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Managing problems. with Odor and Slimes,
in Spa water!!! |
Odors and the formation of underwater
slimes are usually the direct result of
inadequate sanitizing and/or poor water
chemistry.
Sanitizing and water chemistry are
important, for proper spa
water management.
Salt Chlorine generators are a
better way to utilize chlorine, producing
more controllable and better results,
with greater convenience. They
eliminate the need to handle, measure or
store chlorine products, while reducing
buildup problems. An
Electronic
PockeTester Kit is a convenient
way to monitor the salt level. |
Salt Chlorine Generators - 4
Models |
Testing The Salt Level |
Salt Chlorine Generators - 4
Models |
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Product and Ordering Information |
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Product and Ordering Information |
If you have a pool or spa water
testing need, we should have the
product.
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To achieve better sanitation and
reduce odors,
proper water chemistry is
required.
A
ColorQ 2X is a 2nd generation,
Bluetooth, Waterproof, all-digital tester,
that can
measure all the common test factors. There is a model, for every sanitizing
need.
If you have a cartridge filter,
The Blaster Automatic Filter Cartridge
Cleaner will make that chore
much easier. Fine
particles can pass through many
filters.
The
WaterLink SpinTouch Labs
are the ultimate tester, doing
up to 10 different water test
factors, in just 1 minute.
Voted product of the year. |
ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers |
Automatic Filter Cartridge
Cleaner |
WaterLink SpinTouch Labs |
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How to treat
and eliminate spa slimes and odor problems? |
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. When using shock, the
label doses are only a guide. Your spa or hot
tub could require more or less, depending upon
the actual water quality. If problems arise,
refer to the Spa
Problems Page, as a source of
problem-solving information, broken down into
various categories. Scroll down the page
and click on the linked
keywords,
catch phrases
or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.
Do you know what's in
your water? If you're having problems, with
sanitation or water clarity, testing allows you to better
understand the chemistry and determine the cause of the
problem. Once understood, you can select the best
treatment option. Understanding the nature of the
problem, should be step one. For information about
our full selection of testing options, visit our
Test Equipment Store.
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Helpful,
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Slimy Underwater Spa Surfaces?
I have had my spa for
2 years now without any problems at all. But in the
last few weeks, I have noticed a white slime
covering the filter cartridge. The cartridge is
cleaned every 3 uses and changed regularly too.
Measured chlorine granules are added daily as per
usage guidelines. What could be causing the slime?
It's a white/transparent colour and looks very much
like Vicks Vaporub. Any idea what may be causing
this?
Niki U, 4/17/2020
SLIMY
USUALLY MEANS INADEQUATE SANITATION. AND RESULTS IN
THE FORMATION OF BACTERIAL SLIMES. Going forward,
you have to pay more attention to the free chlorine
levels or supplement with an ozonator or mineral
sanitizer. Spas should be drained and cleaned every
three months
and
this would seem to be a good time. Add a gallon of
liquid laundry bleach and keep recirculating, until
the slime is gone, repeating if necessary. Then
drain and clean. The filter should be replaced, of
cleaned by soaking it a plastic bucket, filled with
water, to which 8-ounces of bleach, per one gallon
of water has been added. Always add the bleach to
the water. The use of stabilized chlorine has come
under rebuke, by health authorities and industry
experts, as its use will inevitably cause the level
of cyanuric acid to rise. This causes the chlorine
to becomes less effective, requiring higher and
higher levels of free chlorine to maintain proper
sanitation. If you're going to use chlorine, then a
salt chlorine generator is the better way to do it,
as it will eliminate buildup problems and provide
better results and more control. We offer 4
salt
chlorine generators, that require no
installation, and two of them are "smart enough" to
only produce chlorine, when it is actually needed.
I hope that this information is helpful.
Sincerely, Alan
Schuster. 4/17/2020
►
Slimy, Dirty Spa Water?
I can't
seem to get my hot tub water right, I keep getting slime and
the water is cloudy like dirty bath water and I hardly use
it because of this. I am at my wits end on what to do.
Thank you.
Selena, 11/10/2019
SLIMY USUALLY MEANS INADEQUATE SANITATION. Spas should be
drained periodically and this seems like a good time. I
would
add
a gallon of laundry bleach, at a time, until the slime is
gone. Then drain, clean and refill. However, you
are sanitizing is wholly inadequate and
may be being made worse, by not testing the water often
enough. The only thing that keeps the spa water, from
becoming old bath water, is proper sanitation.
Unless you pay more attention to the sanitizing regimen and
the water chemistry, you will never be happy with the
results. A
salt
chlorine generator is a better and easier way to
sanitize a spa. We have 4 models, that require no
installation, and two of them are smart enough to only
produce chlorine, when it is actually needed. They operate
independently of the pump and filter and will greatly
simplify maintenance. Want a better way to do a
complete test water analysis? The
ColorQ water
analyzers are all digital, use no look up charts and
completely eliminate all color matching and guesswork. You
will find ColorQ Testers for spas or hot tubs using
Chlorine, Bromine, Copper Ionization and Biguanide. There's
one just right for your spa. I hope that I have been
helpful. If so, please tell your friends and dealers about
the website.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 11/10/2019
► Spa Odor And
Irritation With Biguanide?
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, 3/2/2018
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.
When that is the case, a permanent switch to another form of
sanitation is required or the problem will return time and
time again. Salt Chlorine Generators,
Ozone Generators and
Mineral Sanitizers are some excellent, alternative spa
sanitizers. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/2/2018
► 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., 10/12/2015
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 sterilizers. 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, 10/12/2015
► 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, 11/2/2011
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, 11/2/2011
► 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., 1/2/2014
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, 1/2/2014
► 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, 3/3/2017
I believe that you better off starting with a clean slate.
Drain and clean the spa and add a healthy dose of chlorine.
Boost the free chlorine
to about 10 PPM. Run the filter for an hour or two and if
there is still free chlorine present, you be good to go. A properly
maintained spa should be relatively free of odor. I prefer
using a sanitizer that can be measured. An
excellent way to sanitize the pool and the spa is with a
salt chlorine generator,
which will produce chlorine right in the spa. There is no
need to add a separate oxidizer and it is highly automated.
This is a complete sanitizing system. Fewer chemicals to add
and store, fewer chemicals building up and conditions that
are less likely to lead to heater corrosion. Natural is great,
but not necessarily for every spa situation, especially not
in a small spa, such as yours. I hope that
this information will prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/3/2017
► 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, 4/14/2009
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. For your own testing a
ColorQ
all-digital water tester, would be an excellent choice. To better assure proper
overall spa water chemistry, visit a pool/spa store that has
a very reliable, professional lab such as a
WaterLink SpinTouch
Lab, rather than a less accurate test kit or
strip reader. I hope that this
information will help get you back into the water. Good
luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/14/2009
► 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?
Jenna S, NC 1/3/2015
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.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/3/2015
► 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., 1/4/2006
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, 1/4/2006
► 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
► 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 a
salt chlorine
generator. It will
help produce better results, especially in a small spa, such
as yours. 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. 3/13/2013
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. A
salt chlorine
generator will reduce the need to add shock and will
provide better control and results. will make maintenance easier and help
assure proper water quality. I hope that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/14/2013
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quantity and destination.
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and orders outside of
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