The following is a snippet from the Guardian and News from the United Kingdom.

Los Angeles health officials identified legionella bacterium but say flu contracted by three guests is possible cause of outbreak.

The Playboy mansion: legionnella bacteria was found in water samples from the hot tub. Health inspectors have found a possible source of illness among guests at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy mansion in Los Angeles: bacteria in the hot tub.

Hot tubs and spas are prime breading grounds for legionnella and other bacteria, especially when contaminants are introduced by body fluids, makeup, oils, skin, non water liquids, etc. It is necessary to purge the pipes of the bio-film that is created and lingering on the internal pipes. The Ahh-Some Hot Tub and Spa Bio Cleaner will take care of removing and eradicating the bio-film with just a tablespoon of the gel, removing the possibility of bacteria in the pipes and jets, making it safe for hot tub bathers to enjoy it.

More than a 120 party goers fell ill after a fundraising party in February, reporting pneumonia and flu-like symptoms. Health officials contacted 439 people who attended the event and found 123 had fallen sick with symptoms including fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath and aches. Sixty-nine people became sick on the day of the party. Three tested positive for the H1N1 flu.

Officials say the bug in the pool may not be the cause of the outbreak. In a statement the Los Angeles County department of public health said: “Though legionella bacteria was identified in a water sample taken from the Playboy Mansion, this bacteria has not been determined as the source of the respiratory outbreak.

I just cleaned out my lawyer’s hot tub … owed him some money and my hourly rate is higher than his. I used the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner and the Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner to do the entire job. First, I took out the dirty filter and threw it in the hot tub floor, then I added one tablespoon of the bio cleaner and started the jets. Instantly the bio-film, which I call gunk or detritus (Latin for gunk) rose to the top of the foam. I ran the jets for about an hour and added about one more tablespoon. The gunk finds its way from the foaming action to the sides of the hot tub.

The Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner has a very specialized formula of unique ingredients that, when pushed through the piping with the high velocity water from the jets, scrapes layer upon layer of the gunk down to the pipe walls. Unlike jetted tubs in bathrooms, hot tub and spa bio-film gunk is always in warm water, so it is very easy for the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner to do its work. The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner has water clarification and conditioning properties in it as well as the ability to eradicate bacteria. Where do you ever see a product that has it all in one? Saving you money on harmful chemicals. Remember, the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner is an environmentally friendly green cleaning product.

Now here is a cost saving idea, by using the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner as a liquid you can clean the spa shell with it. It also puts a shine one shell like you never have seen before. I mix 1 tablespoon of the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner, with 16 ounces of water, let the gel dissolve. I have already used 2-3 tablespoons of the bio cleaner or 1.5 ounces for purging and cleaning the shell.

After filling up the hot tub with 300 gallons of water again, it is time to get the water prepped so that its ready for use. I brought the total alkaline (TA) from 20 to 90 by adding 6 tablespoons of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. This actually adjusting the pH to 7.8 as well. As an initial “shock” ot the water I added Cal Hypo, which cost $4 and will last a few years. This powerful 70% available chlorine shock zaps organic pollutants, bacteria, and algae. A quick chlorine boost at an economical price. I used 1/3 teaspoon in the 300 gallons of water. This shot the FAC (free available chlorine) to 5ppm …. way to high!

The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner when used in Hot Tubs and Spas is not just for purging the pipes, it also is a true environmentally friendly “Bio Cleaner” that drastically reduces the amount of harmful chemicals (like cal hypo or dichlor) to give you safe, sparkling clear, and silky feeling water. I put 1/2 teaspoon of the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner in the 300 gallon spa, and within 5 minutes the FAC went from 5 to 1 ppm. Why? The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner is using it, and it masks the way you check for FAC. The bio cleaner searches the water for contaminants and eradicates them, making it easy for the filter to capture them, keeping the water clean. As long as you continue to add a small dab or 1/2 of teaspoon weekly, you will have no worries about the water quality and your hot tub will no longer smell like chemicals, chlorine or bromine.

If you really need to have safe water for your hot tub and spa that will increase your enjoyment I would strongly suggest using the Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Bio Cleaner. No more red eyes, no more skin redness, no more skin irritation, no more harsh chemicals, no more wasting your money. Money back guarantee, we 100% stand by our product and there are just so many uses that I could not detail for you … yet!

6oz of our concentrated Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner will last about 6 months, with quarterly cleaning and weekly bio cleaning applications.

