Rashes

Symptoms of hot tub rash include:

• Itchy spots on the skin that become a bumpy red rash.
• The rash is worse in areas that were previously covered by a swimsuit.
• Pus-filled blisters around hair follicles.

Hot tub rash can affect people of all ages. Most rashes clear up in a few days without medical treatment. However, if your rash lasts longer than a few days, consult your health care provider.

Hot tub rash can occur if contaminated water comes in contact with skin for a long period of time. The rash usually appears within a few days of being in a poorly maintained hot tub (or spa), but it can also appear within a few days after swimming in a poorly maintained pool or contaminated lake. Most rashes clear up in a few days without medical treatment. However, if your rash lasts longer than a few days, consult your healthcare provider.

Because hot tubs have warmer water than pools, chlorine or other disinfectants used to kill germs (like Pseudomonas aeruginosa) break down faster. This can increase the risk of hot tub rash infection for swimmers.

To reduce the risk of hot tub rash:

• Remove your swimsuit and shower with soap after getting out of the water.
• Clean your swimsuit after getting out of the water.
• Ask your pool/hot tub operator if disinfectant (for example, chlorine) and pH levels are checked at least twice per day—hot tubs and pools with good disinfectant and pH control are less likely to spread germs.
• Use hot tub test strips to check the hot tub yourself for adequate disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) levels. CDC recommends the following for pools  and hot tubs:
  • Pools: free chlorine (1—3 parts per million or ppm)
  • Hot Tubs: free chlorine (2—4 ppm) or bromine (4—6 ppm).
  • Both hot tubs and pools should have a pH level of 7.2—7.8.
  • If you find improper chlorine, bromine, and/or pH levels, tell the hot tub/pool operator or owner immediately.

• What was the most recent health inspection score for the hot tub?
• Are disinfectant and pH levels checked at least twice per day?
• Are disinfectant and pH levels checked more often when the hot tub is being used by a lot of people?
• Are the following maintenance activities performed regularly:
  • Removal of the slime or biofilm layer by scrubbing and cleaning?
  • Replacement of the hot tub water filter according to manufacturer’s recommendations?
  • Replacement of hot tub water?