Do you clean the whirlpool tub before using?

[Dina]

...and if so, how?

I've read about this on a couple of threads-- just wondering if its something I should do? My husband will be running the marathon that weekend, and I have a feeling he'll want to use the whirlpool later on in the week.

Thanks!

 

[salmoneous]

Just my thoughts:

1) There are germs everywhere
2) Whirlpool tubs are especially germy - there's some water that stays in the plubming
3) Tons of people use whirlpool tubs - and there aren't massive outbreaks of people getting sick from it.
4) From a health standpoint, I don't think it necessary. But if you are a gerb phobe (not that that's a bad thing) or just don't want to think about it, cleaning the tub is a good idea.

Easiest way to clean the tub is to fill tub enough to get the jets working, dump a small amount of laundry bleach into tub, and run the jets on full. If you took the "small amount" seriously, you can go ahead and use the tub as is (basically, you've just added chlorine to the water, the same as with a public hot tub) but if you aren't in a hurry you can then drain the tub and start over.

 

[Dina]

Thanks so much! That seems easy enough! I'll probably do it since I have two little ones who would be taking their baths in the tub (even though the jets won't be running). Thanks again!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We don't clean it before we use it.

 

[Nanajo1]

We just got a new whirlpool tub. The manufacturer instructed filling the tub, adding dishwasher detergent (powdered) and running the jets before the first use. You could use the dishwasher soap in the villa.

 

[rocketriter]

We run hot water with dishwasher detergent (not hand dishwashing detergent, which would foam too much), drain it, then run a second cycle with plain hot water. If it's clean enough to eat off, it's clean enough to soak in.

 

[Ksp]

I've used the dish soap (literally, just a drop or two) to clean out the jets, then drain the tub/rinse the sides if there were any soap residue. Then I refill the tub and enjoy

 

[bcsmom]

I would definitely suggest cleaning it first. We stayed at the BCV in Sept, & my mom wanted to use the whirlpool. Well good thing she did not get in before turning it on, because all kinds of slim came out of the jets. This could have been a freak thing, but it was still icky.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Dilution is the solution to pollution. Fill up the tub and the yucky stuff will not be that bad, not as bad as toe jam and belly button lint. You are soaking in your own filth anyway.

 

[Dina]

Dilution is the solution to pollution. Fill up the tub and the yucky stuff will not be that bad, not as bad as toe jam and belly button lint. You are soaking in your own filth anyway.

That's gross

Thanks everyone! I think I will do the dish detergent!

 

[Glorydaz]

after reading previous threads before my May visit, I used a small amount of bleach and cleaned the tub before I soaked. Maybe it made a difference, maybe not but I felt much better! I've read that some people actually wash the sheets and towels ( thank goodness for the washer/dryer ) before using them. I've never gone that far but.......

 

[DonnaL]

No I don't go as far as washing the towels and sheets, but, the jetted tub.....yes do clean it. We have a hot tub at home and that last time we had to have it serviced, the man from the spa company and I were talking. The subject of resort jetted tubs came up and he told me a horror story. He said as a spa repairman he should have know better, but, he and his wife were on vacation and the room had a jetted tub. His back had been a little sore from a lot of walking and he decided to soak in the tub with the jets running for awhile. A day or so later they returned from vacation.....the next day he noticed a rash developing on torso....by the next day it had spread to his upper legs. He went to the doctor and it turned out he had a surface staph infection. The first thing the doctor asked him was had he been in any public hot tubs or jetted tubs on vacation. He told me the tubing that carries the water to the jets does not EVER completely empty out after draining unless forced out with suction. He knew this as a repairman, but, never gave it much thought until he got a staph infection himself. Therefore, when you fill a jetted tub up after someone else has used it and do not sanitize it first you are literally taking a bath with the not only the person who used it before you but any number of people who previously used it. By using a cup or two of Clorox and running it through the jets before using you are completely sanitizing the unit's tubing and any water left in there. After I heard that story I swore I would never use a jetted tub w/o sanitizing it first.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Dilution is the solution to pollution. Fill up the tub and the yucky stuff will not be that bad, not as bad as toe jam and belly button lint. You are soaking in your own filth anyway.

Exactly... you can't maintain resistance if you don't maintain exposure.

 

[Ksp]

Ok, you sold me -- time to switch from just some dish soap through the jets to using some bleach to clean out the jets. Just thinking about the staff infection is giving me the heebie jeebies !

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Ok, you sold me -- time to switch from just some dish soap through the jets to using some bleach to clean out the jets. Just thinking about the staff infection is giving me the heebie jeebies !

So, when you go to the Doctor's office... do you wipe down the surfaces you might come in contact with? Staff infections are notoriously received in clinical settings!

Bottom line is... rinse it out... don't get anal about the possibilites. Germs are everywhere (and basically you are immune to most). Your major concern should be school, work, and the hospital. Rinse it out! Then have a relaxing time.

 

[kimberh]

Well, I have just become convinced. I will carry bleach this thursday. I know in my own whirlpool tub I can feel cold water when the jets first come on. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Cruelladeville]

Be careful how much bleach you use. A little is good, a lot isn't. I came back from Florida Saturday with a rash on my legs from the bleach. I used a cup, and that was too much! The clorine in the pool only made things worse. It's better now that I'm home, but it still itches.

 

[fishermouse]

Candle lights, a little wine, some bubbles and you won't have any idea what's floating in the water. If getting clean is goal take a shower. Do we really think no one is peeing in the pools and hot tubs?

 

[jdg345]

Candle lights, a little wine, some bubbles and you won't have any idea what's floating in the water. If getting clean is goal take a shower. Do we really think no one is peeing in the pools and hot tubs?

I don't know about you, but I certainly am!

 

[Laneychris]

We clean our tub at home with bleach, there is no way I would take a bath in a hotel tub without cleaning it first.