The Dangers of Incorrect Water Care for Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools.
Quite often on our repair jobs we encounter hot tubs and swimming pools in both domestic and holiday letting, business settings being maintained by the owners. There is of course nothing wrong with this, however we have found that a high percentage of these people are unknowingly putting themselves in a vulnerable situation as they assume that taking care of the water is as simple as throwing in a teaspoons worth of Chlorine or Bromine every now and again.
Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools that are not properly maintained and treated can pose serious health risks to users. In the UK, holiday properties with hot tubs and swimming pools are required to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety of guests. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of incorrect water treatment in hot tubs and swimming pools in holiday properties in the UK and how to prevent them.
Bacteria & Disease
One of the main dangers of incorrect water treatment in hot tubs and swimming pools is the risk of bacterial infections. Hot tubs and swimming pools can be breeding grounds for bacteria such as Legionella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas, which can cause serious respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested or inhaled through water vapour. The worst of which being Legionella.
In the UK, the control of Legionella bacteria in hot tubs and swimming pools is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). These regulations require holiday property owners and managers to assess and manage the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria in their hot tubs and swimming pools. This includes regularly testing the water for Legionella, maintaining proper chemical levels, and ensuring the water is kept clean and free from contaminants. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and even criminal charges in the case of serious harm to guests. It is important for holiday property owners and managers to understand their obligations under these regulations and to take the necessary steps to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria in their hot tubs and swimming pools.
Chemical Imbalance
In addition to the risk of bacterial infections, chemical imbalances in hot tubs and swimming pools can also pose a hazard to users. When the levels of chlorine or other disinfectants are too high, the water can cause skin irritation, eye and respiratory problems, and other health issues. On the other hand, when the levels are too low, the water can become contaminated with bacteria and other harmful organisms. Maintaining the proper balance of chemicals in the water is crucial to ensure the safety of users.
In addition to balancing the levels of disinfectants, holiday property owners and managers should also monitor the pH levels of the water. A pH level that is too low or too high can cause skin irritation, eye and respiratory problems, and can also corrode hot tub and pool surfaces and equipment. The ideal pH level for hot tubs and swimming pools is between 7.2 and 7.8. Stable, balanced water is what every user should have when using a hot tub or swimming pool. There are additional chemicals that ewe use for our regular maintenance customers that help keep the levels within the recommended zones throughout a guests stay. Contact us for more information.
It is important for holiday property owners and managers to regularly test the water and adjust the levels of disinfectants and pH as needed. They should also make sure that any chemicals used for water treatment are stored and used safely and properly, and that guests are informed of any risks associated with using the hot tub or swimming pool. By following these steps, holiday property owners and managers can help ensure that their hot tubs and swimming pools are safe and enjoyable for their guests.
What to do if you are unsure
In the UK, holiday properties with hot tubs and swimming pools are required to follow guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure the safety of guests. These guidelines include regularly testing and disinfecting the water, maintaining proper chemical levels, regular laboratory sampling of the water and providing safety information and instructions for users.
To prevent the dangers of incorrect water treatment in hot tubs and swimming pools, holiday property owners and managers should follow the guidelines set by the HSE in particular HSG282 and L8, creating a risk assessment and keeping detailed records of each visit. If you’re looking for templates for these click here.
But, the best option and or biased view is to hire a professional company to handle water treatment and maintenance, like ourselves!
We have another blog post detailing the benefits of using a professional service that you should take a look at below!
In conclusion, the dangers of incorrect water treatment in hot tubs and swimming pools in holiday properties in the UK can be serious and even life-threatening. Proper water treatment, including regular testing and disinfection, is essential to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria and to maintain proper chemical levels in the water. By following the guidelines set by the HSE and hiring a professional to handle water treatment and maintenance such as Elite Hot Tub & Swimming Pool Maintenance, holiday property owners and managers can help ensure the safety and enjoyment of their guests.
Contact us today for free advice!