{"id":2543,"date":"2022-11-09T18:25:52","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T18:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hottubzone.com\/?p=2543"},"modified":"2023-02-06T19:24:26","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T19:24:26","slug":"hot-tub-bilofilm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hottubzone.com\/hot-tub-bilofilm\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to Biofilm in Hot Tubs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
One of the most important parts of owning a hot tub is keeping every clean and sanitary. With each soak, thousands of bacteria are introduced, which can quickly develop into a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we’re going to take a look at one of the most common problems spa owners face: biofilm. By the end, you’ll understand what biofilm is, why it forms, how to know if there’s a build-up, how to get rid of it, and the steps you can take to prevent it from forming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilms are living, reproducing microorganisms that exist as a colony or community. In other words, they are alive and have a complex social structure that both protects them and allows them to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilms consist of many species of bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, yeasts, and other microorganisms, along with non-living debris and corrosion products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They form when certain microorganisms stick to the surface of an object in a moist environment and begin to reproduce. The microorganisms attach to the object\u2019s surface by secreting a slimy, glue-like substance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bacteria in biofilm secrete a plastic-like substance called extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). This substance acts as a protective layer around the cells in the biofilm and binds them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilms can form on any surface, including metals, organic material, plastics, medical implants, and the walls of a hot tub. For biofilms to form, they require a combination of moisture, nutrients, and a surface on which to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilms are very common in hot tubs. They feast on organic matter, such as carbon or dead skin cells. They are unhygienic and reduce the cleanliness of the water. Most bacterial infections that occur in hot tubs involve biofilms. Biofilms can harbor disease-causing bacteria that jeopardize the safety of bathers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilms are most certainly harmful, especially when the pathogens in biofilms become planktonic. Planktonic means they can move freely in the water and come into contact with bathers. However, the biofilm won\u2019t be harmful if the pathogens are locked and can\u2019t move freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disease-causing germs such as Giardia and E. Coli can develop in biofilms. These microorganisms can make you sick, and in the worst cases, they can be fatal. For example, E. Coli can lead to painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most common symptoms of biofilm are rashes, itchiness, and tender skin. These symptoms typically disappear after a day or two, but if they persist or sores start forming on your body, this is a sign of something more serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It could be folliculitis, a type of bacteria that thrives in a hot tub that isn\u2019t properly sanitized. Folliculitis is often mild, but extreme cases will require antibiotics. So knowing what to look for and how to eliminate it is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The longer the biofilm in a spa goes untreated, the more dangerous it becomes. This is because the chlorine or bromine in the spa water rapidly breaks down as it fights biofilm. In turn, the water becomes more acidic and can irritate the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skin problems are not the only harmful effects of biofilm. Biofilm can also cause eye, ear, and respiratory infections. As the bacteria mix with the bubbles from the jets, they get aerated and rise as tiny droplets that can be inhaled or enter your eyes and ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilm can also cause other health conditions like Legionnaires’ disease (a form of pneumonia infection) and urinary tract infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apart from health issues, biofilm affects hot tub performance by clinging to the inner surfaces of the plumbing, which reduces the water flow. Consequently, the pump might burn out from working excessively hard to circulate the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the continuous build-up of slime on the surfaces of the hot tub can cause discolorations that are difficult to remove. It can also cause cloudy water, foamy water, and a visible oil ring at the hot tub\u2019s waterline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilm also greatly increases your chemical costs since you need to add more chemicals to eliminate the biofilm in the hot tub. Also, adding more chemicals can cause water discomfort, forcing you to drain and refill the hot tub more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bacteria form biofilms in response to environmental stresses like UV radiation, extreme pH, desiccation, high salt concentrations, extreme temperature, high pressure, limited nutrients, and antimicrobial agents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilm formation depends on how frequently you use your hot tub. If your hot tub has been sitting unused, biofilm will start to build up inside. Even if the hot tub is drained, biofilm will form in the water left inside the plumbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only does biofilm form when you don\u2019t use your hot tub for a while, but it can also come from active, normal use of your spa. In addition, spas that have high usage are likely to experience biofilm build-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dead skin cells, cosmetics, body oils, body lotions, sweat, and other organic matter are building blocks of biofilm. They establish colonies in low turbulence areas of your circulation system and attach to surfaces when the pump shuts off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your hot tub is poorly maintained, biofilms will start to grow. Poorly maintained spas include those with old or dirty filters, inadequate sanitizer levels, and unbalanced water chemistry. It also includes hot tubs that are not shocked with a chlorine-based shock on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biofilm is rarely seen because it primarily builds up in the pipes and other internal parts of a hot tub. It\u2019s almost impossible to identify it since it\u2019s nearly microscopic, especially in its early stages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can disassemble your hot tub jets, you can inspect inside for any layers of oily or slimy substances, usually in a brownish shade. Also, hot tubs with a scum ring that develops around the edge of the waterline or behind the spa pillows may have a biofilm problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A biofilm build-up in a spa will show some or all of the following signs: cloudy water, bad smells, excess foam, or slime. Foam on the water\u2019s surface can indicate that the water is getting full of total dissolved solids, which can eventually lead to biofilm if left unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n