Whirlpool EV209NBT - INSTALLATION 5-10 Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 18)

18 Aquatic

Builders' Choice Owner's Manual & Installation Guide

WATER QUALITY

CHEMICAL & WATER QUALITY

Owners of ﬁll and drain whirlpool bathtubs need to know basic information concerning water quality, how it affects

the 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.

1. 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 wet surfaces such as bathtub surface or piping system where they can grow in numbers. With regards

to whirlpool bathtubs, brown/black fungi/mold or pigmented (colored) bacteria can be noted.

Fungi/Mold - Fungi and mold are always present. Usually the levels are such that we don’t notice them. When

moisture and temperature are sufﬁcient, the organisms will grow to levels that we may smell and/or see. The best

examples of such growth is the very common black growth on the bottom of shower curtains. The best solution to keep

these surfaces free from fungi/mold growth is frequent cleaning.

Pigmented Bacteria - A pinkish substance may appear on bathroom ﬁxtures that is very persistent, appearing in

the shower, sink and along the water line of toilet bowls. 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 best solution to keep these surfaces free from the bacterial ﬁlm

is continual cleaning. A chlorine containing compound is the best cleaner. Avoid abrasives to limit scratching ﬁxtures,

which will make them even more susceptible to bacteria.

2. Chemical Quality

The water supplied by individual wells or water systems always contains chemicals, usually in amounts below those

which the consumer would notice. Examples of such chemicals, which are of potential concern for the owners of

whirlpool bathtubs, are calcium and magnesium salts, copper, iron, manganese and sulfates. When these chemicals

are present in sufﬁcient amounts, they may cause problems in whirlpool bathtubs. You should contact your water

supply or treatment company and follow their suggestions for treatment.

Calcium and Magnesium Salts - Collectively, the various compounds of calcium and/or magnesium are referred to

as salts. Calcium and magnesium salts are often found in ground water supplies and cause “hardness” in water. Hard

and soft water are relative terms. Hard water retards the cleaning action of soaps and detergents, causing expense

in the form of extra work and cleaning agents. When hard water is heated, it will deposit a hard scale. With regard

to whirlpool bathtubs, high calcium and/or magnesium levels may result in the formation of white stains and scale

formation on the inside of the tubs, especially noticeable with colored tubs. If this occurs, you need to contact the

water supplier to determine the calcium and/or magnesium content and/or corrosion potential of the water and

follow their suggestions for treatment. If your water supply is generated from a well, you need to contact a water

treatment company to test your water and suggest solutions if a problem is present.

1 ... 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

No comments

Whirlpool EV209NBT - INSTALLATION 5-10 Owner's Manual Page 18