Sample Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner usage instructions

1. Remove filter cartridges and place in hot tub water
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons “Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Gunk Rid Bio Cleaner” to the hot tub water
3. Run all the jets on “high” for about an hour.
4. Drain hot tub, clean according to manufacturer instructions
5. If needed, clean the filters with 1 tablespoon of Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner and 2 gallons water
6. Refill tub with fresh filtered water (make sure filters are placed back in)
7. See instructions for using the same Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner for your pH and Sanitizing control

NOTE: If the hot tub and spa has been without water or the water has not been changed in a long period of time, just maintain the bio cleaned water and run the jets every two hours for about 24 hrs. You do not need to add more than the original 2 tablespoons you first added to the water in step 2 above. We believe in saving you money!

Our competition, if you can actually call it that, in general, sanitizes your hot tub piping. They also tend to explain to you that because the water is hot, and constantly moving, that bacteria does grow nor does it have the time, if it did grow, to adhere to internal piping of the hot tub. They explain to you that you can simply sanitize the piping, which leaves the gunk in tact for future (quickly) growth. Bleach and Chlorine are the number one suggestions from the hot tub world that fulfill this method. For hot tubs, you need a large amount of these chemicals, mostly used just before removing the water for quarterly maintenance.

Of course, you purchase the plethora of chemicals that every hot tub company and supply chain store sells to. They are basically the same harmful chemicals that have caustic properties in them and are harmful to humans.

The Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Gunk Rid Bio Cleaner is true bio cleaner that has common everyday properties that we use or come in contact with daily. We guarantee that gunk grows in your hot tub and spa piping, pumps and jets, and we also guarantee that our bio cleaner formula will remove all the gunk, including bacteria, microbial, fungi, algae, oils, grease and other human and nature contaminants.

Because of the output from the Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Gunk Rid Bio Cleaning, which forms a ring around your hot tub shell, we strongly recommend you clean the piping of the hot tub and spa just prior to changing the water during your quarterly maintenance. Just 2 tablespoons of the Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Gunk Rid Bio Cleaner will do the job effectively and efficiently.

By using the same Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Gunk Rid Bio Cleaner, you can effectively maintain pH, water sanitizing, eliminate odors, reduce chemical dependency, introduce non chlorine sanitizers. Here are a few benefits of using the Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Gunk Rid Bio Cleaner in your hot tub as a water clarifier, conditioner and bio cleaner. Its all how much bio cleaning gel is used proportional to the amount of water in the hot tub and spa.

Benefits of the Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Bio Cleaner

1. Stops itching sensation
2. Reduces sensitive skin rashes
3. Reduces or eliminates foam
4. Helps maintain a balanced pH and alkalinity
5. Increases filter efficiency and cleaning
6. Drastically Reduces hot tub and spa dependency on chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, pH Up, pH Down, clarifiers, conditioners, etc.
7. Safe for bathers wear
8. Enjoy silky soft water

NOTE: None of the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaners are registered as a Sanitizer. It is necessary to add a Sanitizer of your choice when using the Bio Cleaners in water for water clarification, water conditioner and general use as a bio cleaner. We recommend sodium di-chlor for hot tubs and spas, you will only need pinch between the fingers per week, and for pools, we recommend liquid chlorine (bleach is just fine) and a non chlorine sanitizer, potassium monopersulfate made by the DOW Corp., using just pint or so every few days to give the bio cleaner some fuel to work with.

Nothing is as important for hot tub water quality as your filtering system. A soiled and clogged or simply worn-out filter will fail in its task of trapping contaminants. This results in cloudy water, higher chemical usage and can even put a strain on your spa’s pumps. You should clean your filters every couple of weeks and soak clean them in Filter Cartridge Cleaner every 8 weeks. DON’T assume that your filters will last 12 months – read our article The truth about spa filters and try our estimated filter life test.

Rotate Your Spa Filters.

Use this filter rotation method: while cleaning your dirty filter, swap it with a previously cleaned and dried spare. This system will ensure that you will never have to wait to use your spa, and if your spa turns cloudy you can rectify the problem straightaway. Allowing filters to dry completely after soak-cleaning will increase filter effectiveness and extend the life of the filter.

Pleated filter cartridges should be thoroughly rinsed every two weeks (sooner when the spa use is heavy). Use a garden hose (not a pressure washer), and apply the water stream at an angle of about 45-degree, making sure to dislodge all foreign matter by spraying between each pleat. Or try our new Filter Cleaning Wand.

