HSE Spa Pool
HSE Spa Pool
HSE Spa Pool
Executive
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Contents
Introduction 4
Glossary 54
References 58
Sources of information 60
Acknowledgements 61
Further information 62
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Introduction
Background
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Section 1: Legislative
requirements
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the HSW Act, MHSWR and COSHH concerning the risk from exposure to
legionella bacteria. The ACOP applies to employers and those in control
of premises where there is a risk of exposure to legionella. It also:
sets out the responsibilities of those supplying services such as water
treatment, as well as those of manufacturers, importers, suppliers
and installers;
gives guidance on identifying, assessing and managing the risk in
water systems, as well as record keeping.
14 Although only a court can give an authoritative interpretation of the
law when considering the application of health and safety legislation,
HSE and local authority (LA) inspectors expect employers to follow the
guidance in the ACOP or be able to demonstrate compliance with the
law in some other way. This document gives specific guidance, in the
context of spa-pool systems, to help dutyholders comply with the health
and safety legislation set out in the ACOP.
Enforcement
15 HSE and LAs enforce health and safety legislation. HSE is responsible
for enforcement with respect to designers, manufacturers and installers
and for spa pools in premises where HSE is the enforcing authority, eg
factories as well as national and local government buildings. LAs are
responsible for enforcement in hotels, retail outlets, and private sports and
fitness clubs. The majority of spa pools in a business setting will be under
the enforcement of LAs. Further guidance on enforcement allocation can
be found at www.hse.gov.uk/lau/enforcement-allocation.htm.
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Microbiological hazards
Legionella species
21 Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by the legionella
organism including the most serious legionnaires’ disease, as well as the
similar but less serious condition of Pontiac fever. There have been a
number of outbreaks linked to spa pools, including those in leisure
centres, hotels, holiday homes, cruise ships and those on display.
Everyone is susceptible to infection but there is a heightened risk with:
increasing age, particularly those over 45;
smokers and heavy drinkers;
those with existing respiratory diseases or certain illnesses and
conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease;
those with an impaired immune system.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa
23 Numerous outbreaks of folliculitis caused by P aeruginosa are
associated with spa pools and hot tubs. Folliculitis presents as a red
rash caused by infection of the hair follicles, usually about 48 hours
(range 8 hours–5 days) after immersion in pool water, and is related to
the duration of immersion as well as the degree of contamination of the
water. Children are generally more susceptible than adults.
Other hazards
Chemical
27 COSHH covers substances that are hazardous to health, including
chemicals and products containing chemicals. Risks associated with
working with chemicals used in a spa pool, overdosing and disinfection
byproducts and inadvertent mixing of incompatible chemicals must be
managed. Further guidance is at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/
substance.htm.
Temperature
28 Prolonged immersion in water above body temperature can lead to
delayed shock. The warm temperature of spa pools could pose a risk of ill
health to users who are pregnant, have cardiovascular problems, or are
subject to fits. People taking medication for cardiovascular and nervous
system conditions, and those with physical disabilities, should seek medical
advice before using a spa pool. Shortening exposure time and using notices
to warn users can help control the risk. While temperature mainly affects
users, particularly young children, the high temperature and humidity around
the spa pool could also affect people working for long periods close to it.
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Electrical
29 Spa-pool systems should comply with the Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989. More guidance on the risk of working with electrical
equipment is available at www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/information/law.htm
and further information on the standards covers wiring for electrical
installations in swimming pools and spa pools can be found in BS 7671.7
Confined spaces
31 A confined space can be any space of an enclosed nature where
there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or
dangerous conditions (eg lack of oxygen). The risk of working in a
confined space, for example in and around the balance tank, must be
assessed under the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999. If the assessment identifies risks of serious injury
associated with confined spaces from work in and around the spa-pool
system, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 apply. Further guidance
can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace.
Manual handling
32 Take care to avoid injuries when handling the spa pool and any heavy
and/or awkward loads such as chemical drums, as these can lead to
cumulative damage that can be severe and debilitating. If manual
handling is required, an assessment must be carried out in accordance
with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (www.hse.gov.uk/msd/
manualhandling.htm).
Entrapment
33 There is a risk of suction entanglement and trapping hair or body parts
in the spa-pool inlets, outlets and grilles. The risk should be assessed and
appropriate control measures used to reduce it, for example by using
design features and clearly displayed information to users.
