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What it is & what it looks like:
- A naturally occurring fungus (this is NOT a form of Algae; it is animal not
vegetable).
- A white mucous or tissue paper-like substance frequently described as "noodle
like".
- Forms a heavy, protective coating providing the organism with an unusually high level of
protection that is very resilient against halogen-based (chlorine, bromine) &
non-halogen sanitizers or germicides.
- Water mold thrives on the surface of PVC plastics including pipes & plumbing lines
& air bubbler/blower lines
- Can re-contaminate long after it appears that it has been destroyed
- Small quantities can lead to a re-establishment of the problem
- Caused by improper water & pool maintenance, environment, poor circulation
- Prefers areas that are "dark" (not exposed to direct sunlight) & with
"slow moving" water
- Tends to be more common when using biguanides (soft swim, baquacil, etc.), and ofter
starts or is heavily visable in ozone lines.
Prevention:
Prevention of "white spa mold" is preferred over treatment. Follow these
steps to help prevent white water mold:
- Physically wipe & clean ALL spa & hot tub surfaces weekly, including recesses
around all jets & underneath pillows.
- Expose ALL spa surfaces to as much sunlight as possible (sunlight & UV are natural
oxidizers).
- When the water is changed use Spa System Flush or Swirl Away to break-up any build-up of
bio-film in the pipes.
- Regularly add oxidizing chemicals into the skimmer to purge & clean the filtration
lines of any bio-film.
- When adding make-up water from the garden hose, allow the water to run for 2 to 3
minutes before putting the hose into the spa.
- Regularly clean spa toys & floats.
- Regularly clean floating blanket and/or the underside of your cover.
- Chemically clean filter every 3 to 4 times a year.
- Add regular Maintenance dosages of "Shock".
- Run the filter a minimum of 6 hours daily to prevent "dead spots" in the
water's circulation.
- Remember to clean & rinse the brushes, hoses & vacuums that you use to clean
your spa.
- Keep the water balanced at all times. Recheck after heavy usage or rain or large
"top-offs" of new water. Test the water at least 2 to 3 times per week.
Water balance refers to Free Available Sanitizer level, pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium
Hardness.
Treatment:
Treatment of "white water mold" MUST BE QUICK AND TOTAL! DON'T SKIMP!
- Clean all affected surfaces as prescribed above.
- Use a plumbing cleaner such as Spa System Flush or Swirl Away to break-up any build-up
of bio-film in the pipes.
- Physically clean & remove all visible "white water mold".
- "Shock" the water with a triple or quadruple dose of sanitizer.
- Run filter 24 hours daily until water is clear & chlorine or bromine levels are
maintained at a "higher" level.
- Chemically clean the filter.
- Maintain good water balance of pH, Total Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness
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