British Expatriate Network

I was reminded about the potential health risks with whirlpool baths by this news item on Yahoo this morning and thought it may be of interest to those of you that have or plan to own a whirlpool tub.
http//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060302/hl_nm/whirlpool_risk_dc

We have a whirlpool bath in our condo, which my wife has never used and I only about 6 times in the last 10 years. I checked into the recommended cleaning of the pipes and jets when we first moved in and this is what was suggested.

It is important to clean your whirlpool system at least twice a month to prevent harmful bacteria from growing in your piping.
1 Adjust jets so there is no air induction.
2 Fill the tub with hot water above the highest jets. This is important because running the whirlpool without water can damage the pump seals.
3 Add approximately 4 ounces of household bleach and two tablespoons of dishwater detergent powder to the water.
4 Run the whirlpool for 10 to 15 minutes with the air control fully open.
5 Drain, and refill the tub with cold water above 2-3" above the highest jets.
6 Run the jets for another 5-10 minutes, and then drain completely.
Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

They are talking about a indoor whirpool
we have one a hot tub* maker jaccuzzi *in our yard and the maintenence cleaning directions are completly differant to that .

I check for the chemical content every week with a stick that turns colour according to the amount of chemical in the water ,the tub is drained and refilled about 4 times a year and its covered when not in use ,its keep at a temp or about 101 dec at all times.

the filters are changed once a month . all sharp objects glasses etc or shoes are not allowed in the pool at any time .

I do know the difference John. We have a Whirlpool not a Hot Tub.

It's just that far more people have Whirpool baths and as apposed to Hot tubs. And I thought they should be aware of the potential health problem.

BTW John this is the recomended treatment/maintenance for Hot Tubs.
http//www.spadepot.com/spacyclopedia/htspapm.htm

It is freezing around these parts Keith.Are you in Florida now?

No. Because of health problems we gave it a miss this year. Actually we went to San Diego last year for 5 weeks and all being well hope to return next winter.

Fortunately we live in a condo. And we have heated underground parking. So apart from the walk from the car to the store we don't experience to much of the cold. Most times when I go out (by car) I only wear a short leather jacket.

Also we have an excellent indoor pool and exercise room in the condo. We have a car wash in the basement. No snow or ice to clear.

Sounds like a very nice condo Keith. Glad you are keeping warm this winter.

Here are a couple of pics. As you can see we do have snow.

Keith, that looks a great place. )

Hope the health problems aren't too serious and you or your wife recover soon.

Yes looks like a good place to live - the outside reminds me of Dell's old UK headquarters in Bracknell that I went to a couple of times.

Can't beat swimming in a warm pool while snow is outside.

A great place Keith.Good luck with your health problems and may they all go away