Avoid Hot Tub Lung and Other Problems

by: Michael O’Brien

Proper maintenance is a must.

Who would have thought that doctors would discovery a type of significant pulmonary illness associated with the use of indoor hot tubs and spas. Well it’s true that improper maintenance of indoor spas and hot tubs can make you sick in more ways than one. Not keeping with regular maintenance and proper water quality make you sick, not properly maintaining you spa or hot tub can shorten the operating life of the equipment.

Hot tub lung, though not a medical term, is used by physicians and others in the medical community to describe a particular set of symptoms brought about by the inhalation of a certain type of mycobacterium. The result could be illnesses like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Doctors have theorized that the process of aerating the water and producing bubbles allows bacteria in the water – in this case a type of mycobacterium – to be inhaled thereby exposing the lungs to the potential for developing hot tub lung. Hot tub lung is considered to be an inflammatory illness according to the medical literature.

It should be noted that in one case study, the patient claimed to change the water in the indoor spa only once or twice a year. The authors of the study suggest that staying out of the spa for several weeks helps to reduce the effects of the illness and that the illness was more associated with indoor rather than outdoor spas and hot tubs. Still, the illness can be prevented by regularly testing the water quality and taking steps to keep you spa clean and sanitary.

Manufacturers all have recommended standards for the types of chemicals used with their particular spa or hot tub. The type of material the spa or hot tub is made of as well as the various types of pumps and associated plumbing can determine which types of chemicals should be used to maintain good water quality. The basic type of chemical needed in any spa water maintenance program is a good quality sanitizer. Sanitizer help prevent the growth and establishment of bacteria. As with any chemical, it is important to thoroughly read the product’s instructions, warnings and proper handling procedures.

There are several types of bacteria, algae and fungi that can be hazardous to humans and sanitizers will inhibit the growth of these organisms. Keeping sanitizers at a proper level is important for two reasons. The first is having too much sanitizer in the water which will cause discomfort to the eyes and skin. Too little sanitizer, combined with the high water temperature will allow bacteria to grow rather quickly. Common sanitizers are bromine and chlorine. These chemicals can be found in liquid, tablet and granular form and which type to use depends on the recommendation of the manufacturer.

Making sure that water on properly balanced and not too acidic or too alkaline is also very important. This is referred to as the pH level of the water. The higher the pH, the more alkaline the water will be and the lower the pH, the more acidic the water will be. Too high a pH level will cause mineral scale to form on metal parts and the water will appear cloudy. Too low a pH level will make sanitizer less effective and corrode metal parts. The proper range for water in a spa is 7.4 to 7.6.

There are other things to consider when maintaining water in your spa like using an anti-foaming agent but by far the most important is keeping the sanitizer and water pH at the proper levels. This will enhance your spa and hot tub experience and keep you and family safe.

About the Author

Michael O’Brien

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