Hot tub users are being warned about dangerous bacteria - including faeces - that could be swimming in the water.
Experts say bacteria thrive in the bubbling warm water and can cause potential health hazards. The bacteria can give people rashes, infections, diarrhoea and even herpes.
QS Supplies have outlined which germs could be lurking in your hot tub and the reasons why you should be getting it cleaned regularly. They say that five people sitting in a hot tub will contribute to around a tablespoon of faeces to the water - due to residue on the skin, reports the Daily Record.
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Shaf Member, purchase director, said: "Often private hot tubs are worse than those in a gym or public pool. After all, it is up to the cleaner to keep on top of the cleanliness levels.
"Sadly, people can get lazy when it comes to their own hot tub as they think family and friends won't mind. This really doesn't matter, as you will never know if another person has a virus or is shredding pathogens."
Germs
The list of bacteria hiding inside a hot tub is extensive, but some can be harmless. Things like sweat and oil won't cause issues, but there are a surprising amount of people who carry pathogens and germs that can cause disease.
And a hot tub is the perfect temperature and setting for them to thrive and grow. For example, the herpes virus can survive in a hot tub for approximately four hours.
Hot Tub Folliculitis
Hot Tub Folliculitis, also known as the Hot Tub Rash, is caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - which thrives in warm, bubbly water. The rash is extremely common, and looks like chicken pox. It is very uncomfortable and hard to treat - and can even cause scarring for life.
Staph Bacteria
Approximately 50% of the population carries a skin-infecting bacteria on their skin - called Staphylococcus aureus. If someone with a cut, ingrown hair or any open wound gets in a hot tub, they can easily contract a staph infection.
Faeces
Five people in a hot tub will contribute to approximately a tablespoon of human faeces to the water, due to residue on the skin. The average bather has around a tenth of a gram of faeces in their gluteal fold - more commonly known as the buttocks.
This means that five people's bums can equate to a whole tablespoon of human waste into the spa experience. If the hot tub is not cleaned regularly, faecal matter can cause problems due to build-up.
Diarrhoea Pathogens
People should be waiting at least two weeks before entering a hot tub, after contracting a diarrhoea or gastro disease - but most don't. If you are unsure who has been soaking in the tub, then keep your head above the water - as swallowing water could make you sick.
Crypto
A parasite called cryptosporidium causes severe diarrhoea that can last for weeks - and there is no cure or antibiotics for it. The parasite is also chlorine-tolerant so it can withstand the chemicals in a hot tub.
Legionnaires
This infection isn't as common as the others, but it is still a concern. Legionella will thrive in warm water that isn't clean. All it takes is breathing in the mist from a contaminated hot tub.