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Competence
41 Inadequate management, lack of training and poor communication
can be contributory factors in outbreaks of diseases, including
legionnaires’ disease. It is important that everyone involved in the risk
assessment and operation of the spa pool must be competent,
trained and aware of their responsibilities. The dutyholder must
ensure that suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training
are provided. Competence will be a product of sufficient training,
experience, knowledge and other personal qualities. Training,
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The NOP should set out the way the system operates on a daily basis
and should include details of the layout, equipment, manner of use, user-
group characteristics and any hazards or activity-related risks.
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intended use;
water replacement frequency other than via backwashing;
actions for repeated adverse monitoring results or contamination
incidents and criteria for the closure and reopening of the spa pool.
47 Communication and management procedures are particularly
important where several people are responsible for different aspects of
the spa pool’s operation. Responsibilities and lines of communication
should be clearly defined, reviewed and documented to ensure they are
effective, and documentary evidence made available for inclusion in
internal and external audits. This also applies to external contractors who
may be responsible for certain aspects of the control regime.
48 Arrangements should be in place to ensure staffing levels are
appropriate while the spa pool is being operated and the responsible
person(s) or an authorised deputy are contactable at all times when the
spa pool is in use.
49 It is important to ensure that control measures are implemented
effectively and this can be achieved by:
ensuring the design bather load and recommended bather duration is
not exceeded;
encouraging showering before entering the pool;
regular checks and observations at appropriate intervals;
ensuring PPE is being used correctly;
adequate supervision of staff to ensure defined procedures are
understood and being followed;
providing appropriate signage;
taking prompt remedial action when required.
50 For precautions to remain effective, the condition and performance of
the spa pool must be monitored and reviewed. The responsible person
should oversee and manage this, although it is acceptable for competent
consultants or contractors to provide assistance and advice. The review
should include:
checking the performance of the spa pool and its component parts;
inspecting the accessible parts for damage and signs of
contamination, eg biofilms, the condition of the jets/overflows/grilles
etc;
monitoring to ensure the treatment regime is controlling the growth of
infectious agents;
checking that any modifications are included in the review.
Record keeping
51 Where there are five or more employees, the law requires that the
significant findings of the risk assessment must be recorded. If there
are fewer than five employees there is no legal requirement to
record anything.
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water;
water treatment chemical usage;
certificates;
information on other hazards, eg chemical, slips and trips;
training records of those who work on the spa pool.
53 Record of the risk assessment must be retained for the period it
remains current and for at least two years afterwards, and records kept
for monitoring, inspections, testing or checks, should be kept for at least
five years.
54 Records, written or electronic, should contain accurate information
about who did the work and when it was carried out. All records should be
signed, verified or authenticated by a signature or other appropriate means.
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Consumers have the right to expect their purchased spa pool to:
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only place on the market safe products within the limits of their
activities;
provide relevant information to customers;
take measures to keep themselves informed of the risks that products
may present and take appropriate action, eg withdraw products from
the market if necessary.
Distributors are required to act with due care to help ensure that
products supplied by them are safe. A ‘safe product’ under the
regulations presents either no risk or only minimum risk compatible
with the product’s use.
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66 Common terms associated with spa pools are hot spa, hot tub,
whirlpool spa and portable spa. Jacuzzi® is the registered trade name of
a specific manufacturer and should not be mistaken for a generic name
for spa pools.
67 There are other installations such as:
compact spa-pool installations that have been designed often with air
induction and a counter-current exercise unit;
joined swimming pool and spa pool compartments to enable
swimming in a confined area; or
larger volume spa-pool installations with air induction, often in
conjunction with a variety of water features.
68 Where domestic-type spa pools are used as a business activity, the
bather load is restricted to a discrete group of users.
Bespoke spas
69 A bespoke spa pool is built in situ using standard, factory-built parts
which may be modified or added to on site. Bather loads, water
temperature and the size of the pool may vary greatly but usually they
have a higher bather load and are in a commercial setting (defined below).
These pools typically have either an overflow or deck-level spa with a
separate filter and continuous chemical feeder system (see Figure 1 on
page 26). The design includes a separate balance tank generally located in
the plant room. The complexity of the design features, any associated
equipment and the aerosol exposure must be considered during the risk
assessment and will require enhanced levels of control and monitoring.
