In a previous article, I addressed prevention of Biofilm. This article will go over a different set of instructions for you to eliminate this nasty intruder. I would like to share with you the steps involved in getting your spa back to a nice looking, Biofilm-free spa. These are easy steps to follow, but it will take some effort on your part. Make sure you use gloves and eye protection.
1. You need to flush your spa plumbing and jet lines: We use Spa System Flush by Sea Klear or you can use Jet Flush by Leisure Time. You should be able to purchase these products from your local pool and spa store. If they don’t have them you can get them online or call us we can ship it to you.
2. Remove your filter(s)
3. Turn your temperature down to the lowest setting
4. Open up the air controls, jet faces and turn diverter valves to neutral so that there is water flowing through all of your jets and any water feature in your spa.
5. Bring your Bromine level up to 15 ppm or Chlorine levels up to 6 ppm for 24 hrs using granular Bromine or Chlorine: If you don’t have any granular Bromine, shake the bottle of Bromine tablets and then use the Bromine granules you’ve just created. Crack the lid open and shake the granules into the water. Run the jets and test your sanitizer levels. Continue this process until you establish the desired level. For a 400-500 gallon spa 2 ½-3 oz should do the trick. If you have a blower, turn it on and let it run through its timed cycle.
6. After 24 hrs REMOVE the filters, then add the flush as per instructions on the container: Turn on all of the jets, the blower, water features and air controls. All of these should have been on, but just in case you forgot go ahead and do it now. Let the equipment run through it’s timed cycles; if you don’t have timed cycles then run it for about 20 minutes. After the spa cycles shut off, let it sit for 20 minutes. Then turn on all of the equipment for one more cycle.
7. Turn off power to the spa and drain the spa: A sump pump is the fastest way to drain your spa. Using the small drain at the base of your spa, will take the better part of the day for the water to empty, and I don’t think you want this project to take all weekend. So, do yourself a favor and go to your local equipment rental store and rent a sump pump. They usually have them and are well worth the rental fee. Once the spa is empty use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the remaining water in the bottom of the spa. Place the vacuum hose over the jets to remove all the water from the jets as well. To clean the spa surface, apply Spa Flush, 4-1 water to bleach mixture or a filter cleaning solution to a sponge or cloth and wipe the spa surface down. We recommend Filter and Cartridge Cleaner by Simplicity. If you have pillows don’t forget to clean them too.
8. Clean your filters with a good filter cleaning solution such as Simplicity brand Filter and Cartridge Cleaner; rinse them using a high pressure nozzle on a garden hose. Rinse until all suds have dissipated. Do not use a pressure washer this will damage your filter(s). When you are done cleaning the filters soak them in a bucket of 4-1 water to bleach solution for about 30 minutes.
9. Fill the spa with fresh water.
10. Add a heaping teaspoon of granular Bromine or Chlorine to the spa water.
11. Power up the spa. Set filter cycles to max time or at least 8 hours then rinse the filter and put it back in the spa. Turn on the jets and let them run for 20 minutes.
12. If you still see Biofilm, you will need to repeat this whole process again. Unfortunately this can take up to 3-4 times.
You should use a spa skimmer net to sift out any floating Biofilm and you may not need to drain again.
Once you have taken care of the problem the key is to follow the steps in my previous article “ What are the white flakes floating in my hot tub”. Happy soaking.
Please post a comment below if this article was helpful or not. We would love your feedback.
Jeff Smith
