If you operate a spa pool within a holiday park, lodge, hotel, leisure facility or short-term rental, you have a legal duty to keep guests safe. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guideline HSG282 sets the standards for managing spa pool water to prevent Legionella, Pseudomonas and other infectious agents.
Central to these requirements is a consistent water-testing regime — daily, monthly and quarterly — with results recorded and acted upon.
Failing to follow HSG282 doesn’t just risk an outbreak. It opens the door to litigation, reputational damage, enforcement action and even business closure. Meanwhile, operators who follow the guidance enjoy peace of mind, safer systems, happier guests and stronger reviews.
🌟 What HSG282 Requires: Water Testing Overview
HSG282 outlines a strict testing schedule to ensure water remains safe for every user. This includes daily on-site checks, monthly microbiological analysis, and quarterly Legionella testing.
💧 Daily – Chemical & pH Checks
Operators must test and record:
Disinfectant levels (free chlorine or bromine) pH balance Water temperature
These readings ensure the spa remains sanitised and in a condition where bacteria cannot thrive.
🧖♀️ Monthly – Microbiological Testing
A laboratory must analyse samples for:
Aerobic Colony Count (ACC) Coliforms Escherichia coli (E. coli) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Monthly microbiological testing verifies that your daily controls are working and that the water system is not harbouring harmful pathogens.
Every product we sell is hand-selected for quality, design, and energy efficiency, giving you total confidence in your investment.
🔧 Quarterly – Legionella Testing
Because spa pools create warm, aerated environments, they are classed as high-risk systems. HSG282 requires specialist laboratory testing for Legionella bacteria at least every three months.
Our Water Management Division offers HSG282-compliant testing and servicing — ideal for holiday parks, estates, and accommodation providers who demand the highest hygiene standards.
🏆 Why Is This Testing So Important?
Spa pools recirculate warm water — an environment where bacteria multiply quickly if not properly managed. Issues such as biofilm, poor flow, incorrect pH or inconsistent disinfectant can rapidly lead to bacterial growth.
Routine testing provides:
Early detection of water quality issues Legal compliance with HSG282 and COSHH Protection against Legionnaires’ disease and other infections Traceability for audits and investigations A safe, enjoyable experience for guests.
🌿 Record Keeping – A Legal Expectation
Testing alone is not enough. HSG282 expects operators to maintain accurate logs of:
Daily water test readings Monthly microbiological reports Quarterly Legionella results Any corrective actions taken
These records act as your proof of compliance in the event of an inspection, complaint or legal claim.
🚩 The Cost of Non-Compliance
Shortcuts or poor testing regimes can result in:
HSE intervention or prosecution Civil claims and compensation payouts Temporary or permanent closure Long-term reputation damage Risk to guest health and life
The cost of testing is minimal compared to the cost of an outbreak.
Speak to an HSG282 Specialist
If you operate a commercial spa pool and want full confidence in your compliance, we can help with:
Microbiological testing Legionella sampling Compliance audits and documentation Staff training and maintenance support
☎ 0800 464 7985
Call us today on 0800 464 7985 or contact us online to start your journey to a safer environment.
