Providing safe hot tub management
More businesses and individuals are entering the commercial hot tub rental market and need to know the legislation behind safe operation. With the boom comes a heightened risk of hot tub rash and Legionnaires' disease, and the HSE has issued revised, detailed guidance.
HSG282 at a glance
- Free chlorine
- 3–5 mg/l
- Or bromine
- 4–6 mg/l
- pH
- 7.0–7.6
- Lab sampling
- Monthly
From the HSE's guidance on spa pools, HSG282.
Water sampling
What bacteria do we test for?
We use only UKAS-accredited laboratories for Legionella testing and microbiological water analysis. Following sampling we interpret the results and explain them in plain terms; if a result is a problem, we advise safe corrective actions to meet HSG282 and PWTAG.
- TVC
- E. coli
- Coliforms
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Legionella
Why do we test for this?
The HSE's guidance for hot tubs (HSG282, January 2017) places an emphasis on monthly sampling for these bacteria.
Monthly sampling confirms that chemical checks are working and killing harmful bacteria, protecting guests from waterborne and airborne diseases.
Under the microscope
Untreated hot tubs encourage bacteria to grow
Three things together make the Legionella causative chain:
Warm water
Ideal operating temperatures of 30 to 40°C.
Nutrients
Organic sources such as body oils and fake tan.
Aerosols
Spray from bubbles bursting at the surface.
How we keep you compliant
The number one failing in legislation is not recording data
P.S.O.P.s
HSG282 says owners should have a Normal Operating Procedure and an Emergency Action Plan, together the Pool Safe Operating Procedure. We can produce these bespoke documents.
Online management
An app on your smartphone or iPad becomes an electronic log book: every task documented, with photographs, for a clear audit trail.
Asset barcodes
Discreetly hidden on assets and scanned by staff, with schedules and reminders for chemical checks and temperature monitoring.
Hot tub training
BISHTA hot tub hygiene training for your staff, £250 + VAT per delegate.
See the courseQuestions we are asked
Frequently asked questions
The HSE's guidance for hot tubs, HSG282 (January 2017), places an emphasis on monthly sampling for TVC, E. coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella.
We use only UKAS-accredited laboratories for Legionella testing and microbiological water analysis, and explain the results in plain terms.
A Pool Safe Operating Procedure: the Normal Operating Procedure (N.O.P.) and the Emergency Action Plan (E.A.P.) together, which HSG282 says spa pool and hot tub owners should have. We can produce these bespoke documents.
We advise safe corrective actions to bring the water back in line with current guidelines, HSG282 and PWTAG.
The number one failing in legislation is not recording data. An electronic log book documents every task, with supporting photographs, giving the audit trail the HSE, local authorities and courts look for if things go wrong.
Get in touch
Talk to Iain about your site
Serving Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders, Ayrshire, Cumbria, Fife, Perthshire, the Highlands. Send a message below, or call.
Ask about hot tub management
Tell us how many hot tubs you have and where, and we will get back to you.