PSEUDOMONAS AFRUGINOSA - BACTERIA IN SPAS

INTRO RIDDING YOUR SPA OF hours. During these 48 hours, run the jets two Bacteria is common in spas due to high water tem- PSEUDOMONAS AFRUGINOSA. times per day for ten minutes each time. You do peratures and heavy bather load, which often causes not need to drain the spa again. Rebalance spa. Follow these directions completely to rid your spa of inconsistent sanitation. Pseudamonas, a common bacteria. If you omit or change a step, it is likely that Another option for removing bacterial growth that does pathogenic bacteria that causes folliculitis, is the most the bacteria will remain and continue to grow. To not require scrubbing but does require emptying the common. Folliculitis, called “Hot Tub Dermatitis” by prevent recurrent growth, you must maintain the rec- spa twice — is as follows: many dermatologists, causes a skin rash by infecting ommended daily and weekly measures of sanitizer. If the hair follicle. 1) Drain spa completely. you don’t know what these are, call Ultra Modern The following information is being provided to you at Pool and Patio and ask for the chemical department. 2) Refill with fresh water just above the jets. your request. Perhaps you have called with ques- 1) Drain the spa completely, making sure to flush tions regarding a rash or itching that have appeared 3) Shock spa with 3-4 times the normal superchlo- out or sponge out the filter compartment. after using a spa. These guidelines are not meant to rination treatment of chlorinated concentrate. replace professional medical advice. You are encour- 2) Fill a pail with fresh water and 8 tablespoons of 4) Allow the spa to circulate for 2-3 hours. Turn the aged to contact a physician at any point you so de- sodium dichlor (granulated chlorine). NEVER jets on several times for five minutes at a time. sire. These directions are given to assist you in rid- ADD WATER TO CHEMICALS. ALWAYS While running circulation, remove the cartridge ding the spa of a common bacteria that may be there. START WITH WATER, THEN ADD CHEMI- filter and soak in a chlorine and water solution of To keep it from growing again, it is important to follow CALS! Test the water in the pail to ensure approximately 2 tsp. of Chlorinated Concentrate the daily and weekly sanitizing guidelines for the spa. that it is “shocked” to a chlorine level of at least to ten gallons of water or replace with new car- If you have any questions about proper sanitation, the 10 parts per million (ppm). You will probably tridge. chemical department at Ultra Modern Pool and Patio want to wear rubber gloves and use caution in will be glad to assist you. breathing the vapors. 5) Drain spa again, refill with fresh water and re- balance and sanitize. PSEUDOMONAS AFRUGINOSA - (PA) is a com- 3) Remove the filter cartridge and either clean or mon bacteria found throughout our natural environ- replace it. To clean a cartridge, first use a filter Spa use may resume once the chlorine level lowers to ment. It lives in soil, fresh water and moist places. cleaner as per label directions. After rinsing the 4-5 ppm (1-3 ppm if you have a Fresh Water Ozone PA multiplies rapidly in hot water, doubling itself ap- cartridge, completely submerge the cartridge in a System). An infected person should stay out of the proximately every 20 to 25 minutes. It is resistant to 1/10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite (liquid spa until all symptoms are gone, including redness. If hot water up to 110 degrees. It feeds on the body bleach) from one to four hours. Inspect and a person with visible symptoms re-enters the cleaned oils, greases and sweat. Studies have shown that clean the filter housing interior. Install filter grids spa, it is very likely that the bacteria will again begin seven percent of all people carry PA on their skin, after spa decontamination is complete. multiplying rapidly, necessitating draining, cleaning and ten percent in their lower bowel, without showing 4) Scrub the entire spa shell, including the air/jet and shocking all over again. any signs or symptoms of an infection. control levers and the lip of plastic shell around VERIFICATION the top edge of the spa with a sponge and the An infection by the PA bacteria occurs at the base of pail of super-chlorinated water. 1. To verify decontamination, shock treat the spa hair follicles on your body. Sometimes the rash is with 10 ppm of chlorine. Allow the spa to circu- 5) Scrub the underside of the spa cover and han- referred to as “Folliculitis”. As the bacteria irritates late overnight or for a period of 8-12 hours, then dles with the same sponge and water. and plugs the follicles, red splotches, bumps and/or check the sanitizer level in the spa. If no free itching may occur. Such rashes are most often seen 6) Rinse the spa and spa cover thoroughly with a chlorine residual is present, excessive demand on arms, legs, and/or trunk, 8 to 48 hours after expo- garden hose. may still exist. Repeat the decontamination pro- sure. There are occasional cases where pimple-like cedure from the first step. Prevent chlorine loss- 7) Fill the spa with fresh water. Shock that water to pustules will appear. Symptoms usually disappear in es due to sunshine degradation by keeping the above 10 ppm. It is very important that the chlo- seven to ten days without treatment. You are encour- spa covered and/or carrying out verification step rine level stay above 10 ppm for at least 48 aged to contact a physician if so desired. overnight. If two attempts at decontamination fail to produce a chlorine residual, contact Ultra Mod- Two Year Membership Value $15.95 ern Pool & Patio for advice. #501 2. If residual free chlorine sanitizer is found in step 1, JULY - 2015 proceed with routine maintenance of the spa ac- ULTRA REWARDS cording to local health department requirements or ANSI/NSPI standards. POINTS CLUB PSEUDOMONAS 3. If after two successive attempts to decontaminate AFRUGINOSA the spa, evidence of contamination persists, a  1 Point for each dollar spent on serious problem may exist. Do not resume use of BACTERIA IN SPAS the spa until the problem has been resolved by a Pool & Spa Chemicals, Toys, qualified professional. Goggles, Floats, Filters, Mainte- Copyright ©2015 ULTRA MODERN POOL & PATIO, INC. nance Products & More ______ 100 Points = $5.00 off your next NOTE: Always follow label directions and manufacturer’s instructions for each product used. Conditions may vary purchase from pool to pool. Ultra Modern Pool & Patio does not assume any responsibility or liability for the results that  Weekly Insparation may be obtained through utilization of this or any other E-Newsletter program, procedure or product.  Valuable coupons weekly (exclusive to members)  Weekly friends special deal (exclusive to members) Ultra Modern Pool & Patio  Extended before & after sale www.ultramodern.com E-Mail: [email protected] days (select sales, exclusive to members) 8100 W. Kellogg  Easy to use checks at cash Wichita, KS 67209 WARNING: The information contained herein has register 316-722-4308 been assembled by the members of the NSPI Toll Free: 800-888-5872 Chemical Treatment and Process Committee from E-mail: [email protected] sources believed to be reliable and accurate, and reflects current knowledge as of the time of publication. Download application This information is intended to be used in conjunction 5620 E. Kellogg with the manufacturers’ instructions for the specific spa www.ultramodern.com Wichita, KS 67218 or hot tub, the applicable ANSI/NSPI standard which Or available at all stores 316-681-3011 applies to the spa or hot tub, and standard or specific Points are not accumulated on pools, spas, patio furniture, Toll Free: 888-258-5872 chemical operational parameters. The information saunas, large billiard items that are discounted or special E-mail: [email protected] contained herein is for the use of trained and sale items, in ground pool liners, service, labor, installation or experienced pool and spa service technicians and is delivery cost. Program is subject to change without notice. 1420 Nelson Dr. not intended to be a comprehensive description of all possible means of dealing with bacterial contamination, Derby, KS 67037 or other spa or hot tub problems. Diagnosis of the 316-788-1122 cause of contamination is also outside the scope of this E-mail: [email protected] document, but should be addressed to prevent recurrence.