At least every 8 weeks, and ALWAYS with a water change, your cartridge should first be pre-rinsed, then soaked overnight (or in accordance with package directions) in Filter Cartridge Cleaner. Rinse again and allow to air-dry.

Hot Tips and Advice

• Never assume that your filters will last 12 months (they may do, but only under perfect circumstances). Be sure, take our Estimated filter life test so you can be accurate.

• If you are in a hard water area it is essential to use NO SCALE solution in your tub.

• Invest in a Pre Filter for your hose pipe. This removes many harmful elements before they ever get in to your tub.

• Only use a product like our Filter Cartridge Cleaner which is designed for cleaning pleated filter cartridges.

• When cleaning, always rotate out your filters with a clean, dry spare.

• Never use a pressure-washer or put filters through the dishwasher to clean them. The high water pressure will damage the REEMAY filter media.

This is what the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaning products motto is! We will defend our Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner line of products for pool water clarification and conditioning, hot tub jet cleaning, water clarification and conditioning, water filter cleaning, and jetted tub pipe, pump and jet cleaner and offer no compromise to our competitors. Our competition just does not have the product that will attain positive and proven results. They also are over priced and continue to gorge unwary consumers into buying expensive products. Our competition would rather sell you many products than sell you one product that does it all for you. We are against harmful chemicals and separate product gouging …

For pools, this is a no brainer for you people who want to reduce harsh chemicals and chemical costs, reduce dependency on the “pool guy” and actually enjoy your pool. The Ahh-Some Water Clarifier, Conditioner and Bio Cleaner actually does all three of these essential pool needs, reduces your dependency on chlorine and works with environmentally friendly sanitizing agents (non chlorinated). All of our bio cleaners have fungicidal, anti-algae and anti-microbial properties that help keep water sparkling clear, silky soft, and clean. The Ahh-Some Water Clarifier and Bio Cleaner concentrated power lasts for 28 days and 12 oz (2 jars) will cover a regular size pool of 30,000 gallons.

For hot tubs and spas, the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaners take on a dual role, depending upon how much bio cleaner is used. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Gunk Remover and Bio Cleaner just before the quarterly water change will clean out the internal piping, pump, and jets of algae, oils, grease and other contaminants that adhere to the piping walls. The added bio cleaner creates a foaming action when the jets are turned on, causing a scraping action inside the pipes, pump and jets, cleaning layer after layer.

Adding 1 teaspoon of the concentrated Ahh-Some Hot Tub Gunk Remover and Bio Cleaner weekly to the hot tub water will work as previously described above with pools. The bio cleaner drastically reduces the amount of chemicals you may use with the hot tub to a pinch of di-chlor or a non chlorine sanitizer per week. One 6 oz jar of the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Gunk Remover and Bio Cleaner will last you almost 6 months.

The only filter cleaner you will ever have to buy, the Ahh-Some Pool & Hot Tub Filter Bio Cleaner will clean all filters like they were new again, and save you money by increasing the filter life span. Removable cartridge filters are soaked in a bio cleaner solution, 4 gallons water/2 teaspoons, for a period of time (30 to 60 mins) and rinsed off. For DE grids, double the amount of bio cleaner and let soak for 30 minutes to an hour. The Ahh-Some Pool & Hot Tub Filter Bio Cleaner is the most efficient when used to clean sand filters; just pour a 2 gallon water/2 teaspoon mixture into the skimmer while backwashing the filter and then put the filter on rinse mode. You have to see the amount of gunk this produces.

Coming in at the top of it’s class the Ahh-Some Jetted Tub Gunk Removal Bio Cleaner completely removes the gunk, detritus, contaminants consisting of grease, oils, bacteria, algae, mold, fungi, skins, hair and anything else that can get caught in the gunk trap. This highly concentrated gel just scrapes the pipes clean while using the high speed of the jets to create a foaming action. Th 6oz jar will last you more than 1 year, at a cost of less than 50 cents per weekly cleaning. Now where do you get a bargain like this in today’s “me” world. Their simply is no competition that works as hard and as inexpensive as the Ahh-Some Jetted Tub Gunk Removal Bio Cleaner.

