With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting almost everything we do on a daily basis, hot tub owners and users might be asking themselves the question, “Can Coronavirus live in a hot tub?” In this article, we check with some of the more recent statements by scientists and health organizations about the relationship between hot tubs and the spread of Coronavirus.
Can Coronavirus Live in A Hot Tub?
According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, it “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.” This has been backed up by a recent study commissioned by Swim England. Researchers at Imperial College London (ICL) have found that “the virus does not survive in swimming pool water.” Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that a swimming pool or hot tub that is well maintained and is properly chlorinated is safe to bathe in.
The Importance of Water Chemistry Balance
Both the ICL and the WHO appear to agree that proper water chemistry balance in a hot tub or swimming pool is important in rendering the Coronavirus inert. More specifically, the ICL showed that the water’s pH level and chlorine concentrations were important factors in vastly reducing the infectious capabilities of the Coronavirus. The pH and chlorine levels that are considered ideal in a swimming pool or hot tub do not allow the virus to thrive. From this information, it can be concluded that maintaining properly balanced water chemistry virtually eliminates the possibility of Coronavirus transmission through the water.
Airborne Transmission
Although the findings of these organizations show that it’s highly unlikely that properly maintained hot tub water could harbor viable Coronavirus, it’s important to remember that the primary method of transmission is through airborne respiratory droplets. This means that even though the hot tub water is likely very safe, if you’re sitting next to an infectious person, it’s still possible to be infected.
Proper Ventilation
Outdoor hot tub enthusiasts shouldn’t have any problems when it comes to ventilation. At the same time, indoor hot tubs generally require additional ventilation to prevent structural damage to the surrounding building. However, if windows or doors can be opened while the hot tub is being used by people from different households, the chances of infection can be diminished. Ventilation should also be considered in other enclosed spaces used by multiple people such as changing rooms and bathrooms.
Disinfection of Common Surfaces
Although recent studies cited by the CDC have stated that the chances of being infected with Coronavirus from commonly touched surfaces are low, regular cleaning and disinfection of these areas is still advised. Common surfaces around the hot tub such as furniture, doorknobs, and faucets should be regularly cleaned and disinfected as a matter of good housekeeping.
Is A Hot Tub Safe from Coronavirus?
The recent studies cited have shown that hot tub water is a very unlikely source of viable Coronavirus and will, in fact, neutralize it. But that doesn’t mean that a hot tub is any safer than any other situation where several people congregate. For this reason, it’s important to follow guidelines and handwashing are important anywhere that people gather.
Now that you’ve learned that the Coronavirus is highly unlikely to remain viable in hot tub water, download a free buyer’s guide to learn more about the hot tubs themselves.