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Hot tubs containing Legionella bacteria can cause outbreaks of disease, including Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. The CDC recommends following steps to disinfect a hot tub:
1. Close the hot tub and shut down hydrotherapy jets and circulation pumps.
2. Contact the state or local public health agency for guidance on laboratory testing.
3. Collect water samples from the tub, jets, drain, and filters if directed by the health department.
4. Drain the water and dispose of it.
5. Scrub all surfaces with water containing at least 5 ppm free chlorine.
6. Replace filters or filter media and dispose of them.
7. Make any necessary repairs.
8. Refill and hyperchlorinate the hot tub with 20 ppm free chlorine for 10 hours.
9. Flush the system to remove hyperchlorinated water.
10. Take new samples to confirm the elimination of Legionella.
11. Keep the hot tub closed until testing confirms the elimination of Legionella.
12. Ensure water quality meets local and state standards before reopening.
13. Maintain water quality according to local and state standards.