Laboratory Testing of Hot Tub & Swimming Pool Water, is it Necessary?

The Lake District is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year wanting to experience our beautiful national parks and mountain ranges. Having a hot tub or a swimming pool in your holiday letting property more than doubles the occupancy rate and so it is especially important to ensure that these amenities are properly maintained. As we have wrote on in our latest blog post about Proper Maintenance, it is recommended within industry guidance that laboratory sampling for pool water is carried out to make sure that the risks are being managed and that bacteria is being sanitised.

But, is laboratory sampling necessary? The short answer is, Yes.

At Elite Hot Tub & Swimming Pool Maintenance we believe that having third-party verification via laboratory sampling is an essential part of any Control Scheme and here is why;

• It ensures that our water treatment and operating procedures are effective in controlling the risks.

• It gives our customers peace of mind knowing that the water has been examined under a microscope by UKAS certified, professional microbiologists.

• It gives verifiable evidence that harmful bacteria and viruses aren’t present in the water.

Laboratory sampling involves taking a small sample of water from the hot tub or swimming pool and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. In addition to testing for pH, chlorine levels, and other parameters, laboratory sampling of hot tub and swimming pool water almost always will include testing for the presence of Legionella, Pseudomonas, E.Coli and other potentially harmful microorganisms.

Legionella is a type of bacterium that can cause Legionnaire's disease, a severe form of pneumonia. It is found naturally in the environment, but can grow and spread in the warm, stagnant water found in hot tubs and swimming pools. By testing for the presence of Legionella, property owners can ensure that their guests are not at risk of contracting this serious illness.

Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that can be found in water, including hot tubs and swimming pools. If present in high concentrations, it can cause skin infections (Folliculitis, commonly known as Hot Tub Rash) and respiratory issues in people who are exposed to it. The growth of pseudomonas in water can be promoted by warm temperatures, poor water circulation, and high levels of organic matter, such as stool, sweat and oils.

E. coli is another type of bacteria that can be found in water and can cause serious illness if ingested. It is important to regularly test for the presence of E. coli in hot tub and swimming pool water to ensure that it is safe for use.

By regularly testing for the presence of these and other microorganisms, property owners can ensure that their guests are not at risk of contracting illness while using the hot tub or pool. This allows property owners and maintenance companies to accurately assess the quality of the water and take any necessary steps to ensure that it is safe for use.

Of course, having a proper water treatment and maintenance procedure for your hot tub or swimming pool is the best way to control the risk of these bugs being present in the water, but there is only one way to be 100% sure that the water is clear and that is with Laboratory sampling.

What if you choose not to do laboratory sampling?

If your maintenance company elects not to carry out routine laboratory sampling you are at risk of litigation should a guest become unwell after bathing in your hot tub or swimming pool. If there is no evidence that the pool water has been tested and is free of these viruses and bacteria, as a holiday property owner you are put in a vulnerable position.

Make the ‘Elite’ decision!

In conclusion, laboratory sampling of hot tub and swimming pool water is an important aspect of maintaining proper water quality in holiday properties in the Lake District. By regularly testing the water, property owners can ensure that it is safe for use, protect the health of their guests, and meet the required standards set by the local authorities. This helps to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for holidaymakers and contributes to the overall success of the business.

Elite Hot Tub and Swimming Pool Maintenance Limited carry out routine laboratory testing for all of our customers and so far have a 100% pass rate. We are working hard to keep this number and would love to chat with you about the maintenance of your hot tub or pool.