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Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a common bacteria found in water and soil.
It is listed as an "opportunistic
bacteria" that can cause:
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Dermatitis (Skin Rash
or Pseudomonas Folliculitis)
- Respiratory System Infections
-
Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) - please see your local doctor for treatment
- Other systemic infections
In Swimming Pools, a very likely cause of skin rash is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). Pseudomonas feeds
on oil & grease present in the water (mainly from body oils & skin treatments brought into the
pool from
bathers NOT properly showering prior to entering the pool) and can multiply rapidly under ideal
conditions (such as lack of proper sanitizing procedures).
In swimming pools, PA can be found on various
areas such as pool coping,
waterfall edges, ladder steps, etc. PA infects the hair follicles on the body.
If infected, you will notice the following characteristics of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa:
Itchy rash 8 to 48 hours after contamination.
Rash can occur on arms, legs or trunk of body.
Rash disappears 7 to 10 days without treatment.
Perform the following procedure to treat the infected spa or hot tub:
-
Remove the filter and soak in a solution of chlorine and water during treatment. (2
- 4 Tbsp of Chlorine
per 5 gallons of water)
Shock with four times the normal dose of
PoolBoss®
Vinyl Shock.
Turn on the pump and circulate for 2 - 3 hours. The bacterial growth usually builds up in the lines,
so it is necessary to flush them thoroughly.
Chemically clean
(such as PoolBoss®
Cartridge Cleaner) and
/ or replace the filter .
Rebalance the pool.
Do not enter pool until sanitizer level drops below 4.0 ppm.
As an additional precaution, cheaphottubchemicals.com
STRONGLY RECOMMENDS cleaning the
solar blanket as well. Clean your cover
with with a mild detergent or
with a mild bleach solution about twice each season.
Be sure to seek medical
attention from a qualified doctor. Do not self-diagnose ANY condition.
This
page is provided for informational purposes ONLY.
Prevention:
Enforce shower rules before entering spa
or pool.
Maintain 1-3 ppm Free Available chlorine in residual spas or pools and 3- 5 ppm in commercial spas
or pools.
Information from:
Kenneth Todar, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology
For further information, please visit the
Center for
Disease Control website This information is used by
permission. |
