The popularity of hot tubs and spa-pools has increased significantly over recent years. If you rent out a property, whether through an agent, “Air BnB” or directly then you are classed as running a commercial or business activity.
If the letting has a hot tub or spa, then you have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that you have assessed the risks posed by chemical and biological hazards, including (Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and Cryptosporidium). You then must introduce suitable control measures.
Ceredigion County Council is supporting those who operate hot tubs and spa-pools by sharing the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance to control the health & safety risks associated with hot tubs/spa pools. The guidance can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website
Over the last 12 months, there has been a spike of Legionnaires’ disease cases reported by Public Health Wales with some cases associated with hot tubs and spa-pools.
These settings should have a risk assessment in place, where the risks have been identified and control measure put in place. These control measures will include chemical treatment of the water, cleaning and water sampling.
A sampling visit may be carried out over the summer months to some commercial businesses that have a hot tub or spa-pool as part of a routine inspection to assess the premises against the current guidelines.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet member for Public Protection, said: “It’s very important for business owners who have a rental property with a hot tub/ spa-pool to follow the guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that they comply with their legal duties under health and safety legislation. If you would like some guidance or further information, I urge you to get in touch with the Public Protection team.”
If you have a rental property with a hot tub/spa pool and you would like further information, you’re welcome to contact the Public Protection team at publicprotection@ceredigion.gov.uk
19/08/2022