Study: Hot tub water = bacterial/fungal soup

[Green_Cymbeline]

Well we always knew it was nasty, but now this study tells us just how nasty…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/13/AR2006021301689.html

Whirlpools in Hot Water Again
A teaspoon of typical tap water has about 138 bacteria. A teaspoon of typical hot tub water has about 2.17 million. That’s only one of the unsettling findings by a team of Texas A&M researchers. Of the 43 public and private tubs tested, a scary 95 percent showed the presence of (squeamish reader alert) fecal bacteria; 81 percent had fungi; 34 percent contained staphylococcus, which can cause deadly infections. The researchers said the lini ng of whirlpool pipes was where the nastiest stuff grew; when the jets are turned on, it’s blown into the tub. Typical cleaning provided little protection.

[PinkMarabou]

This doesn’t surprise me. We rented a cabin for the weekend back in October which had a nice big hot tub. A few days after we got home, both the hubby and myself had a case of hot tub folliclitus. Mine was far worse since I have very sensistive skin, but he had it too. I was tichy for a few days, but benedryl and calamine lotion seemed to calm it. Now I have these ugly scars across my belly.

[Green_Cymbeline]

You would think that there would be something to add to hot tub water to keep it germ-free, like chlorination or something. Or germicidal filters the water must recirculate through.

[PinkMarabou]

I know there is chlorine in hot tubs, but I don’t think there’s enough. Or at the very least, the water should be changed with every new vacation block. I know it’s expensive, but it could save lawsuits.

[Spatial_Rift_47]

@Article

Of the 43 public and private tubs tested, a scary 95 percent showed the presence of (squeamish reader alert) fecal bacteria …

Hmm, sounds familiar …

[Khadaji]

As much chlorine as I use in my hot tub, I would be surprised if mine showed signs of these. I am usually too lazy to try to get a balance, and tend to over chorinate. (I’m the only one who uses it and I don’t mind.)