Legionnaires’ Disease in Spa Pools & Hot Tubs

Spa pools, which encompass hot tubs, Jacuzzis and whirlpools have become increasingly popular in the UK. With many people installing hot tubs in their own homes, they are also a common feature in sports centres, hotels, health clubs, holiday villages and cruise ships.

Providing a relaxing and pleasant experience for bathers, it is expected that as spa pools become more and more affordable, their popularity will continue to increase.

However, what many people, both domestic owners of spa pools and commercial operators are not fully aware of are the potential health risks that they pose to both bathers and people nearby to the pool, if not properly managed… and this can include the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease from spa pools and hot tubs.

People using spa’s can be at risk of E.Coli, folliculitis, and other infections caused by the Pseudomonas. But it’s Legionella bacteria that can cause the biggest risk

Legionnaires’ disease in spa pools and hot tubs and the risk of infection

One risk from using a spa pool or hot tub is the risk of infection from unwanted bugs in the water.

Infectious water-borne agents can be easily introduced in to a spa pool from a variety of sources, including bathers, dirt entering the hot tub and from the water itself.

Bathers using spa pools can be at risk of infections such as E.Coli and folliculitis, and skin and other infections caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium.

But it is legionella that poses the most serious risk, as this is the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe pneumonia like illness which can in some cases prove fatal.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Caused by Legionella bacteria, Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection that can in some instances prove to be fatal.

Symptoms initially can include fever, chills and muscle pain.

Once the infection reaches the lungs then chest pains, a bad cough and breathing difficulties can result.

• Learn more about Legionnaires disease

How Legionella bacteria can be spread by spa pools and hot tubs

The Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural waters, such as lakes and rivers, usually in quantities that are completely harmless.

However, once Legionella bacteria enter artificial water systems such as domestic plumbing systems (taps, showers etc.), ornamental fountains, hot tubs and spa pools, there can be the potential for the bacteria to multiply rapidly and contaminate the supply to dangerous concentrations.

Legionella contamination of water can be a serious problem in spa baths for a number of reasons:

• The water in spa baths is typically heated to a temperature that is perfect for the bacteria to grow and multiply. The ideal temperature range for such growth is between 20^oC and 45^oC.
• Contaminants including dead skin cells and dirt from the people using spa pools provide an excellent food for the bacteria, aiding their growth.
• The spa’s pipework for the water and air circulation ensures there is a large surface area for the bacteria to grow on.
• The fact that the water in a spa pool is often vigorously agitated (or aerated) results in aerosols and sprays containing water droplets being formed, from which the legionella bacteria can be inhaled.

What are your responsiblities when managing a hot tub or spa pool?

To ensure the hot tub or spa pool is safe to use you should do the following:

Conduct a legionella risk assessment

This should identify any potential sources of Legionella bacteria and assess how exposure could occur… legionella risk assessment

Legionella control plan

A control plan is crucial to prevent or control any risks that you have identified in your risk assessment.

Implement and monitor

The precautions you have put into place to manage and control the risks associated with Legionella bacteria should be implemented and carefully managed.

Record

You should keep records of your legionella risk assessment, plans and implementation which will provide an important audit trail for compliance purposes.

Legionella training

Your staff should be suitably trained to operate and clean the hot tub or spa bath safely and effectively with reference to relevant legislation and any manufacturer’s instructions.

Everyone should be made fully aware of the risks associated with the spa pools as well as the control plan in place to manage them… legionella training

Further information about Legionnaires’ disease