination to help reduce the chemical presence and make
maintenance easier. Unless you do something, your spa will not be fit
to use. If unsure, bring in a water sample to a local dealer. I
hope that this adv ice will help get you on track.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/12/2006
►
White Slime?
I have a 250 Gallon SPA that is one month old. I use Bromine
in a floater and the level using OTO is 3.3, pH is 7.2. The problem is an off
white film at the top of the water line and it also collects on the floating
bromine ring. When the jets are turned on, the white stuff collects in the
bubbles and looks like dry wall dust. What might I have and how can I treat the
problem? Only 2 of us use the SPA a few times per week. I use a
weekly water enzyme additive, Non Chlorine SPA shock every 3rd day and test the
water every other day. Thanks.
Joe V., Ohio, 8.15.2005
There is nothing that points to an obvious cause.
However, the presence of the slime, seems to confirm that you extended
periods the sanitizer level is inadequate. You should add more tablets
to the floater and never allow them to completely dissolve before adding
more! I suggest that you add a quick solving chlorine and boost the level to
5-10 PPM. Keep it over 5 PPM for an overnight period. From this point forward,
make a greater effort to keep the floater filled with tablets and add a small
amount of shock, before and after each use. Test the water often and before
use, to be certain. You might consider adding an
ozonator. It will
help produce better results and decrease the bromine requirements.
I hope this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/16/2005
► Startup Odor Problem?
My hot tub was setup by the dealer after being out of
service for a year due to me being out of country. After a month in service I
changed the filter using a filter that was in the shed for a year but cleaned
before I left with a solution from the dealer. After about 24 hours my
water turned gray and smells really bad. I contacted the dealer and they said I
have a bad case of bacteria and that I should shock the tub, but they don't have
any shock. Is there another way of clearing up this problem so we can use
the tub? Thanks.
Brian S. 3/13/2005
It is not clear from your letter, if the odor and
appearance appeared right away or after a period of time. In either case,
this seems like inadequate sanitation. You need to add a dichlor or
non-chlorine shock and boost the free chlorine level to 5-10 PPM. Keep the
filter running and make sure that some free chlorine remains after at least a
few hours. Otherwise, add more shock. A dealer that does not have
shock treatment is not a spa professional - find one that is! Make sure
that the pH is 7.2-7.8 and that an adequate sanitizer is maintained.
You have to start a chemical regimen to keep the
spa sanitized and looking good.
An
ozonator and a
mineral sanitizer will make maintenance easier and help assure proper water quality.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/14/2005
►
Spa Odor?
Every time that I flip the cover of my
spa, I detect a mildew type of odor. The water looks fine. Any advice?
Jack F., Newington, CT,
12/1/2005
You didn't give me very much to go
on. Details? It is possible that the cover itself is the problem. Is
it getting water logged? Try scrubbing it down with a cover cleaner product.
When was the last time the water was changed? If more than 2-3 months, try changing
the water and starting anew. A mildew odor is not consistent with chemical products,
but make sure the water chemistry is being properly maintained, just to be on the safe
side. Browse through the archives for more on this and related topics. I hope
that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
12/1/2005
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