Pool & Hot Tub Operators

The Scheduled CPO course

The Spring in-person course that was scheduled for May 11th has been cancelled due to COVID-19.  We will be reassessing the situation in future months and will email again once we have set a new date.  

Suggestions for closed hot tubs

"CDC has heard from partners about the need for guidance to shut down hot tubs/spas related to aquatic facility closures. The closure of hot tubs/spas could create conditions favorable to Legionella and other bacterial growth in these water systems. The recommendations below are adapted from the Model Aquatic Health Code. Hot Tubs/Spas

  1. Clean accessible surfaces, scrubbing away slime and biofilm
  2. Apply a biocidal shock treatment
  3. Drain and remove as much water from the system as possible
  4. Remove filters
  5. Leave filters to dry*
  6. Keep the hot tub/spa as dry as possible, protecting it from external water sources (for example, hoses)

*Clean filters before reuse and replace filters or filter media as recommended by the manufacturer

For more recommendations on preventing illness and injuries at public aquatic facilities, visit

https://www.cdc.gov/mahc/index.html"

Stagnant Water and Legionella Risk during the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is important to remember that all stagnant, or standing water (not just the water in hot tubs/spas) in pipes can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. Please pass along the following information as you see fit. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly reduced the number of tourists in our town, and thus has reduced the number of guests staying in our hotels. With reduced occupancy, the stagnant water in the pipes leading to sinks, showers, and cooling towers in hotel rooms creates a favorable environment for Legionella growth, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. After Legionella grows and multiplies in a building water system, water containing the bacteria is spread in droplets small enough for people to breathe in. Once inhaled, the bacteria cause severe pneumonia- like symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and fever. 

Below is some information from the CDC regarding reducing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease after a prolonged shutdown. Even if your facility has not been completely shut down, these steps and precautions should be considered prior to reopening:

  1. Ensure your water heater is properly maintained and the temperature is correctly set to at least 120°F (Higher temperatures can further reduce the risk of Legionella growth, but ensure that you take measures to prevent scalding if your water heater is set to >130°F).
  2. Flush your water system though all points of use  (e.g., showers, sink faucets).
  3. Clean all decorative water features, such as fountains.
  4. Ensure hot tubs/spas are safe for use.

JHCOVID website

Lastly, be sure to visit our new county website https://www.jhcovid.com/  for COVID-19 updates on the local level.