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Swimming Pool News reports from the UK Pool & Spa Conference at Oxford
Netherlands disaster sends chilling message on Legionnaires Disease
There was a chilling message about the still dangerous potential of Legionnaires Disease and the effect any outbreak might have on the UK's hot tub market.
Howard Gosling from the SPATA Technical Review Committee said to the conference: "I want you to take your minds back a decade.
"Within four days of their installation, one or both of two new spa pools on display at a Netherlands flower show were the source of one of the world's largest outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease. There were 188 cases, 133 laboratory confirmed and 21 deaths.
“People pausing at the spa pools had an increased chance of developing the disease.
"Again in 1999 an outbreak of Legionnaires disease was considered to be due to demonstration hot tubs at a Belgian fair. Stand employees, technical staff and visitors were amongst the 93 cases and 5 deaths."
He said the outbreaks were the reason for the formation of BISHTA.
"I am pleased to report that no-one has died from Legionnaires disease caught in a hot tub, being treated in accordance with the BISHTA Standards. I would emphasise – if you ensure customers follow the BISHTA Standards, this will stay that way."
He said that BISHTA follows official guidelines that there is no proven alternative to Bromine, Chlorine or phmb, and the control the pH.
"A pH of 7.5 requires approximately twice the amount of chlorine that a pH of 7.0 requires to give you the same bacterial 'killing power'", he added.
He told BISHTA members to read and know the HSE/HPA Book 'Management of Spa Pools: Controlling the Risks of Infection' and to keep a copy of the book '(L8) Legionnaires’ disease, The control of legionella bacteria in water systems, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance'.
He said particular care is required with Holiday Homes and Hot Tub Rentals, "Deaths from Legionnaires' Disease bring bad publicity."
The real competition for the hot tub is not your nearest hot tub retailers but rival sectors such as boats, caravans, kitchens and bathrooms!
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Swimming Pool News reports from the UK Pool & Spa Conference at Oxford
Netherlands disaster sends chilling message on Legionnaires Disease
There was a chilling message about the still dangerous potential of Legionnaires Disease and the effect any outbreak might have on the UK's hot tub market.
Howard Gosling from the SPATA Technical Review Committee said to the conference: "I want you to take your minds back a decade.
"Within four days of their installation, one or both of two new spa pools on display at a Netherlands flower show were the source of one of the world's largest outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease. There were 188 cases, 133 laboratory confirmed and 21 deaths.
“People pausing at the spa pools had an increased chance of developing the disease.
"Again in 1999 an outbreak of Legionnaires disease was considered to be due to demonstration hot tubs at a Belgian fair. Stand employees, technical staff and visitors were amongst the 93 cases and 5 deaths."
He said the outbreaks were the reason for the formation of BISHTA.
"I am pleased to report that no-one has died from Legionnaires disease caught in a hot tub, being treated in accordance with the BISHTA Standards. I would emphasise – if you ensure customers follow the BISHTA Standards, this will stay that way."
He said that BISHTA follows official guidelines that there is no proven alternative to Bromine, Chlorine or phmb, and the control the pH.
"A pH of 7.5 requires approximately twice the amount of chlorine that a pH of 7.0 requires to give you the same bacterial 'killing power'", he added.
He told BISHTA members to read and know the HSE/HPA Book 'Management of Spa Pools: Controlling the Risks of Infection' and to keep a copy of the book '(L8) Legionnaires’ disease, The control of legionella bacteria in water systems, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance'.
He said particular care is required with Holiday Homes and Hot Tub Rentals, "Deaths from Legionnaires' Disease bring bad publicity."
The real competition for the hot tub is not your nearest hot tub retailers but rival sectors such as boats, caravans, kitchens and bathrooms!
<< Back to conference index