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Hot tubs
70 A hot tub is a self-contained factory-built unit for indoor or outdoor
use and is designed for sitting in. They are typically filled with treated
water, maintained at a temperature above 30 °C, fitted with air jets and
aerated (see Figure 2 on page 27). They are generally designed for a
small number of discrete bathers where the water is not changed,
drained or cleaned after every use. Hot tubs are not for swimming in and
do not have a balance tank. These are likely to be small units but with
regular daily usage and the above factors, along with the turnover of
water, must be considered as part of the risk assessment.
Whirlpool baths
71 Whirlpool baths are designed for one or two bathers where the water
is not treated, and are intended to be filled and emptied after each use.
Whirlpool baths are usually fitted with water jets, which can be angled in
use. In addition, there is usually an air track in the floor of the bath,
powered by an air-blower system and/or air may be introduced to the
water jets.
72 Whirlpool baths have the potential for similar problems to spa pools,
such as the formation of biofilms within the pipework system associated
with the air and/or water booster jets, and should be regularly
disinfected. Such factors must be considered as part of the risk
assessment process.
Spa-pool settings
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exhibition, the design bather load would not apply to the risk assessment
as the pool should be displayed empty of water and there would be no
intended bather use. However, if it is filled, the risks posed to individuals
who work with or pass in close proximity to the spa pool must be
considered and must be treated and controlled.
Healthcare
82 Healthcare premises, residential or care homes can feature spa
pools, including whirlpool baths, used for medical or therapeutic
purposes. Special consideration should be given to patients or
occupants in a healthcare setting (healthcare premises, residential or
care homes), where they may be exposed to a spa-pool system and a
potential source of waterborne infectious agents. This document should
therefore be read in conjunction with HSE’s HSG274 Part 2 Special
considerations for healthcare and the Department of Health’s specific
guidance for healthcare premises: www.gov.uk/government/publications/
hot-and-cold-water-supply-storage-and-distribution-systems-for-
healthcare-premises.
83 A local risk assessment should consider the number and nature of
any ‘at risk’ patients or residents, as there may be factors which increase
their susceptibility to legionnaires’ disease. Such factors include
increasing age, those with existing respiratory diseases or certain
illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and those with
impaired immune systems. The risk assessment should inform the
overarching water safety plan, and it is important that the Water Safety
Group has access to expert advice on any risks posed by spa pools and
how to operate and maintain them safely.
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Design
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Construction
87 Spa pools and associated pipework and equipment should be
constructed from materials appropriate for their intended use. They
should be supported to ensure minimal movement or flexing of the shell
to prevent damage and facilitate effective drainage. Surfaces should be
smooth and free from defects that would otherwise support microbial
growth. All water fittings used in the construction of systems must
comply with the requirements of Water Supply (Water Fittings)
Regulations 1999 and, for Scotland, the Water Supply (Water Fittings)
(Scotland) Byelaws 2014. All non-metallic materials used in the
construction of the spa-pool system must comply with the appropriate
parts of BS 6920.20
88 The design of spa-pool shells normally conform to one of two designs:
deck-level overflow system (see Figure 1) – maintains the water level
at a constant height while the excess water flows to a balance tank to
be replaced as the bathers leave the spa pool;
freeboard and skimmer system (see Figure 2) – where the water level is
below the top of the system to accommodate bather immersion.
Circulation
89 Spa pools and plant should be designed to achieve circulation and
mixing of all the treated pool water with no stagnant areas and effective
removal of water from the surface (where the bulk of the pollutants are).
Spa pools should be designed with a surface draw-off of approximately
80% of the circulation volume. To maintain microbiological quality of the
spa-pool water, the filter and pumps should be sized to provide a
turnover of pool water that is suitable for the pool layout and operation at
the limit of the anticipated bather load, which will typically be 6 minutes
for commercial-type spa pools where bather load is high and 15 minutes
for lower bather loads.
90 For deck-level overflow systems, surface water spills into perimeter
channels forming part of the recirculation system, and is drawn from the
balance tank and pumped through the filters and circulated back to the
spa pool. All suction outlets should be duplicated and connected to
more than one fitting, and the fittings should be of an anti-vortex design
to reduce the risk of entrapment. Where suction pipes are run from a
plant room, all suction valves should be left open while the pump is
running to avoid deadlegs.
