Hygiena 2010, 55(2):46-53

The Problems of Hydromassage Bath Tubs in Rehabilitation Operations

Radim Mudra¹, Marie Fiedorová¹, Danuše Hanslíková¹, Jaroslav Šimek², Radomír Polcar³

¹ Krajská hygienická stanice Moravskoslezského kraje se sídlem v Ostravě

² Zdravotní ústav se sídlem v Ostravě

³ FACTOR.E, s.r.o., Brno

The project verified the effectiveness of chemical disinfection in circulating lines of hydromassage bath tubs. It dealt with tubs in a health care facility, operated both under the filling of hot water produced from drinking water and iodine-bromine water. Long term inconsistent security of hydromassage systems has resulted in colonization by and significant densities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa organisms in water after operation of the bath tub prior to patient entry. This unsatisfactory performance is explained by inappropriate design of the hydro-massage system and the quality of applied materials (water stagnation in the secondary circuit after discharging the tub, construction of massage nozzles and porosity of surface materials). A cleansing and disinfection timetable of two tubs in different operating modes with application of different biocides has been elaborated following identification of "weak points" in the hydromassage tub system. The task has confirmed the theory of formation of biofilms and their colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the secondary circuits of hydromassage bath tubs; thus the need for continuous application of disinfectants capable of adequate disinfection and removal of incrustation and biofilms.

Keywords: microbiological water quality, rehabilitation tubs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, hydromassage nozzles, biofilm, tub disinfection

Received: October 2009; Accepted: February 18, 2010; Published: June 1, 2010  Show citation