What's hidden in your water?
There are some pretty horrible sounding health risks associated with hot tubs. With the water being so warm chlorine and other disinfectants are broken down much faster than in a swimming pool, giving an increase risk of infection.
So what infections should you be aware of?
Hot Tub Rash
Hot tub rash is a skin infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required.. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required.. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required.
You can reduce the risk by regularly testing and maintaining your hot tub water, keeping disinfectant and pH levels in range, showering after use, and washing swimwear thoroughly. Consistent water care helps keep your hot tub safe and comfortable.
Hot tub rash is a skin infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required.. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required.. It appears as an itchy, red, bumpy rash and can sometimes include pus-filled blisters, usually developing a few days after exposure. While it often clears up on its own, a visit to your GP may occasionally be required.
You can reduce the risk by regularly testing and maintaining your hot tub water, keeping disinfectant and pH levels in range, showering after use, and washing swimwear thoroughly. Consistent water care helps keep your hot tub safe and comfortable.
Irritation from bodily fluids
This isn’t the most pleasant subject, but it’s an important one to understand.
Every time someone uses a hot tub, small amounts of organic matter are introduced into the water. It’s estimated that the average person can carry around one gram of faecal residue, which can easily be transferred into the water during use. With five or six people in a hot tub at the same time, this can quickly add up - placing a real strain on both the water quality and the filtration system.
When this is combined with other bodily substances such as urine and sweat, these contaminants react with chlorine to form chloramines. Chloramines are known irritants and can cause symptoms such as coughing, red eyes, and skin irritation.
This is why effective disinfection, filtration, and regular testing are essential for keeping hot tub water safe and comfortable for everyone.
Legionnaires' Disease
Legionella is a bacterium that can cause a serious form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. It can be contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets released into the air by hot tub jets, bubbles, or sprays.
Symptoms usually begin a day or two after exposure and may include headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches. After a few days, this can develop into a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion. People over the age of 50, smokers, and those with existing lung conditions are at higher risk.
To help prevent Legionella growth, it’s essential to monitor your hot tub water regularly using an accurate and reliable testing kit. Maintaining correct disinfectant levels and pH, even when the tub is not in use, is key. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, filter replacement, and routine maintenance to keep your hot tub safe.
Illnesses from parasites
Crypto is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium. Thanks to its tough outer shell, it can survive for more than seven days -even in properly chlorinated water. Crypto spreads when contaminated water is accidentally swallowed, and it only takes 10 or fewer parasites to cause infection.
Symptoms of Crypto infection include diarrhea, dehydration, and stomach or abdominal cramps. Because it is highly infectious, even a small amount of contaminated water can make you sick.
Crypto is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium. Thanks to its tough outer shell, it can survive for more than seven days -even in properly chlorinated water. Crypto spreads when contaminated water is accidentally swallowed, and it only takes 10 or fewer parasites to cause infection.
Symptoms of Crypto infection include diarrhea, dehydration, and stomach or abdominal cramps. Because it is highly infectious, even a small amount of contaminated water can make you sick.
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