Hot-tubs and spa pools, with their warm and inviting waters, can inadvertently become breeding grounds for the Legionella bacteria if not managed carefully. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling contaminated water droplets, poses a real threat in spa environments. Legionella bacteria can also cause similar but less severe conditions Lochgoilhead fever, or Pontiac fever. Recognising this risk is the first step in safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved – your staff, contractors working in the area, and guests.

There are many well-documented cases of outbreaks linked to hot-tubs and spa type pools in hotels, leisure centres, holiday centres, and cruise ships. There was also an outbreak in 2012 which was linked to a spa pool on display in a retail warehouse, resulting in 21 infections and 3 fatalities which illustrates the airborne nature of the bacteria.

Legionella thrives in warm water environments and hot-tubs provide the ideal conditions for its growth. Regular monitoring and maintenance of water temperature are essential to ensure that temperatures are outside the Legionella growth range, typically below 20°C or above 60°C. This will help to minimise the risk of bacterial proliferation.

Adequate filtration and disinfection protocols are also key in spa safety. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting hot-tub water to eliminate potential bacterial threats, and investing in high-quality filtration systems not only enhances the guest experience but also contributes significantly to your Health & Safety standards.

From water quality monitoring to recognising symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, a well-trained team is your frontline defence against potential health crises!

Empower your spa staff with comprehensive training on the risks associated with hot-tubs, focusing on Legionella awareness and prevention. Armour provide e-learning on Basic Legionella Management, which helps your staff understand the risk that Legionella poses, what systems and working practices to put in place and help them make confident, informed choices. In addition to being highly informative, the course counts as 3 CPD units and is approved by CPD, Gatehouse Awards and IIRSM.

In the soothing embrace of spa environments, let’s prioritise well-being of workers and guests. Together, we can ensure that the serenity of the spa remains untarnished by hidden Health & Safety risks.