Spa-pool systems
Spa-pool systems are increasingly popular and can be found in a variety of sizes and settings. They are known by various names including:
- hot spas
- hot tubs
- whirlpool spas
- portable spas
These systems pose a foreseeable risk as they are a recognised source of diseases caused by infectious agents. This includes the organism that causes legionnaires' disease, primarily legionella pneumophila. There have been a number of outbreaks linked to spa-pool systems in leisure centres, hotels, holiday homes and on cruise ships.
HSE's guide the control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems. This guidance was produced in association with the UK Health Security Agency, local authorities and industry representatives. It will help:
- managers and operators assess and control the risk of exposure
- service suppliers, designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers comply with their legal duties and keep spa-pool systems free of legionella
The guide provides specific advice on:
- operating and maintaining commercial-type systems
- domestic-type spa pools or hot tubs used as by a business, such as in holiday-parks rental units, hotel bedrooms and systems on display or at exhibitions