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ANTI-SYPHON LOOP
SURFACE WATER
REMOVAL CHANNEL
AIRLINE
AIR
BLOWER
OVER
FLOW
BALANCE
pH CORRECTION POINT TANK
3 WAY
PUMP STRAINER VALVE
DRAIN
HEATER
FILTER
FILTRATION
WATER BOOST
DISINFECTANT
AIR SYSTEM ADDITION POINT
HEATING
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Air
Jet
Light
Power
Pump
Drain Heater
Figure 2 Design of a typical freeboard and skimmer spa pool and associated
water system
Pipework
93 Pipework should be designed to be readily accessible and removable
for inspection and cleaning, with minimum length of pipe runs to avoid
deadlegs and reduce the surface area for microbial biofilm growth. As
plastic pipework may readily support microbial growth, the materials
chosen should minimise the risk. Flexible, internally-corrugated piping
should not be used as it increases the surface area for growth and can
create areas that are difficult to clean.
94 All non-metallic materials used in the construction of the spa pool
should comply with the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)
approval scheme which lists products that have been tested and comply
with BS 6920.
Filtration
95 Filtration is necessary to ensure adequate water clarity can be
maintained through the removal of suspended particulate matter/debris
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Balance tank
97 Deck-level overflow systems should have a balance tank designed to
take up the water displaced from bathers and should be:
appropriately sized for the bather load;
easily and safely accessible for inspection, cleaning and maintenance;
constructed from materials which minimise the potential for
microbial growth;
smooth to facilitate inspection, cleaning and disinfection and free
from defects that support microbial growth;
easy to drain completely;
designed to limit ingress of dirt and other potential nutrients but with
a removable lid or inspection hatch to facilitate access while
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Heating
102 The typical operating temperature of spa pools is 30–40 °C.
The heat exchanger should be sized to ensure that a rise in water
temperature will not cause damage to the shell or any tiling but should be
capable of heating the pool water within a suitable timeframe according to
pool design. Specific details are given for tiled pools in BS 5385-4 Wall
and floor tiling. Design and installation of ceramic and mosaic tiling in
specific conditions. Code of practice.21
Booster jets
103 Booster jets are inlet fittings that blend air and water creating a high
velocity turbulent mix. The booster jets and pipework should be
designed to discourage biofilm formation and to facilitate inspection,
cleaning and treatment programmes. This should include preventing
areas where water might become stagnant in addition to enabling the
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Plant location
106 The pool plant and equipment should be located as near as
possible to the spa pool with suction and delivery pipe runs and
chemical dosing lines, where used, kept as short as practicable.
107 To ensure all routine and maintenance functions can be carried out
adequately there should be sufficient space, easy access and a separate
area close by for safe storage of chemicals. Further information on plant
space and chemical storage can be found in the Chartered Institute of
Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide G Public Health and Plumbing
Engineering,22 and Swimming Pool Water: Treatment and Quality
Standards for Pools and Spas published by the Pool Water Treatment
Advisory Group (PWTAG)23 and the PWTAG website: www.pwtag.org.
Commissioning
108 Commissioning is an essential step in ensuring that spa-pool
systems operate safely from the outset. They should be commissioned
to ensure they operate correctly and safely in accordance with the
design parameters. It is essential that the commissioning process is
carried out by competent people in a logical and defined manner and in
full compliance with the supplier’s or installer’s instructions. It should
include both the spa pool and any associated pipework and water
treatment plant, where relevant.
109 The responsibilities of the staff carrying out the commissioning
process should be clearly defined, with adequate time and resources
allocated to allow the integrated parts of the installation to be
commissioned correctly. The precautions taken to prevent or control the
risk of exposure to legionella and other infectious agents during normal
operation also apply to the commissioning process. It is important to
note that a spa-pool system may harbour residual water and microbial
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Bather load
115 Each type of spa pool is designed to contain a maximum number of
bathers at any one time and this is an important determinant of
satisfactory water quality during typical use of the spa pool. The risk
assessment should consider the bather load to ensure satisfactory water
quality and determine the operational actions. The number of bathers in
the spa pool at any time should never exceed the number of seats or
loungers provided in it.
116 The design bather load is the maximum number of bathers using the
spa per hour (ie each hour is three periods of 15-minute bathing followed
by a 5-minute rest period) and this should be stated and not exceeded.
