A spa pool or hot tub holds warm water, blows air through it and is shared by many people. That combination makes it one of the higher-risk water systems for legionella. With daily checks and regular cleaning, the risk can be controlled.
Why spa pools are higher risk
- Temperature: the water is kept in the range where legionella grows best.
- Aeration: jets and bubbles create a spray that people breathe in, including people sitting nearby.
- Bathers: skin, oils and cosmetics feed bacteria and use up the disinfectant.
- Hidden pipework: slime builds up inside pipes, jets and balance tanks where it cannot be seen.
The Health and Safety Authority lists spa pools among the systems that can spread legionella, and points to dedicated guidance on managing them.
Daily controls
- Test the disinfectant level and pH before the pool opens, and at intervals through the day.
- Check the water is clear and the circulation and filtration are running.
- Clean the waterline, overflow channels and surrounds.
- Record every test result with the time and a name.
- Close the pool if results are outside the limits set for it, and do not reopen until they are back within them.
Routine cleaning and maintenance
- Backwash or clean filters as the manufacturer directs.
- Drain, clean and refill the pool on a set schedule based on how heavily it is used.
- Clean and disinfect jets, headrests, covers and the balance tank.
- Inspect flexible hoses and pipework where they can be reached.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the limits in your risk assessment.
Managing the people using it
- Ask bathers to shower before they get in.
- Set a maximum number of bathers and stick to it.
- Display the rules beside the pool.
Holiday lets and hired hot tubs
A hot tub at a holiday let is used by one group after another. Drain, clean and refill between lettings, check the disinfectant during each stay, and keep a record. Display tubs in showrooms carry the same risk if they are filled and running.
Risk assessment and sampling
A spa pool should be covered by your legionella risk assessment, with its own written procedures. Sampling is usually part of the controls for a commercial spa pool. Read more on how often legionella sampling should be done.
Staff training
Whoever tests the water needs to know what the readings mean and what to do when one is wrong. A checklist nobody understands does not control the risk.
Safer Solutions provides legionella risk assessments and sampling for hotels, leisure centres and holiday accommodation, including hotels and B&Bs in Galway. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.