Can Coronavirus Live in A Hot Tub?

The Coronavirus and resulting Covid-19 pandemic have radically changed our lives and the world we live in. Activities that we used to perform without much thought can now have deep consequences. Simple actions such as shaking hands, shopping for groceries or going to the gym have suddenly taken on new dimensions of understanding. And what about the things we do to relax such as soaking in a hot tub? Can Coronavirus live in a hot tub? As the pandemic has continued unabated, scientists have learned more about how the virus is transmitted as well as the conditions that are favourable for that transmission. In this post, we’ll cover some of the more recent discoveries regarding the Coronavirus and its effects in and around hot tubs.

Can Coronavirus Be Transmitted in Hot Tub Water?

In response to the recent reopening of indoor swimming pools in the United Kingdom, virologists at the Imperial College London (ICL) released a statement saying the Coronavirus “does not survive in swimming pool water – it was no longer infectious,” and “the chance of contracting COVID-19 from swimming pool water is negligible.”

Appropriate pH And Chlorine Levels

These findings were found to be related to the pH level and concentration of chlorine found in swimming pool water. The upshot for hot tub owners is that the recommended pH level and chlorine concentrations found in swimming pools are the same as what should be maintained in a hot tub.

No Scientific Reports of Coronavirus Spread Through Hot Tub Water

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reinforces the statements by the ICL by saying the “CDC is not aware of any scientific reports of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, or other treated aquatic venues.”

The Importance of Hot Tub Maintenance

The most recent report from the ICL concluded that recommended concentrations of sanitizers such as chlorine and a properly balanced pH level were what led to the reduced viability of the Coronavirus. For this reason, it’s important to regularly monitor the water chemistry balance and ensure the mechanical components of the hot tub are functioning properly.

Other Methods of Transmission

While the statements by the ICL and CDC suggest the possibility of the Coronavirus surviving in hot tub water is virtually nil, it’s important to understand that even though the water itself may not harbour the virus, other methods of transmission surrounding the hot tub environment still exist.

The Importance of Ventilation

The CDC believes the primary method of Coronavirus transmission is through respiratory droplets in the air. This type of occurrence appears to be very low in outdoor environments, which is good news for owners of outdoor hot tubs. And while indoor hot tubs require extra ventilation, these systems should be bolstered with opened windows and extra ventilation measures when possible. The same attention to ventilation should be paid to changing rooms and bathrooms.

Social Distancing

Keeping at least a metre apart from those from other households has also been found to be an effective way to reduce the transmission of the Coronavirus. Where this isn’t possible, which may be the case in smaller hot tubs, face masks should be worn. If using a face mask, it should be kept dry as possible and shouldn’t be used if it becomes wet.

Surface Transmission

Although the risk of transferring the Coronavirus from infected surfaces, also known as fomite transmission, appears to be low, keeping the area around the hot tub clean and disinfected is simply a good housekeeping practice. Commonly used surfaces such as furniture, bathroom appliances and doorknobs should also be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Are Hot Tubs Safe to Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Hot tubs appear to be safe from the effects of the Coronavirus as long as they’re properly maintained and the same recommendations regarding other environments are adhered to. Risks associated with the Coronavirus do not appear to be related to hot tub use in and of itself. The safety measures that you employ everywhere else should keep you safe in a hot tub as well.

Now that you’ve learned the risk of contracting Covid-19 through hot tub use is extremely low, download a free buyer’s guide to find out more information.