The design bather load should be approximately 10 times the capacity of
water in the spa-pool system when measured in cubic metres, with a
minimum of 250 litres per bather (for example a 5 m3 pool would have a
design bather load of 50 bathers per hour).
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Water replacement
117 In a commercial setting, as a minimum the total water volume should
be replaced with fresh water when the bather load equals 100 x the water
capacity measured in cubic metres since the last water replacement.
Where a spa-pool area is incorporated within the swimming-pool water-
treatment system, the dilution of pollutants is much greater and water
replacement should be up to 30 litres per bather per day in accordance
with the recognised standard for swimming pools. Where a stand-alone
spa pool is situated adjacent to a swimming pool, the swimming-pool
water may be used to fill the spa pool but the spa-pool water must be
emptied to waste and not drained into the swimming pool.
118 Where a hot tub or spa pool is used as a business activity, the total
water volume should be replaced each week, or after each group of
users, if earlier.
119 It is expected that water will be completely drained and replaced in
a typical spa-pool system. However, where this is not practicable, eg due
to a large pool size, there should be additional control measures and
enhanced monitoring to ensure that the physical, microbiological and
chemical quality of the spa-pool water is maintained.
Water quality
120 Effective water treatment relies on filtration working in conjunction
with chemical disinfection. Filtration that is working effectively and
efficiently contributes to maintaining the cleanliness, clarity and safety of
the water. Chemical disinfection is required to prevent microbial growth
and reduce the risk of infection.
121 The spa-pool maintenance programme should ensure appropriate
physical operation of the spa pool and provide a suitable chemical
balance to achieve microbiological control. To ensure optimum water
quality, the turnover time of the spa pool and the design bathing loads
should not exceed recommended limits.
122 The turnover time is the time taken for the entire spa-pool water
volume to pass through the filters and treatment plant and back to the
spa pool. The maximum design water turnover time for lower bather
loads is 15 minutes, and 6 minutes for commercial-type spa pools (where
there are higher bather loads).
123 Backwashing is the process of reversing the flow of water
through the filter to clean the filter media. Where sand filters are used,
backwashing will be necessary. The frequency of backwashing should
be informed by the risk assessment and manufacturers’ instructions
and it should not be done when the spa pool is in use. There should
be sufficient capacity in the spa pool and balance tank for
backwashing the filter efficiently and enough time must be factored
into the process to enable the filter medium to settle before reopening
the spa pool. For this reason, backwashing should be done after the
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last user of the day, or before the site is closed overnight, but with the
spa pool left running.
124 Sand filters should always be backwashed before the pressure rises
above normal clean operating pressure by 0.35 bar. Precoat filters
should be recharged according to manufacturers’ instructions. Where
cartridge filters are used, at least two sets should be retained to ensure
there is one set in use while the other is being chemically cleaned and
dried. Filters should be replaced as appropriate in accordance with risk
assessment and manufacturers’ instructions.
125 The frequency of inspection and monitoring of the spa-pool system
will depend on the operating characteristics of the pool, its complexity,
design bather load and setting, eg healthcare. The risk assessment
should define the frequency of inspection and monitoring, depending on
the type of use and user (particularly where there are adjustments made
by the assessor to take account of local needs). Table 1 provides a
checklist of operational actions and the typical recommended
frequencies. Table 2 (page 38) provides guidance on the spa-pool
inspection and recommended actions.
Table 1 Operational actions and typical frequencies
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Dehumidification
126 Where spa pools with a higher bather load are sited indoors,
consider the dehumidification/ventilation of the area around the spa pool.
The level of evaporation from the surface of the spa pool is increased
when the airblower/jets are operated and equipment should be in place
to lower the humidity, for example:
control timers to limit prolonged operation of the jets/airblower when
the pool is not being used (limited to no more than 15 minutes’
continuous operation);
an air temperature of 1 degree C above the water temperature to a
maximum of 30 °C and a maximum relative humidity of 60–70% is
typically required. Ventilation should be set at a rate of 10–15 litres
per second per square metre of wetted area;
central plant incorporating heat recovery and/or heat pump
dehumidification can be used to recirculate the air. However,
recirculatory systems can operate under conditions that cause severe
corrosion and loss of performance;
using a cover when the spa pool is not in use;
a wall-mounted dehumidifier can also be provided and can contribute
to the space heating to reduce condensation.
