The best thing about whirlpool bathtubs is that they are designed to last for years. Most of the manufacturer’s design their products to go up to 30 years. However, it is important to understand that there are some poor quality bathtubs in the market that get damaged a few years after purchase. Always be meticulous when it comes to bathtub purchase. All in all, it is imperative to always test your whirlpool bathtub from time to time to counter if it needs replacement. This can be done by filling it to the brim then running the pump for about 15 minutes. At the end of this, if there are visible algae flakes which could either be dry or green, the bathtub needs replacement. Algae only develop when there is a malfunction. Failure to take action could lead to severe damages that require complete bathtub replacement or exposure to great health risks.
Black Algae from water retention in a whirlpool bathtub
If you have a black algae problem, you can't immediately assume that the whirlpool has to be replaced without inspecting the pump first. Make sure it is elevated above the bottom of the bathtub and that water is not being trapped. This is most common in cultured marble whirlpools that were manufactured in the late 1980s to about 2000. Many of these bathtubs were jetted on the job site and the quality control was random. If this is your situation, you can elevate the pump with a block of wood about 4 inches and it may solve the problem, if there is not additional water retention in the pipes. You can make this correction and then run the bath with cold water and 16 ounces of bleach or 2oz of pool shock. This will temporarily solve the problem. If it reoccurs then you will have to re-plumb or replace the whirlpool.
Removing to whirlpool without damaging it
Removing the whirlpool is difficult to do without damaging the shell. If the bathtub is sitting on top of the tile it may be possible to remove it without damage to the shell. If the whirlpool is tiled in, you should plan on replacing it. If you can successfully remove the whirlpool without damaging it, you can bring it to a local tub jetter and have it refitted with new jets pipe and pump. In most cases people choose to replace the whirlpool bathtub for the small difference in cost between a new whirlpool and the repair. In general, culture marble bathtubs are the most difficult to remove due to the weight and that they are very easy to crack.
Determining the condition of the whirlpool bathtub pipes
After you remove the whirlpool you can cut one of the flexible water pipes and inspect the color of the interior pipe. If it is black with discoloration, then it has to be re-jetted or replace. If it is in good shape, see if you can identify a low pipe that may be retaining water. If you a diligent it is sometimes possible to make the repairs and save the whirlpool without re-jetting.
Whirlpool bath Finnish considerations
Acrylic finished bathtubs tend to hold their finish and shine for years unless they have been exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals or where damage by cleaning after the original construction of the home. This is usually the case with finish issues. On the other hand culture marble tends to yellow with age and it is often replace for cosmetic reasons. If the cultured bathtub is exposed to direct sunlight over the years it will definitely have discolored.
Purchasing a Reliable Whirlpool Jet Component
At times, there is no need to do a complete bathtub replacement. Most of the problems result basically from the damage of the jet finish. This is a problem that can be reversed by making the right purchase of the replacement whirlpool jet component. The purchase does not necessarily have to be as daunting as most people think. The first thing that ought to be done is take photos of the damaged jet finish and its serial number. The right store should then be identified and the problem explained to the dealer. It is always a great idea to compare between the whirlpools bathtub components. This will help find the most exceptional one to use. Never plunge into decisions. If older than 10 years, it can be difficult for one to find the right component. This is where the use of enamel spray paint could be of great help in proper fitting.
Bobbi Izlar is the author of this article on Whirlpool Bathtub.
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