Spa-goers beware: inspections often find problems

More than half of public spa inspections performed at various sites in the US uncovered some type of violation that could potentially affect users' safety, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In fact, in about 1 in 10 inspections, the spa had to be closed until corrective measures were taken.

"Spa operators can protect the health of users by adhering to maintenance procedures and obtaining appropriate training," the Atlanta-based researchers note. However, they emphasize that regular public health enforcement of these measures is also a must.

The findings, which appear in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are based on a study of 5209 spa inspections performed primarily in Florida and Los Angeles during the summer of 2002.

Nearly 57 percent of the inspections revealed at least one item that violated state or local regulations. In 11 percent of inspections, immediate closure of the spa was required until the violation could be remedied.

The most common type of violation involved water chemistry, followed by violations of filtration and recirculation systems, and policy or management. More than 23 percent of spa operators lacked required training and nearly 13 percent kept inadequate records.

Spas located in hotels or campgrounds had higher rates of water chemistry violations than those in condos or private gyms. Moreover, such spas also had higher rates of violations that required immediate closure.

To reduce the risk of illness while using a spa, the authors recommend that persons shower or bathe before entering the spa and that spa use be limited to the maximum allowable number of bathers.

SOURCE: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 2, 2004.