User information
127 Risk assessments should identify the information to be provided for
users, including good standards of hygiene, recommended bathing time,
bather load and the appropriate procedures when using the spa pool.
They are typically provided in a form of notice.
use the toilet and shower before entering the spa pool;
not wear sun tan lotions, spray tans or skin creams;
not use the spa pool after a heavy meal or under the influence of
alcohol or sedatives;
keep their head above the water;
not exceed 15 minutes’ immersion at a time;
not exceed the maximum number of bathers (one per seat);
seek medical advice if pregnant, have health problems or
immunosuppressed;
supervise all children in and around the spa pool and not allow
children under 4 years of age, or those unable to keep their head
above the water level when sitting, in the spa pool.
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The nature of the incoming mains water supply tends to determine the pH
adjustment required. Bromine products (eg 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-
dimethylhydantoin) as well as some chlorine products (eg sodium
dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate) tend to be relatively neutral when
dissolved in spa-pool water and have little effect on the pH. Heating
water drives off acidic carbon dioxide so the natural tendency is for the
pH to rise in spa pools.
131 The TDS are the measure of the concentration of dissolved materials
present in the water from the water treatment chemicals and bathers.
The TDS of the spa-pool water should be no more than 1000 mg/l higher
than the incoming fill water, above which corrosion of the water
distribution system may become more apparent. Planned regular water
replacement will normally prevent such occurrences.
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132 The risk from exposure to legionella and other infectious agents
should be controlled by maintaining the cleanliness of all parts of the
system and the water within it to ensure the pool remains free from
nutrient sources arising from contamination and corrosion. This may be
achieved by routine inspection, cleaning and ongoing disinfection.
Table 2 provides guidance on inspection and the recommended actions.
The concentration of disinfectant used should be checked at the end of
the disinfection period to ensure that it has been maintained for the
duration of contact time.
133 In addition to the spa pool, balance tank and its associated
components, cleaning should take account of other areas where
contamination may occur, for example the ingress of dirt into the spa
pool from the surrounding walkways. Cleaning products should be
compatible with the materials used in the construction of the spa pool
and with other chemicals used for treatment.
Table 2 Guidance on inspection and recommended actions
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Routine disinfection
134 A variety of disinfectants are used in spa-pool systems to control
microbial growth (see Information box 5 Disinfectants). The quality of the
incoming mains water supply should be taken into consideration before a
disinfectant can be selected.
135 Various factors may influence the maintenance of disinfectant levels,
for example bather numbers, temperatures, sunlight, turbulence, organic
loading and/or aeration. At pH 7, free chlorine residual measured by
DPD1 should be 3–5 mg/l, or total active bromine 4–6 mg/l. The
effectiveness of the disinfectant is directly related to the pH of the water.
Spa-pool water treatment chemicals should be continuously dosed and
dosing of high-bather-load spa pools should be automatically controlled.
Hand-dosing should only be used in emergencies such as plant failure or
for shock treatment.
136 The process of disinfection using a chlorinating agent results in the
formation of free and bound (combined) chlorine. Combined chlorine,
which has slow and little disinfectant effect, is formed by the reaction of
free chlorine with organic materials arising from bather pollution, eg urine
and perspiration. The efficiency of the disinfection system to cope with
the bather load is reflected by the concentration of combined chlorine.
The ideal combined chlorine concentration is 0 mg/l, but a concentration
of less than 1 mg/l is normally considered acceptable (although the
combined chlorine should not exceed half of the free chlorine). Above
this concentration, irritation to the mucous membranes of the eyes and
throat may occur.
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Other disinfectants
140 There are other types of disinfectant available but it is important that
the disinfectant used has been independently shown to be capable of
providing satisfactory chemical and microbiological water quality.
Emergency disinfection
141 The EAP must take account of situations where the spa pool has
become grossly contaminated. This may be identified by repeated
failures of microbiological results or visual inspection. The EAP should
include removing bulk contaminants by cleaning and super chlorination,
and the use of a flocculent.
Chemical storage
142 Acids, alkalis and disinfectants should be stored appropriately in a
secure, well-ventilated, dry storage area, preferably separate to the plant
room, with each area having provision for heat and frost protection and
marked with an appropriate warning sign. These should be bunded (the
bund should be able to contain at least 110% of the maximum volume of
liquid stored) and separated to contain any spillage of liquid chemicals
and prevent any subsequent mixing of acids and alkalis, where highly
toxic chlorine gas may be produced. Storage information is provided in
the safety data sheets.
