by Pertti Olavi Jalasjaa

Few people would deny that home saunas and whirlpool hot tubs can effectively assist an individual’s efforts to relax, but intriguing information may lead some health-conscious bathers to opt for a soothing session in the sauna over a hop into the hot tub.

A recent study has revealed that whirlpool hot tubs can be a breeding ground for a host of disease-causing bacteria. Dr. Rita Moyes, a Texas A&M University microbiologist, tested 43 water samples from both private and public whirlpool bathtubs. In 95 percent of the hot tubs, bacteria derived from feces were detected, while 81 percent had fungi and 34 percent contained potentially fatal staphylococcus bacteria. “Every tub tested had some sort of microbial growth,” Moyes told Reuters Health, “and I was just getting the few organisms I was testing for, so it’s probably just the tip of the iceberg as far as what is really present.”

According to Moyes, a teaspoon of whirlpool hot tub water contains an average of more than two million bacteria, whereas a teaspoon of normal tap water contains only about 138. The interior pipes of whirlpool hot tubs that aren’t filtered or chemically treated, and whirlpool hot tubs that aren’t properly maintained, are prime areas for potentially infectious microbes to congregate and grow, the microbiologist furthered reported. When the jets are activated, the bacteria-packed water gets blown into the tub.

The bacteria found in whirlpool hot tubs can lead to numerous diseases, including urinary tract infections, skin infections, and pneumonia. The bacteria Legionella pneumophila, which has been known to grow in hot tub water, causes an infection called legionellosis. Perhaps the best known form of legionellosis is Legionnaires’ disease. Hot tub folliculitis is a hair follicle infection caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in hot tubs, especially those made of wood, unless the hot tub water’s pH and chlorine content are strictly controlled. Symptoms of hot tub folliculitis include an itchy, bumpy, dark red rash and pus-filled blisters on the skin.

While not addressed in the Texas A&M University study, home saunas continue to be cited for the many health benefits associated with their use. One German study reportedly found that people who bathed in a sauna twice a week suffered half as many colds as those who didn’t. A study in Japan found that daily sauna use reduced the thickness of blood vessel walls in male subjects by 40 percent.

As well, some studies have suggested that regular sauna bathing may lower the blood pressure in people with hypertension, improve respiratory function in people with obstructive pulmonary disease, alleviate pain in people afflicted with rheumatic disease, and help people with diabetes and high cholesterol.

Other reliable data indicates that proper sauna use can help accelerate the body’s metabolism and healing functions, trigger endorphins, increase cardiovascular activity, stimulate vital organs and glands, and promote positive changes in mood and sleep quality.

Based on just this small sampling of the substantial amount of information available on home saunas and whirlpool hot tubs, it appears that sauna enthusiasts have good reason to remain enthusiastic while whirlpool hot tub lovers continue to have compelling cause for concern.