Chemicals and Conditioners for Your Waterbed

by: Michael O'Brien

As any science student who has looked at a drop of water under a microscope can you, water chemistry is indeed a complex subject. The United States and other developed countries are blessed with stable water systems that allow for drinking, bathing and all the other uses we have for fresh water. One of the needs for fresh water is to fill our waterbeds which are still a very popular sleep system option. The trouble is that many people make a fundamental mistake when filling their waterbeds and this one mistake can lead to a host of problems.

Most tap water in the U.S. can be considered safe and free of bacteria. The safety and cleanliness of tap water is maintained through a consistent system of conditioning that kills unwanted bacteria yet still leaves the water safe to drink. Bacteria can be introduced into otherwise clean tap water through a number of sources including bacteria on the tap, the drinking glass or the cooking pot. Left to its own devices bacteria can multiply very rapidly and this bacterial growth would still be invisible to the naked eye.

Most of us have seen rain water that has puddled in the warm sun for several days. Algae and other bacterial growths can be seen quite clearly. The growth is usually accompanied by a rather unpleasant, stale odor. Would you be surprised to know that the same conditions found in that puddle can exist inside your waterbed mattress even though the bed was filled with fresh tap water. Left untreated or conditioned, the water in your bed can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to the mattress. In other words, your waterbed can quickly turn into something that resembles a grade school science project unless you take care to properly treat the water.

Every manufacturer makes specific recommendations for the type of conditioner that should be used and the proper amount. The amount of chemical conditioner used may depend on the type of water you have and can be influenced by a great many things. For example, the hardness or mineral content of the water is one factor that may determine the amount of the conditioner you use. One thing is always true – never fill your waterbed without using the proper type of conditioner.

If your bed has not been treated in awhile or has noticeably bad water the bed will need to be completely drained. While the mattress id empty give it good going over and look for wear spots or areas where the vinyl is brittle and discolored, especially where it makes contact with the heater. Improper conditioning of the water can drastically shorten the life of the vinyl so check the mattress carefully. Be sure to inspect the heater cables and frame to make sure the cables are not being pinched.

If the mattress, frame and heater assembly looks as it should, fill the mattress with ten to fifteen gallons of fresh water and slush it around in order to rinse out as much funky stuff as possible. Place the mattress back in the frame and begin to refill it, pausing long enough to add the recommended amount of conditioner. Resume filling the bed and burp the mattress to remove any trapped air.

Most manufacturers recommend treating the water every six months to keep bacteria from gaining a foothold. Tubular waterbeds also need to be maintained in the same manner though the smaller water cylinders are much easier to handle, drain and clean.

So protect your investment and keep your waterbed clean and problem free.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien