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Spa Pools, Hot Tubs, Spa Baths etc Legionella related articles
Articles found in the public domain relating to places outside of the UK
Does a “NOT DETECTED” statement on result certificate for legionella from the laboratory mean your hot spa is in the clear?
Finding no evidence of Legionella being present does not necessarily mean that it is not in the system. A lot depends on the following:
- when the sample was taken in relation to dose timing
- where the sample was taken especially in relation to dosing points
- use of neutralisers in the sample bottle
- time between sampling and analysis
- delivery time to the lab
- the competence of the lab
- the sensitivity and specificity of the method used
- is the lab accredited?
- do they participate in an EQA scheme?
- what sample size ?
There are many incompetent labs out there - so a negative result should not fill us with any degree of assurance, it is just a guide and not a stand alone action.
For Spa Pools/tubs commercial, a risk assessment and control plan by a competent person trained in the specific systems should always be carried out and training of pool monitors, responsible persons and any one associated to the maintenance should be in place to understand the risks and manage the systems. At home, it's up to you but the same should apply by thoroughly following the manufactirers recomendations. (Thats if it has come from a reputable dealer)
How many spa operators have you found that are willing to get in their own pool? That should alone tell you something about management and maintenance standards generally. Is the pool particularly well managed if not entirely well designed? (poolside testing carried out every hour staff well trained and knowledgeable). The chemicals are also worth checking the validation data especially of new environmentally friendly biocides, COSHH data and application from the manufacturer used in spa pools.
Spa pools should be given the utmost respect. Remember, we need the right temperature 37C, YOU GOT IT, we need nutrients to feed the legionella , YOU GOT IT, we need the a place for legionella to accumulate, YOU GOT IT, we need a system able to atomise the water to carry to our susceptible host, YOU GOT IT.
Our only defence is filtering and disinfection, that is why it is so important to control spa pools. No one wants a death.
If on holiday and you want to share other peoples bacterial soup, why not take a pool tester kit and check before jumping in to ensure correct pH and free chlorine as well as ensuring the clarity of the water is good and no scum marks on the water line. You may think that others think you're a jerk but they don't think of you when your in ICU with legionella.
Simon French
www.whtlimited.com