What is the jelly in the massage hot tub filter?

During the use of the massage hot tub, many users may find a sticky, jelly-like substance inside or on the surface when cleaning or replacing the filter. This substance is not only difficult to clean, but may also be accompanied by poor water quality and bad odor. What is this jelly-like substance? How is it formed? What are the effects on the massage hot tub and the user's health? Most importantly, how can you prevent this phenomenon from occurring in the hot tub?

This article will explain in detail the causes of the jelly-like substance in the massage hot tub filter, bringing in-depth popular science content to help you better understand this phenomenon and keep the hot tub clean and safe.

What is the jelly-like substance in the massage hot tub filter?

The so-called jelly-like substance in the massage hot tub filter is usually called "biofilm". This sticky substance is a microbial aggregate, a gel-like structure formed by bacteria, fungi, algae and other microorganisms. It is composed of polysaccharides and protein substances secreted by microorganisms, which provide shelter for microorganisms and help them resist cleaning and chemical treatments in the external environment.

Biofilms are formed through a complex process, where microorganisms multiply in large numbers in a moist environment, making massage hot tubs an ideal habitat for them. Hot tub filters, as a necessary part of the water flow, are most likely to become a place for biofilms to accumulate.

Why do biofilms overgrow in massage hot tubs?

The water environment of massage hot tubs provides ideal conditions for the growth of biofilms for the following reasons:

1. Warm water temperature

2. Accumulation of organic matter in the water

3. Inadequate water circulation and filtration

4. Insufficient or unbalanced water treatment chemicals

1. Warm water temperature: The water temperature in massage hot tubs is usually between 35°C and 40°C, which provides the most suitable temperature for the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. The warm environment accelerates the reproduction of bacteria, allowing microorganisms to quickly aggregate and form biofilms.

2. Accumulation of organic matter in the water: When users enter the massage hot tub, they carry a certain amount of organic matter with them, such as sweat, skin oils, dead skin cells, cosmetics and skin care products. These organic substances become a source of nutrition for microorganisms, nourishing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

3. Inadequate water circulation and filtration: If the water circulation system of the massage hot tub is not running smoothly or the filter is clogged, the microorganisms and organic substances in the water cannot be fully filtered out, and the microorganisms will quickly gather in these dead corners and form biofilms.

Especially in some areas with weak water flow, such as nozzles or deep layers of filters, microorganisms are easy to attach and form biofilms.

4. Insufficient or unbalanced water treatment chemicals: The water quality of massage hot tubs needs to maintain a certain chemical balance, and disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine are usually required to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. If the concentration of disinfectants is insufficient, or the pH value of the hot tub water is unbalanced, microorganisms will find opportunities to reproduce and eventually form biofilms in places such as filters.

What negative effects does biofilm have on hot tubs?

Biofilm is not just a visual annoyance in the filter, it can also have a series of negative effects on the performance of the massage hot tub and the health of users.

Negative effects of biofilm on hot tubs:

1. Blockage of the filtration system

2. Poor water quality

3. Bacterial transmission and health risks

4. Equipment damage

1. Blockage of the filtration system: Biofilm can cause the filter to become blocked, affecting the normal operation of the filtration system. This reduces the efficiency of the water circulation in the massage hot tub, resulting in poor water quality, and the suspended solids and pollutants in the water cannot be effectively removed.

2. Poor water quality: Biofilm can cause water quality to deteriorate, with problems such as turbidity and bad odor. This is because when microorganisms in the biofilm decompose organic matter, they produce odor compounds, which spread into the massage hot tub with the water flow, making the water smell musty or sour.

3. Bacterial transmission and health risks: Biofilm provides an ideal growth environment for bacteria, which continue to multiply in the biofilm and spread throughout the massage hot tub through the water flow. This can cause skin infections, rashes, or respiratory problems in users, especially those with weak immune systems who are more susceptible to infection.

Some common hot tub germs, such as Legionella and Pseudomonas, can be spread through biofilms. These germs can cause serious respiratory infections or other health problems.

4. Equipment damage: If the hot tub filter is not cleaned for a long time, the accumulation of biofilm will cause the filter to work less efficiently and even damage the equipment. In addition, the accumulation of biofilm in the nozzle, pipes and other parts may also affect the normal operation of the massage hot tub, resulting in increased maintenance costs.

How to prevent the formation of biofilm in massage hot tubs?

The massage hot tub filter is the main site for biofilm formation, so it must be cleaned regularly. It is generally recommended to remove the hot tub filter for flushing every 1 to 2 weeks and replace it with a new filter every 3 to 6 months. Special filter cleaners can be used during cleaning to ensure that accumulated dirt and microorganisms are removed.

In addition, regularly check and maintain the balance of chemicals in the hot tub water to ensure that the concentration of disinfectants (such as chlorine or bromine) is appropriate to effectively inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The hot tub pH value should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure the best effect of the chemicals. If the disinfectant concentration is too low or the pH value is unbalanced, microorganisms will multiply rapidly and form biofilms. In addition, there are special biofilm removers on the market that can decompose the polysaccharides in the biofilm, thereby effectively removing microorganisms. It is recommended to use a biofilm remover once a month to ensure that the microorganisms in the hot tub pipes and filters are completely removed.

Regularly drain the water in the massage hot tub and deep clean the bathtub, especially the nozzles, pipes and filters where biofilms are prone to accumulate. The water should be completely changed every 3 to 4 months, and the inner wall and equipment of the bathtub should be scrubbed with a special cleaner after draining. In addition, the hot tub cover is often in contact with water and is also prone to become a breeding ground for biofilms. Clean the bathtub cover regularly to prevent bacteria and microorganisms from spreading from the cover to the water.

How to remove biofilm in a massage hot tub?

If you have noticed signs of biofilm formation in your massage hot tub, such as jelly-like material on the filter, poor water quality, and reduced jet force from the nozzle, you need to take the following steps to remove the biofilm from your hot tub:

1. Use a special biofilm remover

Purchase a commercially available biofilm remover and follow the instructions. Generally, these removers can dissolve the biofilm in the massage hot tub filter and pipes, allowing it to be detached from the system and discharged with the water.

2. Drain and deep clean

Drain the water from the hot tub thoroughly and clean all equipment, including the filter, pipes, and nozzles. Use a disinfectant to clean the inside of the tub to ensure that all residual biofilm is removed.

3. Check and replace the filter

If a large amount of biofilm has formed on the hot tub filter, it is recommended to replace the filter element directly. The old filter element may not be completely cleaned, and continued use may cause biofilm to accumulate rapidly again.

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