Water in BCD?

[Holy Mackerel]

I got water in my BC from dumping air via pulling the inflator... I usually do not use this method, and understand it is fairly common to get water in your BCD. I have unscrewed the inflator, emptied any water, and hung my bcd upside. It appears all the saltwater has dried out. Should I rinse the inside with fresh water? Any other care instructions?

thanks,

chris

 

[The Kraken]

Yes, you should do a clean water rinse.

In fact, if you're doing a lot of salt water diving, periodically you should rinse the inside of your bladder with a dilute solution of vinegar and fresh water to break down any residual salt. Follow the vinegar wash with a fresh water rinse.

From time to time, I'll take 2 or 3 caps of mouthwash, pour into the deflator hose (corrugated hose), pour in some fresh water, mix and rinse the inside of the bladder to try to eliminate any bacteria, if present. Then rinse with fresh water, drain thoroughly, slightly inflate and store.

the K

 

[DougNR]

I do a fresh water rinse whether I think some salt water got into the bladder or not. It certainly is common for water to get in during a dive and unless the amount limits your bouyancy, nothing to be too concerned about.

I like to keep enough air in the bladder to keep the surfaces apart until completely dry, then use a heavy duty hanger.

Regards;

Doug

 

[scarefaceDM]

Always rince with fresh water especially if you are diving in salt water...nothing worse than a peice of gear failing you.

 

[Old Diver]

You need to flush that BC inside and out with fresh water. Salt crystals are like little glass cutters to the bladders inside. I would soak it in a tub of cool fresh water and make sure to get that water into the inside of the bladder, rinse, swish, refill...repeat at least two or three times. Get that salt out of there.

 

[n2addict]

Something my instructor told me was to always wash the inside and to taste the water that goes out. If it taste salty then it needs to be washed again. Doesnt sound very elegant but I do it nevertheless and sometimes am amazed at how salty the water is even after rinsing the inside once.

 

[Bratface]

I rinse the inside of my BC after every dive. Just make sure to get it all out and then blow a little air inside to keep the bladder from sticking to itself.

 

[Holy Mackerel]

Very good info, thank you!

Chris

 

[EvaL]

Yep, definitely rinse (I second tasting the outcoming water for saltiness). When salty water dries, it crystalizes - these crystals (when there are enough of them) can puncture your bladder if not removed by rinsing.
Dive safely.

 

[Bratface]

True about the salt crystalizing. I took an equipment class, and the instructor showed a rock of salt about the size of your thumb that he got out of a BC bladder.