Rounding out the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner family is the Winter Pool Water Clarifier, Conditioner and Bio Cleaner. This blend of properties adds longevity to the bio cleaner in protecting the water against algae, fungi, and other contaminants for the extended winter months. The bio cleaner maintains pH levels over the winter and makes opening the pool in the spring easy, maintaining clear sparkling conditioned water. Just add the Ahh-Some Water Clarifier, Conditioner and Bio Cleaner in the water with e bit of sanitizer of choice (liquid chlorine or bleach is recommended, as well as non chlorine ecological sanitizers) and your are ready to start the swim season.

NOTE: None of the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaners are registered as a Sanitizer. It is necessary to add a Sanitizer of your choice when using the Bio Cleaners in water for water clarification, water conditioner and general use as a bio cleaner. We recommend sodium di-chlor for hot tubs and spas, you will only need pinch between the fingers per week, and for pools, we recommend liquid chlorine (bleach is just fine) and a non chlorine sanitizer, potassium monopersulfate made by the DOW Corp., using just pint or so every few days to give the bio cleaner some fuel to work with.

You may not know a few things about your hot tub and spa that are important to tackle up front. Just like jetted tubs used in the bathroom since the 1960’s, hot tubs and spas have jet piping wrapped around the outside of the frame casing. Even though there is constant water flowing through the hot tub piping, grease, oils, skin, hair from the human body get adhered to inner walls of the piping. Whether cold or hot water, mold, bacteria, and algae take refuge in the piping when the water is idle, which is most of the time. Filters actually keep most of the loosened gunk from entering in the hot tub but there are places post filters that have gunk growth, ie near the jets.

First things first, we need to clean the pipes of this gunk, and start to clean the filters that are protecting you from this harmful stew. This is where the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner first comes into play. We will see later that this same Bio Cleaner is used to maintain the hot tub’s water pH, help maintain clean safe (bacteria free) water, remove odors, condition and clarify the water, and reduce the harmful chemicals and your maintenance expenses. Now that’s Ahh-Some!

Step 1:
Remove (drain/pump out) some of the water in the hot tub to about 2 inches above the highest jet(s). This is done to give some room for the foaming that will occur with the bio cleaner.

Step 2:
Remove all the filters from the hot tub and place them in the hot tub water. It may be a good idea to place them near jets so that they can me subject to the fast moving water. This helps clean the filters, which in turn, increases their use before replacements are needed.

Step 3:
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner to the water and run the jets, all of them for about 1 hour. Use 2 tablespoons with larger 500 gallon hot tubs. It is important to get a lot of foaming action where the hot tub looks like bubble bath with the jets on. Add more Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner in ½ teaspoon increments if needed. This process is used to clean out the piping, motor, jets, and all water areas that are not seen.
Most of the gunk, oils, grease, skin, hair, and other dirt will be deposited on the side of the hot tub shell above the water line. You will be able to easily wipe this off with a soft rag or bar keepers rag.

NOTE: The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner water is safe and not harmful to humans.

Step 4:
Scoop a pail of the water, containing the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner before emptying hot tub.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for draining the hot tub of water.

Step 5:
If you have the Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner, follow the directions on the jar, which is add 2 tablespoons to a gallon of water, mix to a liquid, place the hot tub filters in the mixture and let sit. If you do not have the Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner, then add the filters to the pail of bio cleaner you scooped out in Step 4. The Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner has additional properties that does not require the foaming action to clean the filters but eats away at the filter gunk over time in the solution.

Step 6:
Clean hot tub shell whichever way you choose. The last segment of the hot tub cleaning routine is to take a clean rag, dip it into the pail of Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner you kept from Step 4 and wipe the shell with it. The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner has clarification properties and helps the shell shine from the beginning of adding new water.

NOTE: NEVER use household cleaners to clean your hot tub. They can damage the shell and cause foaming. Use hot tub/spa manufacturer or industry recommended cleaners.

Step 7:
Replace clean, refreshed PleatCo filters in the Hot Tub.
Step 8:
Refill cleaned hot tub with water according to manufacturer’s instructions. Heat hot tub water to normal operating temperature.

Step 9:
Get the water pH levels to 7.4 – 8.2, total alkalinity (TA) between 80-120ppm, and calcium hardness to 200+. Here we are setting up the water to use the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner that will maintain the pH and TA levels. An initial sanitizing shock to the fresh water may be needed. We suggest using Di-Chlor or a non-chlorine solution, such as potassium monopersulfate. More than likely you may need to use baking soda (Arm & Hammer) to increase the pH.

