Warning To Spa Pool Owners And Users About Risks Of Infections

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 19 Mar 2006 - 0:00 PST

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In new guidance issued today the Health Protection Agency (UK) is warning both commercial and domestic owners of spa pools about the risks of infections if they do not follow guidance on how to maintain them properly.

Spa pools in the home are becoming more commonplace with about 14 - 15,000 installed in homes each year in Great Britain . The new guidance sets out the practical measures that can be followed to prevent users contracting infections such as Legionnaires' disease and folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) and to prevent other hazards to health such as slipping.

Dr John Lee, an expert on waterborne infections from the Health Protection Agency said," Spa pools provide the perfect conditions for certain bacteria to survive, and cause infection because the pools have a raised water temperature and conditions that create an aerosol of water. They can also have large numbers of bathers compared to water volume"

"If pools are correctly disinfected, fully drained once a week and use the correct filtration they will not normally contain these bacteria, however in poorly maintained pools the conditions will be perfect for the growth of bacteria and these have been identified as a cause of outbreaks of infection in the past."

The Guidance sets out the specific responsibilities of those who manage commercially run spa pools to ensure staff working with the pool and recreational users are protected. Users should also be informed of precautionary measures they may take to reduce health risks such as:

• Not exceeding 15 minutes in the spa pool at a time.

• Not immersing their heads underwater or swallowing the water

• Bathers should use the toilet and shower before entering the pool

• Bathers should not use the spa pool if they have had diarrhoea in the last 14 days and those suffering from heart diseases or skin conditions should take medical advice before entering the pool.

Speaking at the stakeholder launch for the guidance, Professor Andy Hall, An Agency Board Member said, "The Agency sees this work as an important contribution to helping people to enjoy the relaxation of spa pools whilst minimising the risks".

The guidance can be found on the HPA website at - http://www.hpa.org.uk/publications/2006/spa_pools

Although the guidance is aimed primarily at commercial operators of spa pools, it contains invaluable information for those who have spa pools in their homes. The HPA will shortly be producing a quick reference leaflet to highlight guidance for those with spa pools and whirlpool baths in their homes.

Between 2000 and 2005 there were 5 reported outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease associated with spa pools that led to 28 cases, including 3 deaths.

The principal route of Legionella infection is through the inhalation of the bacteria into the lungs. The risk of Legionnaires' disease rises with increasing numbers of bacteria inhaled. People are at risk of infection because water creates an aerosol that can be inhaled.

Smokers, men, people over 50 and the immunocompromised are at most at risk of Legionnaires' disease. For more information on Legionnaire's disease see: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/legionella/gen_info.htm

This figure was provided by the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA)

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