A pool and spa complex in the south of England has been forced to close, after environmental services arrived in force and ‘confirmed’ the presence of legionella bacteria in the water system. While it’s not clear if anyone has actually been exposed to the bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ Disease, the local council deemed there to be too significant a risk for operations to continue as they had and sought to intervene.
Environmental services reportedly found high levels of the legionella bacteria in pools and hot tubs at the facility, and one guest was even forced to make a hasty exit from the pool! The complex in question had already drawn the ire of guests, many of whom commented online about the facilities being in a poor state of repair. With neglect of water systems and outlets being the main cause of legionella contamination, there is evidence that duty holders for the premises may have neglected their responsibility for public safety.
Legionella is a water-dwelling bacterium that lives in hot-and-cold water systems, including pipes, taps, tanks and spray-heads. When facilities are not used for a period of time, or not correctly checked and monitored, the bacteria can build up in any stagnant water to dangerous levels. If breathed in, legionella usually affects the lungs and causes pneumonia, which can be fatal for anyone with suppressed immunity or chronic conditions, as well as smokers and the elderly.
In spite of the council’s findings, the operator of the complex has seemingly denied that the facilities are contaminated, claiming that there’s currently ‘no proof.’ They claim that the facilities were tested as part of routine checks and that they’d yet to see any evidence of legionella build-up or anyone contracting Legionnaires’. They also pointed out that facility refurbishments were ongoing.
Only regular system flushing and continued monitoring and testing of water facilities can prevent the build-up of bacteria like legionella. It’s the responsibility of duty holders to ensure that this takes place and that members of the public and staff are safe to be on the premises. We run a
Pool Operation and Management course that’s ideal for facilities managers, supervisors and engineers who need to deal with and prevent the risk of legionella on their site. Covering everything from the effects of pool water infections to administering pool water treatments, it’s a comprehensive, one-day course covering both swimming and hydrotherapy pools, and is accredited by City & Guilds.
