For millions of people a long, relaxing soak in a whirlpool or hot tub is the perfect way to melt away the day’s tension. However, if you aren’t careful, it could be the perfect way to pick up an infection.

That’s because the interior piping of a hot tub is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

A whirlpool works by sucking in and circulating the tub water. When you turn off the jets and drain the tub, the pipes that circulate the water don’t necessarily drain completely. So what you’re left with in this dark, moist cylinder is enough soap, bath oil, hair, dirt, and skin to conduct your own science project. What you get is a goopy, green-black sludge that covers the inside of your tub’s pipes.

Microorganisms sprout, bacteria grows, and the next time your run your jets, portions of that concoction get mixed in with your bath water. Your eyes, lungs, skin, bladder and kidneys are all susceptible to infection from that water. Even the development of Legionnaire’s Disease has been attributed to bacteria-laden bathwater.

Don’t let this scare you from going into the water. A little regular maintenance can probably help you gut the goop.

About twice a month try this simple eradication adventure.

Start by closing the air intake valve. Fill the tub up with hot water, making sure to completely cover the jets by at least a couple of inches. Then add a quarter cup of bleach and two ounces of automatic dishwasher detergent. Open the air intake and run the tub full blast for ten minutes.

Drain the tub, fill it up again with cold water this time, and run the jets once more for another ten minutes (this is to rinse out all the detergent). After that, simply drain the tub and wipe it down. 

To learn more about the benefits of properly maintaining your home's plumbing and drain equipment,  give ARS a call today.