Hot Tub Buying Guide

How to kill staph in a hot tub

Staphylococcus aureus is a germ that lives on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Staph infections are caused by the bacteria and typically clear up quickly. There has been much news about MRSA, a staph germ that is resistant to antibiotics. So as a hot tub owner and user, do you need to worry about staph contaminating your water or the infection spreading from guest to guest?

Staphylococcus can not survive in water that has been properly treated and maintained. If your disinfectant levels (chlorine or other sanitizer) and pH levels are where they should be, your water is safe. According to the CDC, staphylococcus has not been transmitted in treated pool or hot tub water. Now, you can still get it from an infected person through direct contact. But don't fear, your water is not harboring staph. The sanitizer will kill the staph in a hot tub.

If you or a guest has had a staph infection or is dealing with MRSA, it is recommended that you clean your tub well and be sure that the levels are where they should be. You will also want to be sure to wash towels and other surfaces that may have been contaminated. Staph infections can be mistaken for bug bites or small skin irritations. If you have a fever along with painful and swollen sores, get yourself to the doctor and avoid contact with others. It is recommended to avoid public pools or hot tubs if you have a skin infection as you are more susceptible as well as putting others at risk. Do not knowingly come in contact with someone else's broken skin and do not share towels. As always, wash your hands often and well when in contact with someone who is ill.

Feel free to soak in your own hot tub knowing that your well maintained water is safe and healthy. Enjoy.