Positive effect of thermal water

Question

Dear expert team,

We live close to a thermal bath that advertises, among other things, the mucolytic and curative effects of its thermal water as well as a brine floating pool and brine inhalation.

Could regular visits be beneficial to our daughter (2 years old, CF)? Or would the warm, humid climate rather bring forth germs?

Many thanks and kind regards!

Answer

Dear questioner,

thermal water is water with a temperature of >20°C and a special degree of minerals and trace elements. Concerning the health-conducive effect particularly in CF, I would ask you to consult your CF doctor. To me, the individual well-being after a visit is crucial. Considering the hygiene aspect, thermal water and thermal baths, respectively, are subject to the same tests as other public outdoor or indoor pools.

[The following paragraph may is based on German regulations, as the original question was submitted in Germany.]

Pool water has to fulfil certain hygiene criteria, e.g. no P. aeruginosa must be traceable in 100 ml of pool water. This and further hygiene criteria as well as specific testing methods are laid down accurately in norms in Germany (e.g. DIN 19463). Regular tests are in the bath operator’s responsibility and have to be checked together with further hygiene aspects according to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG, §37) by the (local) health authorities in charge.

It is known that P. aeruginosa, as a common water bug, can nevertheless occur in public pools. Due to the high-quality water preparation (filtration, chlorination), it is not so much the pool water but rather other humid areas / puddle areas such as bathroom facilities or showers that are considered potential reservoirs for water bugs. Even though all baths have to fulfil the same standards for pool water, modern facilities sometimes have better preconditions e.g. concerning technical water preparation or structural aspects (potential water traps, standing water). Warm water temperatures promote the growth of P. aeruginosa. Due to the standardized hygiene requirements for pool water, though, to me this does not result in an increased risk for thermal water as compared to classic public pools.

However, there is no absolute certainty even despite the obligations and controls. You can obtain information on the microbiological water quality directly with the bath’s operator and/or the health authorities.

Kind regards,
Michael Hogardt

21.10.2013