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Whirlpool Bath Luxury Has Its CostBy Joni Bell When we think of whirlpools or hot tubs we usually think of relaxation, something to look forward to and unwind and loosen up. Fact is, for several years, one of the hot luxury items in homes has been whirlpool baths. One leading manufacturer alone has reported selling over two million, over half a million in just the last four years. When I mention whirlpool baths, I do not mean the spa-like tubs that stay filled and are constantly chemically treated. Instead, this is in reference to the bathtubs that use circulating water jets and are drained after each use. This will be important news for those with a compromised immune system. You may be hearing a lot more about whirlpool baths in the next few years as many of their manufacturers might start getting hit with lawsuits. Whirlpool baths may be relaxing, but research has found that they can do more harm than good. A microbiologist at a major university recently tested 43 different whirlpool baths in homes and hotels. It was discovered that every tub was contaminated by some form of microbial growth, no matter how long it had been in use. Water samples were taken immediately after filling the tubs and starting the jets and it was discovered that a teaspoon of whirlpool tub water contained 2.7 million bacteria, in contrast to normal tap water which contains about 138 bacteria. The problem stems from the piping, which happens to be the ideal environment to harbor all type of bacteria, fungi, and might as well throw viruses into the mix. The stagnant water trapped in the pipes provides a rich biofilm for bacteria and other pathogens to flourish. When the jets are switched on, the pathogen-containing sludge is blown out of the pipes and into the water. The pathogens (a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host) can then enter the skin through cuts or abrasions, or even through skin pores that open due to warmth of water. The whirlpool action also creates an aerosol of pathogens that can be inhaled by the bather or anyone nearby. Worst case scenario was an incident where 150 people were sickened by Legionnaire's disease and 16 died after passing by a whirlpool bath that was part of a display at a flower show. In addition to Legionnaire's disease, other strains of bacteria have been identified that are linked to cause many other problems and infections of the blood, surface of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, and of the bones. While various forms of bacteria can cause serious problems in anyone, they could be fatal in people with weakened or compromised immune systems. The problem is widespread and just following the manufacturer's recommendations of cleaning the tub thoroughly and adding a half-cup of bleach per 50 gallons of tub water after each use probably isn't going to solve the problem. Not using the whirlpool feature will help, but every time the tub is filled a new load pathogens can still enter the water which basically means you have an expensive bathtub on your hands. Is there a way to correct this problem? Perhaps these tubs should be plumbed with copper piping instead of PVC. The use of copper pitchers appears to sterilize water stored in them. Some companies are starting to market pipeless whirlpool systems that utilize individual jets that can be removed for cleaning and disinfecting. Hopefully by bringing this research to your attention will bring awareness because there are many cases of unexplained and probably recurring skin conditions, various infections among users of whirlpool baths. If you have a compromised immune system, a whirlpool tub is certainly one luxury you'll want to do without. About the author Joni Bell likes to investigate and research the latest updates on ways we can improve our health and well-being. Ask Joni Bell |
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