MAINTENANCE and care
water quality issues (continued):
Chemical Quality:
The water supplied by individual wells or water systems always contains chemicals, usually in amounts below those which the consumer would notice. Examples of such chemicals, which are of potential concern for the owners of fill and drain whirlpool bathtubs, are calcium and magnesium salts, copper, iron, manganese and sulfates. When these chemicals are present in sufficient amounts, they may cause problems in whirlpool bathtubs. You should contact your water supply or treatment company and follow their suggestions for treatment.
Calcium and Magnesium Salts- Collectively, the various compounds of calcium and/or magnesium are referred to as salts. Calcium and magnesium salts are often found in ground water supplies and cause “hardness” in water. Hard and soft water are relative terms. Hard water retards the cleaning action of soaps and detergents, causing expense in the form of extra work and cleaning agents. When hard water is heated, it will deposit a hard scale. With regard to whirlpool bathtubs, high calcium and/or magnesium levels may result in the formation of white stains and scale formation on the inside of the tubs, especially noticeable with colored tubs. If this occurs, you need to contact the water supplier to determine the calcium and/or magnesium content and/or corrosion potential of the water and follow their suggestions for treatment. If you are on an individual well, you need to contact a water treatment company to test your water and suggest solutions if a problem is present.
Iron - Iron is found in many natural waters especially from wells. Iron in water can also result from the corrosion of piping in the water supply system, such as cast iron mains or galvanized steel service lines, or galvanized piping in the home water system. High iron levels may result in the formation of brown stains in the vicinity of the faucet outlets of various fixtures in the home. With whirlpool bathtubs, the staining may be particularly pronounced because the aeration action can oxidize iron to a form that settles out on the inside of the tubs, especially noticeable in white tubs. If high iron in the water is present, you can also notice rust colored deposits in your toilet tank or dishwasher. If this occurs, you need to contact the water supplier to determine the iron content and/or corrosion potential of the water and follow their suggestions for treatment. If you are on an individual well, you need to contact a water treatment company to test your water and suggest solutions if a problem is present.
Manganese- Manganese is found in many natural waters, especially from wells. High manganese levels may result in the formation of small black particles that can stain laundry, especially noticeable with whites such as sheets or towels. With whirlpool bathtubs, the formation of small black particles may be particularly pronounced because the aeration action in the tub can oxidize manganese to an insoluble form that is especially noticeable with white tubs. If high manganese in the water is present, you may also notice black stains on white laundry. If this occurs, you need to contact the water supplier to determine the manganese content of the water and follow their suggestions for treatment. If you are on an individual well, you need to contact a water treatment company to test your water and suggest solutions if a problem is present.
Treatment:
If you have contacted your water supplier and followed its instructions and you are still having problems, you need to increase the frequency of applications of
The use of certain bath oils, bubble baths and bath additives may increase the level of accumulations of bath residue in the whirlpool system. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if these products are used in the whirlpool tub. If excess accumulations persist, you should discontinue use of these products.
If you have followed the monthly purging instructions and still have an excess accumulation of bath residue and desire an alternative cleaning mechanism, we recommend SUPER SYSTEMS CLEAN PLUS manufactured by Stearns Packaging Corporation to rectify this condition. This may be obtained by contacting Aquatic Industries at (800) 555- 5324. It is recommended that you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer with the product. Repeated use may be necessary. SUPER SYSTEMS CLEAN PLUS does not replace the necessity to purge your whirlpool system at least once a month with a low foaming detergent and bleach.
Aquatic Industries, Inc. | 21 |