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143 The risk from exposure to legionella and other infectious agents
should be prevented or controlled and the precautions taken monitored
to ensure they remain effective. This section gives guidance on
monitoring the water quality in spa-pool systems, routine sampling and
testing for the presence of bacteria. These combined factors will help to
give an indication of whether control is being achieved.
144 Spa-pool water should be routinely analysed to ensure the continued
effectiveness and suitability of the treatment programme. The frequency
and extent of any analysis will depend on the operating characteristics of
the system and will typically include daily, monthly and/or quarterly actions
to ensure that chemical dosage and system water quality are appropriate –
see Table 1 Operational actions and typical frequencies (page 34).
145 The identification of changes in the water chemistry such as pH,
disinfectant concentrations and water balance should allow for
necessary corrective actions to be taken to the treatment programme or
system operating conditions.
146 The microbiological monitoring programme should include the
routine sampling and testing for the presence of bacteria to assess the
effectiveness of the water treatment.
147 Testing of water quality, using chemical and microbiological
monitoring, is an essential part of the spa-pool treatment regime and
may be carried out by the operator where they are suitably trained to do
so, or by an external service provider.
148 Testing and recording of the chemical and microbiological
parameters associated with the spa pool should be carried out and
appropriate actions taken according to the results (see Tables 3 and 4).
The test results should be provided in the form of a report which will
form part of the record-keeping requirements.
Chemical
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152 The test results should be recorded and should state the acceptable
limits for parameters tested, together with any remedial action to be
taken in the event of a test result being out of specification (both upper
and lower limits).
Microbiological monitoring
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For routine monitoring, a sample bottle of 500 ml should be used and, for
legionella, a sample bottle of a size specified by the laboratory.
Microbiological sample bottles should not be rinsed with the water to be
tested as this will remove the neutraliser. To take the sample:
remove the stopper or cap first with one gloved hand, making sure
that nothing touches the inside of the bottle or cap;
when the bottle is being plunged into the water, keep the long axis
approximately horizontal but with the neck pointing slightly upwards
to avoid loss of the neutralising agent;
immerse the bottle about 200–400 mm below the pool surface and
then tilted upwards to allow it to fill;
when removed from the water, replace the cap immediately and invert
the bottle repeatedly to disperse the neutraliser;
send to the laboratory without delay to enable analysis ideally within
24 hours of sampling but no longer than 48 hours.
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Microbiological tests
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162 The dutyholder should cease operation of, and close the spa pool
immediately where, following a routine microbiological test, there is
evidence of gross contamination if there is:
>10 cfu E coli per 100 ml in combination with
>10 cfu ACC per ml and/or
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6 Evaluation of the risk which should include the potential for microbial
growth, other health and safety issues (eg chemicals, working in confined
spaces, electrical safety, ease of access to parts of the system etc) and
compliance with the water safety elements of the water fittings regulations.
7 Assessing the potential for the system to become contaminated with
micro-organisms (including legionella) and other material, including
considering:
the source and quality of the make-up water;
the likelihood for airborne contamination;
the effectiveness of the biocide treatment.
1 Purpose.
2 Scope.
3 Risk assessment.
4 Management structure.
5 Instructions for correct and safe operation of the system.
6 Safe operating procedures for the spa-pool system including
appropriate control measures.
7 Precautions in place to prevent or minimise risks associated with
the system.
8 Effectiveness of control measures including chemical and physical
water treatment, disinfection and cleaning regimes and remedial work
and maintenance.
9 Monitoring, inspection and maintenance procedures.
10 Results of monitoring, inspection and any checks carried out.
11 Tests, checks and inspections to be carried out, their frequency and
resulting corrective actions.
12 Remedial action to be taken in the event that the scheme and control
measures are found to be not effective.
13 Health and safety information, including details on storage, handling,
use, and disposal of any disinfectant used in both the treatment of the
system and testing of the water.
14 Emergency plan to deal with situations involving serious or
imminent danger.
15 Audit of contractors upon completion of any contracted work (eg
plumbing work or biocide installation).
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Glossary
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References
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Sources of information
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Acknowledgements
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Further information
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