Pseudomonas is a common problem in warm water pools and spas in particular. The most common symptom is an itchy rash. It is often confused with bug bites (often complaints are received that a hotel has “bed bugs”), chicken pox, and other types of rashes. It can be much more serious including severe rashes requiring hospitalization, ear infections, urinary and vaginal infections, and probably most serious is pneumonia. Often mistaken for “scale” or slime, it is most commonly described as toilet paper syndrome because it is a whitish, mucous-like substance that looks like shredded tissue paper when floating in the water.
There are two kinds of Pseudomonas outbreaks. Most often seen is what some call transitory Pseudomonas contamination of a spa. About 15% of the population has Pseudomonas as a naturally part of the flora and fauna of their skin. When a “party” occurs in the spa, all the disinfectant is used up and the organism is spread to everyone in the tub from the carrier. Because the hot water opens up the pores, the Pseudomonas can enter the pores, “follicles”, in the skin, even of the carrier, and will cause the Pseudomonas Folliculitis problems. Once the party is over, everyone gets out, the spa can reestablish the disinfectant residual and the organisms are killed before setting up residence in the spa. If not then….
The second kind problem is when Pseudomonas sets up residence in your spa. If the disinfectant residual is not re-established soon enough, the organism can set up residence in the water. This is a much more serious problem for maintenance. Once it sets up residence, it covers itself with a slime layer to protect itself against the chlorine. It likes to set up residence on surfaces, and is often found in areas of low flow. Sometimes in such large amounts that one can scoop out a handful of the stuff. Generally super-chlorinating will eliminate most infestations.
To get rid of this one must drain the spa after several hours of high chlorine, and brush and scrub the spa with a 200-ppm solution of chlorine. The key is to brush and break up the protective layer. Super chlorination is a must do once established in the spa. Conscientious maintenance of disinfectant is the best procedure, don’t let it set up residence in the first place, and kill it before it passes from person-to-person. Always remember that the more you use your spa the more sanitizer you will use and to always keep those levels in check. And enjoy your hot tub…. You deserve it.
