Bath tub with whirlpool function

Question

Dear expert team,

due to an upcoming renovation of the bathroom I (25, CF, Pseudomonas negative) am thinking about bying a bath tub with whirlpool function.
I know, that public whirlpools / jacuzzis are not recommended due to an increased risk of Pseudmonas. Is this danger relevant also for such bath tubs in the home bathroom?
Many thanks and best regards,
A.

Answer

Dear Mrs/Mr A.
you ask, if the usage of an own (private) bath tub with whirlpool function can pose a Pseudmonas risk.
At first, short information about the "public" whirlpool. As you know, reservoirs of stagnant water can be sources of so-called humid-germs such as Pseudmonas aeruginosa. Therefore, bathing in lakes are e.g. not recommended to patients with CF due to the risk of contamination with Pseudomonas. This is also true for public whirlpools / jacuzzis, which contain not only stagnant but also warm water and therefore can represent a good nutritional basis for germs of all origins. The small water droplets emerging via the fizzy water effect, probably contaminated with germs, can be inhaled. In case of public swimming-pools however, the usage is regarded as unproblematic for CF patients, in case the preparation of the water in the swimming-pool is done according to accepted rules of technique as then the risk of an exposition with Pseudmonas is very small.
You ask however, about a private whirlpool, I understand that it is a bath tub with whirlpool function. Here helps the common sense and the own attitude towards contamination with germs has also to be taken into account. In general it can however be said, that in order to prevent a contamination with germs fresh water should be used - like with the bath tub- as well as an accurate clearance according to instructions after each usage should be performed. With these measures the risk of contamination with germs is reduced significantly, assumed that the used water has a germfree quality.

Best regards,
Yours
Dr. Christina Smaczny

09.04.2013