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.

How Chlorine Works

Chlorine destroys bacteria though a fairly simple chemical reaction. Chlorine when dissolved in water breaks down into many different chemicals, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl-). Free available chlorine (hypochlorous acid) enters through the bacterial cell wall and kills the organism by destroying (oxidizing) the sulfur groups on the cell’s enzymes, causing the cell’s metabolism to stop, resulting in the cell’s death. The difference between HOCl and OCl- is the speed at which they oxidize. Hypochlorous acid is able to oxidize the organisms in several seconds, while the hypochlorite ion may take up to 30 minutes.

Only 10% of the chlorine added to spa water goes on to kill living organisms. The other 90 % of the chlorine oxidizes (destroys) waste products in the water. The byproducts of chlorine oxidation are chloramines, which have very little sanitizing ability. Chloramines have a very strong chlorine odor, and they cause nasal and eye irritation. Shocking the water with chlorine will eliminate excessive chloramines, but it requires raising the spa chlorine level to approximately 10 ppm. Then you have to wait till the chlorine drops to 5 ppm before using your spa. So the cycle of adding chlorine to maintain the 1 to 3 ppm and then shocking the spa to remove the chloramines goes on.

How The Ahh-Some Water Hot Tub & Spa Water Conditioner, Clarifier and Bio Cleaner Works.

The Ahh-Some bio cleaner removes the organic materials in the spa water. All bacteria, whether beneficial or pathogenic, require stable food sources to grow and reproduce. If you remove the food sources, the bacteria will starve and die. As food (organic material) becomes scarce, the bacteria have to compete for the remaining food and often will attack each other (protozoas) thus further reducing the number of bacteria. The naturally occurring process of the Ahh-Some bio cleaner break down organic contaminants (oils, lotions, deodorants, sweat, dead skin cells, etc.) that bacteria feed on, thus removing the food source. This process continues to work for up to one week, using one teaspoon, constantly removing new sources of organics.

Since Ahh-Some bio cleaner is not a sanitizer, minimizing the sources of bacteria and organic materials introduced into the spa, and removing the organics is key to keeping the water clean and healthy. Some additional products are recommended to assist the Ahh-Some bio cleaner in the spa water treatment.

Non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) gives quick results by oxidizing the organics in the water. Non-chlorine shock should be used at least once a week or as needed. You can use your spa in as little as 15 minutes after adding a non-chlorine shock, but we recommend adding it to your spa after you get out.

The Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner also has water clarifying properties and are helpful in removing oils and lotions. Some work by clumping small particles together so the filter can remove them. Enzyme clarifiers break down the contaminants into harmless components like water and carbon dioxide. Ahh-Some Bio Cleaner should be added weekly for maintenance or daily as needed to clean up cloudy water.

Good filter maintenance can be achieved by rinsing your spa filter to remove loose materials once a week, and clean your filter with Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Filter Bio Cleaner once a month by soaking it in the cleanser, rinsing, and allowing to dry before reinstalling it.

Some Additional information about terms

Sterilization: 100% destruction of all bacteria on the object being sterilized. This process has no use in
recreational water. One cannot ‘sterilize’ a pool or spa. There is simply too much activity – bathers entering and
leaving, air volume changes, large spaces, etc.

Disinfection: 100% destruction of all disease-causing bacteria (pathogens) on the object being disinfected. As
with sterilization, one cannot obtain complete destruction in the pool environment. Although improper, the terms
“disinfection” and ‘disinfectant’ have persisted and are commonly used.

Sanitation: The destruction of microorganisms to levels (usually by 99% or more) deemed safe by public health
standards. This is the proper term to be used with pool / spa water. One “sanitizes” pool / spa water with a ‘sanitizer’.

Oxidation: Simply stated, oxidation is the combination of an element with oxygen. Burning coal (carbon) to produce carbon dioxide is oxidation. This usually means destruction of the substance being ‘oxidized. Oxidation can occur without flames when chlorine oxidizes the organics from bathers in pool water. The substance is oxidized, destroyed or ‘burned out’. Oxidizing does not necessarily mean sanitation. Nor does sanitation necessarily mean oxidation. For example, potassium monopersulfate, a non-chlorine shock commonly used in the pool industry, is an oxidizer but an ineffective sanitizer. Whereas polyhexamethylene biguanide, which is sold as ‘Bacquacil’, is a sanitizer but not an oxidizer.

Calcium hypochlorite is widely used for pool and spa water treatment. This chemical is considered to be relatively
stable and has greater available chlorine than sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach). It has been estimated that over
90% of the free available chlorine residual is used to oxidize organics introduced into the pool by bathers. Positives
are that it kills almost all bacteria and removes food sources that the bacteria live on. Negatives are that it is caustic
and can cause irritation to skin and respiratory systems even at low doses deemed safe by the EPA. Additionally,
chlorine kills beneficial bacteria that eat organic contaminants in the water, and you have to maintain chlorine levels
for it to be effective.

Sodium hypochlorite solution, commonly known as bleach, is frequently used as a disinfectant. Positives are that
it kills the widest range of pathogens of any inexpensive disinfectant; it is extremely powerful against viruses and
bacteria at room temperature; it is commonly available and inexpensive; and it breaks down quickly into harmless
components (primarily table salt and oxygen). Negatives are that it is caustic to the skin and eyes, especially at
higher concentrations; like many common disinfectants, it degrades in the presence of organic substances; it has a
strong odor; it is not effective against giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium.

$17.95

Hot Tub & Spa filter maintenance is the most important part of your maintenance routine. Normal weekly filter cleaning is required as directed by the spa & hot tub manufacturers when using Ahh-Some Hot Tub & Spa Bio Cleaner as a water clarifier and conditioner.

Filter cartridge life and its effectiveness depends on proper maintenance. A dirty spa filter has the potential to increase the load on the water pump motor and reduces the effectiveness of the water heater. During use, filter media begins to lose its filtration ability because it becomes clogged with particles and other contaminants. This causes the water pump to work harder in order to push the water through the spa filter and can result in damage to the pump and motor and/or rupture the filter. A ruptured hot tub filter allows particles and contaminants to freely circulate throughout the water and deposit on anything with which they come into contact.

1. Rinsing the filter weekly. The filter cartridge should be cleansed of coarse dirt and debris by
   washing inside and out with a garden hose or your sink sprayer. Apply the water stream at a 45
   degree angle and spray between each filter pleats to make sure all foreign matter is dislodged.
2. Filter cartridges should be cleaned with the Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaning product at least once every month or more often if necessary. The cleaners will remove the organic materials and dirt from the pores of the filter.
3. We recommend having 2 (sets) filters. Use the second filter while cleaning the first. Use a
   bucket or large pitcher to soak the filter overnight in the Ahh-Some Filter Bio Cleaner. Rinse the filter thoroughly and let
   dry before reinstalling. The drying allows the pores to tighten and give better filtering results.
4. Manufacturers recommend that spa filters be replaced yearly. If rotating the spa filters, then
   every other year. The life of your filter will depend upon your usage and maintenance.

Caution: Never use a power washer to clean spa filter cartridges, the high pressure water will
damage the filter media. Never use household bleach to clean filters. Although bleach may seem
to do an adequate job of cleaning, it degrades and weakens the fibers in most filter media, thereby
decreasing the useful life of the hot tub filter.