[Dirt in water after change.]

This is absolutely Biofilm and not dirt.  Every single hot tub should have a plumbing colonoscopy using a good "purge" product every 6 months or so.  Smaller low gallonage tubs that get high usage should purge every 4 months.  Do this and your water maintenance issues will be non existent with proper chemistry parameters being followed.

[Calcium Stearate (White Flakes)]

Just an update on the CS situation from our view is that there are still many many tubs that are not remediated.  Our staff have spoken with many manufacturers and customers directly in an effort to synergize a working protocol.  So far, we feel that the reduced pH method works fairly well.  You need to keep,the pH around 3.8-4.0 for a few days after the Ahh-Some cleaner has been added.  If the tub owner puts the tub on a run/stop cycle so we get flow and then a soak period for the product to penetrate more effectively, this should enhance the clean out.  People are always asking if this problem can reoccur?  The simple answer is probably not but we  Can't be 100% sure.  Lastly, if you are using any filter that has been in contact with the calcium Stearate, discard them.  Do NOT use a new filter or filters until you are certain that the issue has been successfully rectified.  This is a frustrating issue for the consumer, the selling dealer and especially, the manufacturer.

 

[Dirt in water after change.]

Thank you for the kind words about our AHH-Some product.  They are appreciated.

[Calcium Stearate (White Flakes)]

The most effective protocol to treat the Calcium Stearate problem in hot tubs is to reduce the pH to around 4.0 for a few days with periodic running of the jets.  You must add the Ahh-Some purge gel to the tub a few times and then lower the pH.  Go to Www.ahhsome.com for complete instructions.  We have helped hundreds upon hundreds of spas affected with this problem.

 

[Ahhsome Usage Tips]

The pH of Ahh-Some is around 8.3.  The amount you will use will certainly not affect the pH of the treated vessel.

[surprised at the lack of gunk with a spa flush]

Thank you for using the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Plumbing Cleaner.  Since we purged previous biofilm from your plumbing it seems like your tub has been kept pretty well maintained.  Not sure as to why you still didn't see some bio-release since biofilm  is present even in those tubs that are well sanitized and maintained.  One question, did you place the filter(s) in the tub when you were purging?  If not, some of the gunk we purged is probably in the filter pleats.

[Bio Film Questions]

Hi Thantos:  I am the manufacturer of the Ahh-Some product.  Ahh-Some has been thoroughly tested at the Center for Biofilm Engineering, (CBE), at Montana State University, the gold standard University on Biofim studies and testing.  This is where the EPA and NSF go for information on this subject.  Yes, you have biofilm.  Yes, the product you mention will eliminate or mitigate it.  In head to head testing against other leading purge brands and based on the many thousands of consumer posts and reviews, the Ahh-Some product comes out on top.  Biofilm is partially comprised of polysaccharide molecules (sugar) and will adhese to acrylic tenaciously.  Wipe the biofilm remnants soon after you notice them with a microfiber cloth.

 

[Can't maintain Bromine level in new caldera tub]

Hi Jimmy:  Based on what I read in your post it would seem that your new hot tub needs it's plumbing infrastructure "purged". If you have Biofilm, and I'm quite sure you do, this can definitely cause your sanitizer dissipation and high usage.  New hot tubs especially should always be totally purged after the first fill.  Unfortunately, most dealers neglect to do this as they are either unaware of the biofilm issues from the factory or are too busy to stop and purge the tub after the initial delivery and set-up.  Manufacturers run water through the entire plumbing system prior to shipping to dealers.  Some of this water remains in the plumbing and can grow bacterial colonies very quickly.  Use a good quality plumbing cleaner that is made for hot tubs and/or jetted tubs.  Do this initially and at least every 6 months.  If the hot tub is low gallonage, under 200 gallons and gets extensive use, purge  and clean the plumbing every 3-4 months at the least.  This will go a long way in helping you maintain crystal clear healthy water.