How to remove Pool Algaecide from a hot tub.

Question:

"How can I remove Pool Algaecide from my Hot Tub? There is green foam all over the top of the water."

Answer:

Based on the color and the foam, it sounds like you may have used an ammonium based algaecide. Over time, this will dissipate through evaporation (obviously the length of time depends upon how much you put in). To accelerate the evaporation process, leave the cover off and run your blower if you have one. If you don't have a blower, turn on your filter cycle, and allow the water to circulate. You can use a defoamer (i.e. Hot Tub Foam Away) to keep the foam down - this will also allow some of it to be filtered out. Remember that you should clean your filters once a week if you use a lot of defoamer since the filters will become clogged with the small particles that the defoamer generates.

If this doesn't work, you should drain your hot tub either half way and refill it to dilute the algaecide with fresh water, or just drain it completely and refill it.

Also, as a rule - never use pool products in hot tubs or spas. Pool chemicals can damage your hot tub because they are not buffered like spa chemicals.

Hope this helps...

: )

How old should a child be to use a hot tub?

Question:

"How old should a child be before going in a hot tub and what about bromine and children?"

Answer:

OK - I'll try not to make any jokes about this question this time around...

It would be best to ask your child's doctor or pediatrician if your child is old enough before listening to my advice. As for bromine and children? Again, you should check with your child's pediatrician, who should know if your child has any allergies that may be aggravated by the bromine (or any other chemicals that you may use in the hot tub's water).

Also, children can be much less tolerant of higher temperatures than adults, so you may want to start them out at a lower temperature in the hot tub than you are used to. Stay with them in the hot tub at all times, and be sure to take them out if they start to look red like a lobster.

And, don't ever let a child use a hot tub unsupervised! Remember to keep the hot tub cover closed and locked when you are not around to directly supervise.

So, check first with your doctor, and then enjoy your hot tub!

:)

What causes a yellow scum build-up in a hot tub?

Question:

"I test my water daily and adjust when needed, but I get a yellow scum build up when the jets are on high (above water line) It is quite thick and on the cloth it looks brown. I wipe it off - have used a clarifier and it really foams and the scum appears, I wipe it off and it is good for a few days but comes back. I have tried descummer (the 3 separate doses as recommended - the scum comes back. I have shocked it - nothing seems to work. What should I do. I do have the scum ball - zorbie products also. I have only had the hot tub since the 2nd week of June. I have cleaned the cartridge (put in a new one actually)

Answer:

It sounds like lotions, cosmetics, or sun tan oils may be causing your problem.

Especially in summer, people are jumping in and out of pools and spas and don't think to shower off (especially their sun tan lotion) before getting in the tub. Because these lotions are oil based, they float up onto the surface of the water and typically create a scum line much like what you have described (some people say it can sometimes look like peanut butter - yuck). Be prepared, it can sometimes take days to clear this stuff out of the water.

I would suggest purchasing a natural enzyme product to help break down the oils and lotions. You typically only have to add these weekly or when you have problems. A Scum Bug or Scum Ball should help as well - just keep these in the hot tub when you are not in it. Also, the best oil pads are the ones with a lot of surface area. The oil catches onto these and they are easy to rinse. Keep your hot tub filters clean by soaking them in Filter Cleaner when these problems arise. It is best to have two sets of filters on hand so you don't have any down time while you are cleaning one set.

But, the best way to prevent this problem entirely is to make people take a shower before they get in. Even if they are clean people - the cosmetics and oils from lotions wash off in the tub. It may be hard to ask them to do so, but it sounds like you already know the alternative.

By the way - Clarifiers are made to coagulate small particles so the filter can catch them. This is why you will see foaming right after you use it.

Please let me know if this helps.

: )

Do I need a city inspection for my hot tub and gazebo installation?

Question:

"...does somebody know if we need to have our deck and area inspected by the city before putting a spa with gazebo."

Answer:

You will need to check with your local building inspector, because the regulations vary wildly from city to city.

Also, check with your local tax collector about any tax liability you may incur by installing a gazebo. Most hot tubs are considered to be "portable" items so they do not increase your property tax, but a gazebo may fall into a different category, especially if it is large and is considered to be a "permanent" structure on your property. Again, the regulations differ from city to city, so you need to check with your local authorities.

:)