Effective cleaning cuts legionella risk for hot tubs

19 April 2011

Dangerous bacteria may be lurking in your hot tub so use your cleaning supplies to clean up your tub for the summer

Hot tubs and jacuzzi's are great for families to enjoy in the warmer months and can provide much relaxation and fun.  Unfortunately if not properly cleaned and maintained they are havens for potentially life threatening bacteria.

hottub

Appropriate cleaning supplies will combat the growth of bacteria in hot tubs.

Wherever you have the situation of water stagnating and contacting with air there is the risk of the legionella bacteria being present, it favours these conditions. There are cleaning supplies available which can be used to kill the germs present.  Regular cleaning and disinfection is essential.

There was an incident a number of years ago whereby a man who had visited a garden centre contracted legionella and died.  He was looking over a spa bath that had been out of action during the colder months, when the spa was switched on and the water and air shot out of the jets, he was close enough to breath in the legionella bacteria which had been growing in the jets and pipes.

Only last week Los Angeles County health officials released their findings regarding a hot tub at the Playboy Mansion, where scores of people became ill after attending a fundraiser in February.

Many people who attended the party came down with a respiratory illness after the DomainFest conference in February. Officials contacted 439 people and found that 123 had fevers and at least one other symptom with 69 falling ill on the same day.

It is so important to  be sure to clean your hot tub or jacuzzi properly using the correct cleaning supplies.  A good quality cleaner with the ability to descale, clean and disinfect is what's required.  Our daily poolside cleaner is ideal for hot tubs and swimming pools.  We recommend the use of a respiratory mask when cleaning your hot tubs as the legionella bacteria is contracted when it is breathed into the lungs.

Legionella is not the only bacteria to be worried about.  Dr Rita Moyes a microbiologist at Texas University carried out a study on hot tubs and says that most of the tubs tested were found to have some kind of microbial growth,  worryingly 95% tested positive for bacteria derived from feces.  While 81% had funghi and 34% were harbouring potentially deadly staphylococcus bacteria.

The more people using the tub or spa the more bacteria was said to be found. To put things into perspective Dr Moyes says that, one teaspoon of normal tapwater would contain maybe 138 bacteria some may contain no bacteria.  Whilst a single teaspoon of whirlpool water contained on average, 2 million bacteria.

She says that problems arise when interior pipes ane not properly cleaned and maintained using suitable cleaning supplies.  The jets are harbouring germs and they are being sprayed out with the air and water.  Cleaning supplies should diminish the growth of bacteria.

Despite the risks of germs in the hot tub, providing the appropriate cleaning supplies are used to regularly clean and maintain the body of the tub, along with the jets and the interior pipes,  there is no reason to avoid using a hot tub, in fact experts tell us that there are definite benefits to our health in doing so.

The support of the water reduces body weight by 90% ensuring an immediate feeling of well being.  Temperatures are usually maintained at 38C which benefits the circulatory system.

It is said that just twenty minutes in a hot tub can relieve high blood pressure and headaches caused by stress.  Also time spent in a warm tub a couple of hours before bed can help with insomnia, the calming warm water relaxes muscles and reduces the blood pressure to make sleep easier.

The hot water and massage effects of the water jets can induce healing within the body lessening fatigue and pain and easing aches caused by excercising.  The muscles relax and the body releases endorphins, it's natural pain killers.

So, as long as we clean our hot tubs with suitable cleaning supplies on a regular basis, there is no reason why we cannot enjoy the very clear holistic benefits that bathing in the warm, bubbily water can bring.

For more information or advice on cleaning supplies or cleaning your hot tub or pool please do contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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