Public Hot Tub Health and Safety

If you have ever taken a dip in a public hot tub, only to develop a rash from it the next day, you may have found yourself wondering about the cleanliness of the water, especially if you do not have adverse reactions from soaking in your own private hot tub. Although some public pools and hot tubs are very well maintained, others are not, and the unpracticed eye might have a hard time distinguishing between a clean hot tub and one that is harboring dangerous germs. If you are on vacation or are taking the kids out for a special day at the pool, you will want to be armed with the knowledge that will help keep you and your family healthy and safe.

Unfortunately, public hot tubs can be filled with germs. Other bathers do not always follow pool guidelines that are there to keep the water clean, and proper procedures for pool maintenance are not always adhered to. Improperly maintained hot tubs can lead to problems such as Legionnaires’ disease, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and rashes.

Although using your own hot tub is a much better bet, if you wish to use a public hot tub or pool, there are several tests that you can do yourself to determine whether the pool or hot tub has been properly cared for and maintained. Here are a few steps you can take to see if the hot tub has been properly disinfected.

The Dime Test

The appearance of the water can be a good test for cleanliness. Toss a dime into the bottom of the pool. If you can see whether it landed on heads or tails, then the water is clear enough. Public hot tub water should be clear but with a slight blue tint, and it should be free from foam.

The Smell Test

While most people may think that the stronger the pool smell, the cleaner the pool, the opposite is actually true. When chlorine mixes with contaminants such as urine, feces, dirt, or perfumes, it creates chloramines. Chloramines eat up disinfectants and create that strong smell that we all associate with swimming pools. If the hot tub or pool smells strong, it may be best to steer clear.

Use Test Strips

You can actually bring your own test strips to the hot tub and test disinfectant and pH levels. The CDC says that public hot tubs should measure at 2-4 ppm for chlorine, 4-6 ppm for bromine, and pH levels should measure from 7.2 to 7.8.

Listen for the Filters

A hot tub should have audible indications that filters are running correctly. If the hot tub is perfectly quiet, the filters may not be functioning well, or might not be on at all.

Check the Walls

The walls of the tub should be smooth, but should not feel slippery or slimy. If the walls have any slippery substances on them, stay out of the tub.

A Note About Covid-19 and Public Pools

Many people are concerned about the possibility of Covid-19 spreading through public pool water. The CDC has announced that studies are strongly indicating that Covid-19 cannot survive in pools or hot tubs that have been properly sanitized using chlorine, bromine, or ozone filtration systems. As long as proper social distancing is practiced, surfaces are properly cleaned, guests wash their hands frequently, and proper pool sanitation is followed, the virus cannot be contracted through swimming. You can use the above tips to help you decide if a public pool is safe for swimming.

Public vs. Private Hot Tubs

As a general rule, private hot tubs are much healthier and safer than public hot tubs. Your own hot tub will be properly maintained and cleaned, while a public hot tub may not always be receiving the care and attention it needs. The chemicals in a public hot tub need to be continually replenished, and the chemical levels and the pH should be tested regularly; hourly if possible. This is made even more challenging by the fact that the hot water may dissipate chemicals faster, leading to water that is not being properly treated.

Your private hot tub, on the other hand, is exposed to far fewer pathogens, and it is much easier to control the environment. Not only this, but you may prefer a chemical-free soak which is possible with the right hot tub and filtration system. Many people who are sensitive to chlorine may want to stay away from public hot tubs. If you love to soak in the hot tub, but are concerned about rashes and illnesses, investing in your own hot tub is a much safer way to enjoy their benefits.

In conclusion, swimming in a public pool or hot tub that has not been properly cared for can be dangerous for your health. Dirty hot tubs can harbor bacteria, viruses, and more that can irritate the lungs and the skin. By using your senses, you can test whether a public hot tub has been properly cared for before going in for a soak. However, using your own private hot tub can be a safer way to soak, especially if you are overly sensitive to chemicals.

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First Posted on: Public Hot Tub Health and Safety