The rising popularity of Spa pools – are you aware of the infection risks?
The spa industry has a long and varied history, from its beginnings as ancient bathhouses to the modern-day spa experience, which can include spa pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzi’s, amongst other facilities. Spa pools are also now becoming increasingly popular in holiday rental and residential properties.
They must be managed carefully to ensure that the water quality doesn’t deteriorate and to avoid an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease. The Responsible Person in leisure centres, hotels and health clubs should be aware of their responsibilities under the Approved Code of Practice, L8 issued by the HSE.
Failure to comply can lead to a variety of illnesses, including E.Coli and folliculitis, and skin and other infections caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. But it’s the potentially fatal pneumonia known as Legionnaire’s Disease which is the highest risk.
Legionnaire’s Disease is particularly dangerous to those with reduced immune systems, in older people or smokers, it has similar symptoms to those of pneumonia, and can, in severe cases, prove fatal.
Sadly, there have been several Legionella outbreaks linked to spa pools in leisure centres and spas, which can be avoided through the correct maintenance and testing of spa pool water.
Unfortunately, they do provide the perfect temperature range for Legionella bacteria to proliferate, and they contain water that is vigorously agitated. This can lead to the formation of aerosols that can be inhaled and this is the problem as Legionnaire’s Disease cannot be caught from ingestion of the contaminated water, only by inhalation.
L8 gives practical guidance on how to manage the risk but it is also your responsibility as the duty holder to identify and assess the risk and manage and record the risk.
Swiftclean is a long-term member of the Legionella Control Association and has a dedicated team of water specialists who can advise you on all aspects of water hygiene – contact us on 0800 243 471.
