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Aquatic Industries, Inc.
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MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Owners of fill and drain whirlpool bathtubs need to know basic information concerning water quality: how it affects
performance and enjoyment of the operation of their tubs, and steps that can be taken by the owner to correct related
problems. Important issues are the microbiological and chemical quality of the water.
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY:
Microbes are present in water supplied by individual wells or water systems and even in the air around us. These
microbes are usually in amounts below what is noticeable. Microbes from the water or air or from a bather’s body may
settle on wetted surfaces such as a whirlpool bathtub’s surface or piping systems where they can grow in numbers
where we can notice them. With regards to whirlpool bathtubs, brown/black fungi/mold or pigmented (colored) bacteria
can be noted.
Fungi/Mold- Fungi and mold are always present. The levels are usually such that we do not notice them. When
moisture and temperature are sufficient, the organisms will grow to levels that we may smell and/or see. The best
example of such growth is the very common black growth on the bottom of shower curtains. The best solution to keep
these surfaces free from growth is frequent cleaning.
Pigmented Bacteria- Water utilities from all over the United States have experienced calls from consumers inquiring
and complaining about pinkish substance on bathroom fixtures that is very persistent, appearing in the shower, sink and
along the water line of toilet bowls. With whirlpool bathtubs, the formation of this colored substance may be particularly
pronounced in white tubs. The residue is less likely a problem associated with water quality than with naturally occurring
airborne bacteria. The bacteria may produce a pinkish film, and sometimes a dark gray film, on surfaces that are
regularly moist, including toilet bowls, shower heads, sink drains, and tiles. The problem is more common in humid
areas of the country. In any particular case, the determination of the exact species of bacteria causing the problem
would require lengthy and costly laboratory testing; however, most experts believe the bacteria responsible is Serratia
marcescens. These bacteria thrive on moisture, dust and phosphates, and are widely distributed in soil, food and also
in animals. The American Water Works Association suggests that short of buying pink fixtures, the best solution to
keep these surfaces free from the bacterial film is continual cleaning. The AWWA recommends a chlorine containing
the compound as the best cleaner and avoiding abrasives to avoid scratching fixtures, which will make them more
susceptible to bacteria.
SURFACE SCRATCH REMOVAL:
Minor scratches may be removed by polishing your tub with a non-abrasive car polish, followed by buffing. Deeper
scratches can be removed by:
• Sanding with wet 400 grit sandpaper.
• Sanding with wet 600 grit sandpaper.
• Sanding with wet micro-grit sandpaper.
• Buff out using car polish.
The installation and service of your whirlpool bath should be performed only by a qualified service technician.
Remember when contacting your dealer always have your serial number, proof of purchase and model number
available. This will ensure a quick response on warranty items.
The model and serial numbers are located above the pump on the backside of the whirlpool.
NOTE: ALL WARRANTY REPAIRS MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY AQUATIC BEFORE WORK IS STARTED. FOR SERVICE,
ALWAYS CONTACT YOUR DEALER.
CAUTION: Care should be taken to prevent inappropriate chemicals coming in contact with the Lucite® acrylic surface.
Please read and observe all instructions and/or warnings on containers containing substances you contemplate applying
to your whirlpool. Any failure to comply may void your warranty.
REPAIR:
WATER QUALITY ISSUES: