Spa pools

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 and portable spas. Such systems pose a reasonably foreseeable risk as they are a recognised source of diseases caused by infectious agents including 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, on cruise ships and on display.

HSE's guide The control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool system, produced in consultation with Public Health England, and local authority and industry representatives, will help managers and operators assess and control the risk of exposure. It will also help service suppliers, designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers comply with their legal duties and keep spa-pool systems free of legionella.

As well as advice on operating and maintaining commercial-type systems, the guide provides specific advice on domestic-type spa pools or hot tubs used as part of a business activity, eg in holiday-park rental units, hotel bedrooms with a dedicated spa and systems on display or at exhibitions.