Hottub
Hot Tub Hygiene: Essential Steps for a Safe Soak
Feb
Hot Tub Hygiene: Essential Steps for a Safe Soak
Hot tubs provide a fantastic way to relax and unwind, but without proper care, they can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Maintaining good hygiene is essential to ensure your hot tub remains a safe and enjoyable space. It’s not just about having clean water; it’s about preventing the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections. As the HSE guidance points out, “poorly designed or poorly managed spa-pool systems can provide the conditions to create the risk of acquiring an infectious disease” [3]. This highlights the necessity of following proper hygiene practices.
One of the most crucial steps in hot tub hygiene is regular water testing. The water’s pH, disinfectant levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS) must be monitored regularly to ensure they are within safe ranges. The HSE document recommends that the pH should be maintained between 7.0 and 7.6 [18]. Disinfectant levels such as free chlorine and total active bromine should be tested to make sure they are between 3-5mg/l and 4-6mg/l respectively [19]. Regular testing ensures the water remains properly treated, and can highlight when a more thorough cleaning might be required.
Effective disinfection is also key to preventing microbial growth. Whether you use chlorine, bromine, or another disinfectant, it must be properly dosed and maintained [20]. “The effectiveness of the disinfectant is directly related to the pH of the water” [19]. It’s essential to regularly clean the hot tub, including surfaces and jets. Organic matter can accumulate in the pipes and on the tub surfaces. Cleaning helps to remove these nutrients that feed microbial growth [3]. The guidance states that “water in spa pools should be free from irritant substances, chemicals and infectious microbiological agents at levels which may be harmful to health” [3].
Water replacement is another crucial aspect of hot tub hygiene. The HSE recommends that domestic-type hot tubs used for business purposes, such as in holiday rentals, should have their water completely replaced each week or after each group of users, whichever is shorter [21]. This frequent replacement minimizes the accumulation of contaminants, which may be more prevalent with a diverse range of users.
By following these essential hygiene practices you can ensure that your hot tub remains a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable space. These steps might seem like extra effort, but they are vital to ensure health and safety for you and everyone who uses your hot tub.
FAQs
Why is water testing so important for hot tub hygiene?
Water testing ensures that the pH, disinfectant levels, and TDS are within safe ranges, preventing microbial growth and ensuring effective disinfection [18, 19].
How often should I test the water in my hot tub?
Water should be tested regularly, typically daily or at least twice a day depending on use, to maintain optimal water quality [22, 23].
What disinfectants are commonly used in hot tubs?
Common disinfectants include chlorine, bromine, and other approved chemicals. Make sure your choice is suitable for the size of your hot tub [24].
How often should I clean my hot tub?
Hot tubs should be cleaned regularly, including surfaces, jets, and filters. Follow the guidelines in the source document to ensure all areas are properly sanitised [24].
How often should I replace the water in my hot tub?
Domestic-type hot tubs used for business purposes should have their water completely replaced each week, or after each group of users, if sooner [21].
