Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease in Hotels and Resorts: The Danger of Recreational Water Illnesses
Hotel and resort managers need to be particularly diligent about Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs). Recreational water illnesses are diseases that people obtain from the water they swim and play in, such as pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds.
Hotels and resorts may assume they have the risk of Recreational Water Illnesses under control through their normal chlorination and other chemical use. However, according to the article “Outbreaks associated with treated recreational water” in the American Journal of Transplantation, as well as information provided by the CDC, that is not a safe assumption. These sources report that:
- Improper water treatment is found in 1 in 5 recreational water systems
- Hotels were the leading setting for Recreational Water Illnesses
- Legionella bacteria was ranked #2 for the germs and causes of RWIs
- At least 75% of the reported deaths associated with Recreational Water Illnesses occurred in persons affected by outbreaks caused by Legionella
- Legionnaires’ disease risk for recreational water systems such as pools and spas continues to increase
Proper pool and spa treatment is not just a matter of creating visually attractive water. Improper water treatment can result in clear water that is actually dangerous, resulting in illness and even death.
Of course, Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease are also well-known health risks for hotels and resorts in other areas such as showers, sinks, faucets, fountains, kitchen areas, maintenance areas, and cooling towers. These areas should already be monitored and their Legionella risk mitigated through an effective water management program.
However, if your recreational water isn’t part of your comprehensive water management program, it’s important that you add it. Simply checking your pool chemicals is not enough. It is critical that your systems are also examined, tested, and maintained by a water engineering expert on a regular basis.
Save time and money by contacting Legionella Control Systems to mitigate your potential for Recreational Water Illnesses. Unlike a pool maintenance company, Legionella Control Systems is qualified not only for recreational water safety, but can also handle the rigorous needs of your entire water system including your guest rooms, water softeners, water heaters, kitchens, and maintenance areas.
Contact Legionella Control Systems now for a comprehensive water solution that can reduce your costs and provide peace of mind for all of your water systems, including recreational water such as swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
