We all know that adding a hot tub to your glamping accommodation can add to the attractiveness of your site to potential customers. However, we do not always know or are not advised of the potential dangers. Poor water treatment, poor water testing and poor water quality can result in uncomfortable water and possible bacterial infections including Legionella. A bad customer experience can lead to a poor review, loss of reputation and loss of future bookings.
Why do we need to test?
Health and Safety Guideline 282 (HSG282) came into effect in early 2017. The main aim was to reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks associated with spas and hot tubs. The guideline covers all spas and hot tubs in a commercial setting i.e. all those hired out and used by more than one party, including any in a showroom that contains water. It does not include use in a purely domestic situation.
Section 5 of the guideline focuses on water testing with the following emphasis:
• Reducing the risk of Legionella and microbiological contamination
• Emphasizing that this is the operator’s responsibility
• Ensuring testing is frequent and planned (at least two or three times a day)
• Highlighting that results should be recorded
• Stressing that there should be a written action plan for when things go wrong.
What needs to be tested?
The guideline focuses on two main parameters: Disinfectant and pH. Either Chlorine or Bromine is used, and this should be tested frequently. Levels should be in the following ranges:
• Chlorine (free): 3 – 5mg/l
• Bromine: 4 – 6mg/l
pH is a measurement of the acid or alkaline value of the spa or hot tub and is important both for user comfort and the effectiveness of the disinfectant. The guideline recommends the following levels should be aimed for:
• pH: 7.0-7.6
Both tests should be carried out at least twice a day using a professional kit (not test strips) and the result recorded. There should be an action plan in place if readings are outside the required ranges.
How should testing be carried out?
Test strips are not recommended as they can be unreliable and difficult to read. A commercial photometer or glass-based comparator kit should be used and operators should be trained on how to carry out testing correctly, what the results mean and the action that needs to be taken.
Lovibond can help you with all your testing requirements. If you are thinking about installing a hot tub, we would be happy to discuss with you the testing requirements, put together a suitable testing regime and supply a kit suitable for your needs. If you already have a hot tub in place, we can review your current testing protocol and the equipment used and advise accordingly.
We offer a range of photometers and comparator kits that will allow you to test the disinfectant and pH levels and make sure your testing is complying with HSG282. Our popular MD100 3in1 Photometer allows easy testing of chlorine, bromine and pH, giving a direct digital readout. Following established chemistries, the unit gives accurate, reliable, and repeatable readings and is supplied in a handy storage case with everything needed to start testing immediately.
If you are looking for a more traditional comparator system, then it would have to be our Lovibond 2000+. This system uses stained glass window comparator discs – which means they will never fade or go out of calibration. Numerous discs are available including chlorine, bromine, and pH. Again, the systems are supplied as complete kits containing everything needed for testing.
Whichever system you decide is best for you, remember that each hot tub must be tested at least twice a day!
What else should be considered?
You will also be treating the water mainly with the addition of disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) and a pH adjuster. Chemicals should not be added without knowing what is already in the water. You should never guesstimate when it comes to hot tub chemicals. The correct process should be: TEST-TREAT-RETEST.
Water changes rapidly with use. In a heavily used hot tub, disinfectant levels can be exhausted quickly. Make sure your testing frequency is adequate and realistic. Outside influences such as rainwater, dust, debris and temperature can change the water makeup. If there is no cover on your hot tubs after a heavy shower or prolonged period of rain, it’s advisable to test the water.
Keeping People Safe
Good testing is about keeping people safe, reducing the risk of infectious deceases (inc Legionella) and giving customers an enjoyable experience. Do not be tempted to cut corners as water quality can change rapidly and you could end up with a major contamination leading to the wrong type of headlines, customer feedback and reviews.
For more information on test kits, testing procedures and training please contact our team at support@lovibond.uk.
