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 the risk of infection
One risk from using a spa pool 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 pool 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.
How Legionella bacteria can be spread by spa pools
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 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 20oC and 45oC.
- 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.
Your duties if you are responsible for managing spa pools
To ensure the spa pool is safe to use you should do the following:
Conduct a risk assessment
This should identify any potential sources of Legionella bacteria and assess how exposure could occur.
Plan
A control plan is crucial to prevent or control any risks that you have identified in your risk assessment.
Implement
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 risk assessment, plans and implementation which will provide an important audit trail for compliance purposes.
Train
Your staff should be trained to operate and clean the 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.
Further information about Legionnaires’ disease
More on More on Legionnaires’ disease
Legionnaires’ risk assessment
How Legionella Control International can help?
As experts in the risk management of Legionnaires’ disease, legionella and other water-borne pathogens such as pseudomonas and stenotrophomonas, we can help devise a comprehensive risk management programme dealing with water safety issues in healthcare, institutional and commercial facilities. Our services include risk assessments, legionella testing, control procedures and more.
To find out more about how we can help you call us today on or get in touch here … contact us
London
Kemp House
152 City Road
London EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 203 637 47 48
Manchester
Warren Bruce Court
Warren Bruce Road
Manchester M17 ILB
United Kingdom
Tel: +(44) 330 223 36 86
