What is a biofilm?

What is a biofilm?

Are you suddenly using more chemicals in your spa? This could indicate biofilm buildup in your spa. Biofilm is a rapidly reproducing colony of various microorganisms surrounded by their protective mucus in an aqueous environment. They thrive on surfaces where water does not flow and prefer environments where water is stagnant and devoid of disinfectant.

How does the biofilm form in a spa?

In spas, biofilm is often found in pipes where water flow has been stopped or significantly reduced (e.g., diverter valves isolate certain therapy return lines and waterfall flow is often stopped completely, etc. .) In pipes without a steady flow, the sanitizer diminishes quickly and the microorganisms move to the surface of the pipes where they begin to form biofilms.

Biofilms also establish and grow in bathtubs where sanitizer residue is spotty or non-existent. Ineffective, incomplete water maintenance systems or a lack of attention can also lead to the formation of biofilms. The biofilm becomes visible after the water is returned through insulated pipes and is sheared and "blown" into the spa. These small, floating fragments of biofilm look like tiny pieces of skin or torn pieces of tissue paper.

How to eliminate and prevent it

Treatment: (do not use the spa during this process)

1. Make sure spa water flows freely through all pipes, waterfalls, etc.
2. Properly balance spa water, paying particular attention to balancing pH within the proper range of 7.4 to 7.6.
3. Increase the bromine or chlorine level to 5 – 10 ppm. It is not necessary to exceed 10 ppm. Maintain this high level for the next 3 to 5 days. Use the bromine granules Dazzle or Minéraluxe where the stabilized chlorine granules Dazzle to increase the level and maintain it.
4. IMPORTANT**Test regularly to ensure the level remains consistently between 5 and 10 ppm.
5. Apply 150 ml of Dazzle Algae Clear 60 per 1000 L of water after the chlorine or bromine level has been high
6. Activate the high-speed pump(s) periodically over the next 3-5 days to rid the pipes of biofilm and circulate it through the water. The more frequently the pump runs at high speed, the faster the cleaning will be.
7. To speed up results, you can add 2 cubes of Mineraluxe .
8. After a minimum of 3 days, if the water is clear and signs of biofilms have diminished or disappeared, proceed to the next step.
9. With a chlorine or bromine level below 5.0 ppm, apply 1 bottle of Minéraluxe Cleanse and Drain . Remove the cartridge and wait at least 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.
10. Clean the filter(s) with Mineraluxe Filter Revive. Watch video here
11. After a minimum of 24 hours, empty the spa, clean the interior of the spa with Mineraluxe Surface Cleanse and follow the proper procedure for filling the spa.

Prevention

1. Always return the diverter valve(s) to positions that allow circulation through all therapeutic jet lines after using the spa.
2. Strongly consider using Mineraluxe as a routine maintenance system. Mineraluxe is exceptional at preventing biofilm formation in spas, and has many other benefits. Watch video here !  
3. Continuously maintain pH and chlorine or bromine levels within appropriate ranges.
4. To use Minéraluxe Cleanse and Drain before each oil change.