What Impact will Covid-19 have on the spa and hot tub industry?
With the arrival of Summer 2020, many keen spa users have been kitting out their homes and gardens with a new swimspa or hot tub. There are many questions around the supply and use of leisure facilities throughout 2020 and whilst we are unable to predict the future, we can give an insight into some industry expert comments to help build a picture around the availability and potential safety concerns around the use of spa facilities.
Supply of Materials and Spa Production
There are some manufacturers that have and continue to struggle to source all the materials required to produce spas, hot tubs and pool equipment. There is some talk among industry insiders that over the coming months, there may be a limited supply of stock available due to the industry not being able to continue production, or the manufacturers having to wait whilst the supply chain catches up with the demand for materials which they have not been able to supply over the past few months during the lockdown.
As a business, we have sold through much of our stock and are recommending that customers pre-order if they wish to purchase a spa this year and face a possible wait whilst it is manufactured and delivered to us. At least this way, you can ensure that any stock that is currently in the making will be allocated to you and you will not miss out or be disappointed.
Concerns Around Spa Safety and Covid-19
We have had many spa owners call us and ask for advice over the concerns of spreading Covid-19 through spa and hot tub use. We recommend that people follow government guidelines and that you maintain social distancing and only share your hot tub or spa with the people from your household as you could still be at risk of catching or passing on the virus, even if your water is chlorinated and cleaned correctly.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) have issued a statement on the safety around use of leisure facilities and Covid-19.
“Operators should ensure chlorine levels in pools and spas are kept between 1-3mg/l with the pH between 6.8-7.4. Spa pools that use bromine need to maintain their water at 4-6mg/l bromine or 3-5mg/l chlorine. Routine tests for microbiological quality should also be undertaken in line with national guidelines.
Given that the virus is a new one, experts cannot say with absolute certainty that it will be safe. However, most authorities believe that pool and spa waters that are adequately disinfected should not spread the disease. A bigger risk will be the face-to-face interaction between individual users of the pools and spas.”
Installation of Hot Tubs and Spas during Social Distancing
The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) have also updated their statement on Covid-19 which says,“Sales of hot tubs may continue without face to face contact, but installation will need careful management to determine if this aspect can be achieved without risk to staff and/or clients.”
The guidelines also detail that staff are not to visit households where anyone may be self-isolating and that correct PPE must be provided. Where possible an alternative entrance must be used by staff working in someone’s home to avoid them having to go inside the house. Long-distance travel should be avoided and staff should travel separately to maintain distancing.
It is thought that these measures will be in place for the foreseeable future. There is more advice available from Public Health England for tradespeople and businesses on these matters and each individual scenario needs to be assessed and planned thoroughly to minimise any risks to both the customers and staff involved with any purchase or installation of a hot tub or spa.
We are working closely with all our customers and staff to ensure the safest and smoothest procedures for getting swimspas and hot tubs to their new homes. If you have any queries, concerns or would like to discuss any of our products or services, please feel free to contact us on 01980 611555 and our friendly team will be happy to help.
