Soaking in a public Jacuzzi can be a nice, relaxing experience. However, if a Jacuzzi is not properly maintained, that relaxing hot tub can turn into a tub full of infectious diseases. Jacuzzis need to be treated with a disinfectant, such as chlorine, to kill bacteria and other germs, and the pH level of the water should be checked at least twice per day, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A poorly maintained public Jacuzzi can spread several types of disease.
Hot Tub Rash
One type of bacteria occurs so frequently in Jacuzzis that it is commonly called "hot tub rash." This disease is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, explains the CDC. This type of bacteria is commonly found in many places in the environment, such as natural bodies of water or soil. If this germ is introduced to a hot tub that is not regularly treated with disinfectant, it can multiply and infect the skin of people who sit in the water. Hot tub rash causes the skin to itch and may cause a red, bumpy rash to form. The rash tends to be worse in areas that were covered by a bathing suit. In some cases, the hair follicles of an infected person may develop pus-filled blisters.
Swimmer's Ear
The same bacteria that causes hot tub rash may cause cause swimmer's ear if the bacteria infects the ear. The contaminated Jacuzzi water must stay in direct contact with the ear canal for a significant amount of time, the CDC reports. Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, causes pain in the ear, especially when gently tugging on the earlobe. Severe itching inside the ear may also occur. In some cases, pus may drain from the ears.
Stomach Diseases
Several different types of bacteria that cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea can also thrive in Jacuzzis that are not properly disinfected. The two most common types of water-born intestinal diseases are Cryptosporidium, sometimes abbreviated Crypto, and Giardia. These bacteria live in the stool of an infected person and can infect a person who sits in the hot tub, explains the Washington State Department of Health. Cryptosporidium is highly resistant to chlorine and can survive in heated waters for up to 10 days. Giardia is less resistant to chlorine and usually dies after 45 minutes of exposure to chlorine. Other bacteria, including Shigella and E. coli, and a virus called norovirus, can also survive in a Jacuzzi that is not regularly disinfected.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
In some rare cases, another type of bacteria, Nontuberculous mycobacteria, can also grow in a poorly maintained hot tub, the CDC warns. This bacteria has been known to cause serious cases of disease similar to pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Checking with the administrator of a public Jacuzzi to ensure it is routinely disinfected will reduce the likelihood of catching a disease from a public hot tub.
