Spa Disinfection Pseudemonas Outbreak

[shirley55]

We have just emptied our spa after confirmed 3 cases of Pesudomonas in our family. As newbies to spa ownership, apparently the chlorine level got too low and the outbreak occurred. What is the recommendation for disinfecting the spa, its plumbing system. and top? Should the filter be replaced as well? Thanks for any advice.

[chem geek]

Can you be more specific with your exact routine? What is the size of the spa in gallons? How many people soaked in the spa and for how long each day? How much chlorine did you add, when did you add it (i.e. after you soaked, before you soaked, etc.), and what kind of chlorine did you use (e.g. Dichlor). Also, do you use Nature2 or other metal ion system or do you have an ozonator? How often did you test your Free Chlorine (FC) level and did you measure any residual (> 0) before you soaked? I've been keeping track of reports of hot tub itch/lung (here) and trying to nail down the specific disinfection level required.

Richard

[Hillbilly Hot Tub]

We have just emptied our spa after confirmed 3 cases of Pesudomonas in our family. As newbies to spa ownership, apparently the chlorine level got too low and the outbreak occurred. What is the recommendation for disinfecting the spa, its plumbing system. and top? Should the filter be replaced as well? Thanks for any advice.

Decontamination Procedure from the international aquatic foundation....

1. Filters: Remove the filter cartridge and either clean or replace. To clean the filter, first use a filter cleaner as per label directions. After rinsing the filter completely submerge the cartridge in a 1/10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite(liquid bleach) from 1-4 hours. Inspect and clean the filter housing interior(where the filter sits)

2. Raise the water level in the spa to 1/2 inch above the high water mark.

3. Add at least 100ppm chlorine to the spa. (2.5 ounces per 100 gallons to reach this level of Dichlor)

4. cover the spa.

5. Circulate the water for 30-45 minutes making sure the jets are on high.

6. While the water is circulating, turn air on and off every 5 minutes.

7. shut off and drain, while draining rinse the sides several times, clean pillows, backside of cover and places the water does not reach.

8. Clean the spa with a surface cleaner, rinse off the side to remove the cleaner.

9. Drain any remaining water, a wet vac could be used to help, place on each jet to suck the water out of those.

10. Refill spa and balance water.

11. to verify decontamination, shock treat the spa with 10ppm of chlorine and circulate 8-12 hours, then check sanitizer level. If there is no free chlorine risidual, excessive demand may still exist. Repeat the above process.

12. If free chlorine level is found, proceed with routine maintenance of spa.

13. Find someone to help you learn to keep proper levels of sanitizer in your spa (a program that works for you) there are several on this site.

[chem geek]

FYI. The spa decontamination procedure is in this PDF file.