Spa pillows getting black spots

[wayner]

My spa is a jacuzzi and it has these foam headrest pillows. After a few years the pillows start getting black spots on them - and it appears that the pillows that are used more get more spots. Anyone know why this is the case and what, if anything, you can do to prevent this or slow down the process.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Do you suspect these spots are organic in nature or something else? Perhaps photos will help to get more eyes on your inquiry.

 

[poolmagazine]

Sounds like mold or mildew to me. I'd give them a scrub with some detergent and bleach and see if the spots don't go away.

 

[wayner]

Here is what it looks like. Maybe some type of black mold?

 

[Krulligo]

Were you able to clean these off?

 

[wayner]

Were you able to clean these off?

No. When I try to scrub them they become a bit cleaner. I have seen suggestions about throwing them in the tub when you are not using it so that they are in chlorinated water. I will try that, especially when I get new pillows. This is the third or fourth set that I have had in my ~16 years of having the tub. The retail prices are kind of silly - like $75 for the entire pillow assembly for each - so $300 for a full set. I just need the insert but you can't always find that. In the past I have bought on ebay for somewhat cheaper.