NOTE: While the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner eases the oxidation demand on your choice of sanitizer, it is not a registered sanitizer. Maintain the minimum recommended amount of sanitizer in your spa. This may range between .05ppm and 1ppm.

Step 10:
When the hot tub water pH is at the desired range, add about 1 teaspoon of the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner (500 gals) to the water. At this point there may be a trial and error period to get the correct amount of the bio cleaner to not foam. It is best to start with less of the bio cleaner and add 1/3 teaspoon until there is a hint of foaming occurring.

If you recall, in Step 3, we used 1-2 tablespoons so that the foaming action was created to clean the internal pipes, this time we need to just keep enough bio cleaner in the water to interact with the sanitizer. The bio cleaner interacts with the sanitizer taking all of the free available chlorine (FAC), leaving the free chorine (FC) to do its job more efficiently, this eliminates odors that the sanitizers are known for. The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner uses its water clarification properties in the bio cleaner which attaches to particulate matter in the water, which attaches to other particulates making a “clump” large enough for the hot tub filters entrap them easily.

This same Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner conditions the water using water softening agents that make the water feel soft and silky. This is an added benefit for those folks with sensitive skin. As stated above, the bio cleaner works with sanitizers, becoming a water cleaner that absorbs dirt, grime, grease, oils, carbonates and other solids that cling to hot tub surfaces. It lifts stains off the spa and hot tub surfaces as well.

This is the only bio cleaner on the market today that incorporates these many properties into one effective product that not only lasts a long time but also is priced for the consumer. How many bio cleaners do what the Ahh-Some methodology is? “Keeping it simple and increasing customer savings”

Step 11:
Add both your choice of sanitizer and the Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner once a week, reducing the amount of sanitizer as time goes on. If the hot tub is not being utilized as much, just adding the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner will be sufficient.

Step 12:
Since your filters will be getting larger particles in them, it will be necessary to clean them about once a month. When cleaning filters in free standing water in a pail, we recommend using the Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner, which has different, 100 percent effective, properties that do not need the fast moving water to activate it’s cleaners.

Step 13:
Enjoy your odor free, safe for sensitive skin, soft, silky, crystal clear and clean water, hot tub and spa.

What is a bio based cleaning product?

The definition used for Federal Bio Based Product Preferred Provider Program (FB4P) A product determined to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) or forestry materials.

A Bio Based Product:

• Relies on plant or animal materials as the main ingredient.
• The plants or animals utilized are a renewable resource.
• With some exceptions, generally do not contain synthetics, toxins or environmentally damaging substances.

Benefits of Bio Based Products:

• Generally healthier and safer for the user.
• Generally healthier for the environment.
• Generally chemical free.
• Reduced dependence on imported oil.
• Generally helpful to the economy.

Environmental Benefits

Because bio-based products by definition are made from renewable plant or animal materials rather than synthetic chemicals or hydrocarbons, they:

• Help reduce water and air pollution by displacing fossil fuels and feed-stocks.
• Pose little or no risks to animal, plant, and marine life in the event of a spill.
• Pose far less risk to both indoor and outdoor environments when in use.
• Pose far less burden on landfills in disposal due to biodegradability.

Ahh-Some Water Clarifier, Conditioner & Bio Cleaner for Hot Tubs & Spas

• Has special proprietary formula to remove organic materials and contaminants.
• Non-chlorine and chemical free products.
• Is a natural hot tub treatment.
• Is environmentally friendly and is healthier and safer for the user.
• Costs less than traditional spa maintenance systems.

The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner works for you on a daily basis, keeping the internal jet pipes clean, cleaning the spa water of harmful bacteria, scum & dirt introduced by the human body and the outdoor environment. It also works to scrape the gunk that may have been introduced into the jet piping, when you are ready to change the water. The bio cleaner uses the help of a small amount of chlorine to rid the tub of all chlorimides into the filtering system. We believe that bio cleaner products should do more than one job, so we added a conditioner and water clarifier into the mix. You won’t believe how sparkling clean, how fresh the water smells, and how soft the water is, in your spa after you start using the Ahh-Some Hot Tub Bio Cleaner.

All you will need to do is maintain the water pH, which will not change much with our bio cleaner introduced, and add a pint of chlorine with each weekly teaspoon of our bio cleaner. It’s really this simple.

It really is an Ahh-Some way to have a fantastic hot tub and spa to relax in!