Spa
Hot Tub
Contents
Spa Hot Tub
History
A look at the history of a spa hot tub
Spa Hot Tub
Electrics
Electrical connections to your spa hot tub to
Water
Chemistry
Water guide and answers to common problems
Spa Hot Tub Pseudomonas
Water
Testing
How and when to test your spa hot tubs water
Spa Hot Tub
Service
How and when to service the equipment in your pool
Spa Hot Tub
Dealer
Find a local spa hot tub dealer |
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Pseudomonas
- An Itchy Red Rash
Should you experience an itchy red rash or spots some 12 hours to
2 days following a session in a spa hot tub or swimming pool it may be due to the
micro-organism called Pseudomonas.
Pseudomonas is commonly found in soil, water, airborne sources,
animals and as a naturally part of the flora and fauna of human skin on some 15% of
people. It is a micro-organism similar to the one that can cause Legionnaire's Disease.
It thrives in warm water where the sanitiser level is inadequate
or drops quickly often when a party is taking place. When a party occurs in the spa, all
the sanitiser is used up quickly and the organism is able to spread from the carrier to
everyone in the spa or pool. Because hot water opens up the pores on the skin the
Pseudomonas can enter the follicles, even on the carrier, and will cause the Pseudomonas
Folliculities problems. Generally when the party is over, the sanitiser re-establishes
itself and kills the organisms before setting up home in the spa or pool.
Left un-treated the Pseudomonas sets up home on the spa shell, in
the nooks and crannies of the spa, on pillows and the plumbing system of the spa. Should
this happen this is a more serious problem as generally by this time the micro-organism
will have covered itself with a slime layer or biofilm which can resist sanitation.
Excesses of the biofilm or slime may then be found around the water line.
Fortunately the most common symptom is an itchy rash which is
confused with bug bites, chicken pox or other types of rash. However occasionally it can
be much more serious including severe rashes, ear infections, urinary & vaginal
infections and probably the most serious pneumonia.
If you think you have a Pseudomonas infection consult your doctor
to confirm and talk to your leisure engineer for advice on treating your spa or pool.
Treatment may not be needed, as the mild
form of the disease usually clears on its own. Oral anti-pruritics ("anti-itch"
medications) may be used. In severe cases, your physician may prescribe an oral antibiotic
such as ciprofloxacin.
Note
Should your bathers be complaining of allergic reactions to the
sanitiser, ie sore eyes, it is generally found that this is due to inadequate sanitiser
levels. |
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