Hot Tub Disease

Hot tub diseases are more common than you may think. In a poorly sanitized hot tub or spa, bacteria populations can double rapidly. This can lead to a serious situation. Bacteria may cause infection and disease. Some hot tub diseases are even life-threatening. SpectraLight Ultraviolet Pool Systems harness the power of ultraviolet light to lower chemical levels, eliminate chlorine by-products, and make pools safe and healthy, lowering the risk of contracting one of the following common hot tub diseases.

Hot Tub Rash – Hot Tub Folliculitis Disease

The most common hot tub disease is hot tub folliculitis. This hot tub rash is an infection and is caused by the germ Pseudomonas aeruginos, a type of bacteria that thrives in poorly sanitized hot tubs and spas. This skin infection is obvious due to red, itchy bumps and blisters. The infection may go away on its own without treatment, but in serious cases it can cause scarring, and infection of your hair follicles leading to hair loss, and pustules under your skin. The bacterial infection may also spread to other areas of the body.

Hot Tub Lung Disease

Hot tub lung is a hot tub disease that is caused by inhaling bacteria. In a poorly disinfected hot tub or spa, users can continually inhale the Mycobacterium avium bacteria without knowing it. This bacterium is in the same class of bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Fortunately, it is not contagious. The bacteria are thrust into the air when spa bubbles rise to the surface and burst. As the fine mist evaporates, people using the hot tub may breathe them in. Mycobacterium avium can cause an infection or allergic reaction that results in cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath, fatigue and tightness in your chest. The condition usually goes away on its own provided one doesn’t use the hot tub. However, if one has continued exposure to the bacteria, the condition can be fatal. Hot tub lung is more commonly caused by indoor hot tubs, as the vapors from outdoor hot tubs have more room to disseminate.

Legionnaire's Disease

Legionnaire's Disease is a serious lung infection that is caused by using a poorly disinfected hot tub or spa. It is transmitted by breathing in vapors that contain the Legionella bacteria. Once a victim is infected, high fever, chills and a cough usually follow. Typically curable with antibiotics, Legionnaire’s disease can cause death in up to 5% to 30% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control.