How to clean whirlpool tub jets

How to Clean Whirlpool Tub Jets

Avoid health hazards by keeping your jets clean

By Julie A. Lind

There's nothing like the relaxation you feel while soaking in your whirlpool tub. Whirlpool tubs relieve aches and pains, and are a great way to relax. But if you're not keeping your whirlpool jets clean you may be putting your health at risk.

According to Infection Control Today Magazine, Rita B. Moyes, PhD, with the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University, tested the water quality of forty-three private and public whirlpool baths. The pathogens she found during the random sampling are responsible for: septicemia, urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, infections of the respiratory tract, bacteremia, endocarditis, gastroenterisits, Legionnaire's disease, Pontiac fever, impetigo, folliculitis, carbuncles, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, empyema, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis.

The problem with many whirlpool tubs is that the bath water is not able to completely drain from the pipes. Instead the dirty water remains in the jetting system of the tub, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The trapped water often includes hair, dead skin, soap film, body oil, dirt, and may even contain feces. These dangerous pathogens will spew into the next person's bath water when they start up the tub's jets.

Over time soap scum, body oils and dirt can build up in your tub's pipes, pumps and fittings. This build-up can cause problems in the circulation system of your tub. It is therefore important to clean your whirlpool bath on a regular basis for health reasons, and also to keep your tub properly maintained.

After using your whirlpool tub, tub manufacturers recommended that the tub be filled above the jets with fresh, cold water. Run the jets for ten minutes to flush out any residue.

Every one to two months you should do a more thorough cleaning to flush the circulation system. First fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the jets by one to two inches. Add one-half cup of household bleach and two tablespoons of low-foaming dishwater detergent, such as Cascade. Avoid foaming detergents since the tub's whirling action will create a tub full of bubbles. When starting the whirlpool, be careful not to let any bleach splash on your clothes, towels, or in your eyes.

Run the whirlpool for ten to fifteen minutes. Drain the tub and refill the tub again with cold water. Run the tub's jets for another ten to fifteen minutes and then drain.

Manufacturers of whirlpool tubs recommend that you do not use bath oils or other petroleum-based bath products. These products increase the possibility of bacteria growth in the circulation system of your tub.

Always use caution when using bleach in conjunction with other ammonia cleaning products since there is the possibility of causing a dangerous toxic reaction.

For daily cleaning follow your whirlpool tub’s manufacturers recommendations. For most whirlpool tubs you can use a non-abrasive household cleaner for the surface area of the tub and an old toothbrush or q-tip to clean the jets.

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