BISHTA ensures an adequate training in water hygiene management and Standards

There have been many changes in the industry guidance over the last few years, such as HSG 282 (replacing the Health and Safety Executive's and Health Protection Agencies' joint publication - 'Management of Spa Pools', PWTAG's 'Hot Tubs for Business' publication and the development of a European standard for domestic spas and hot tubs ( BS EN 17125), as well as revisions to the existing electric spa standard BS EN 60335-2-60.

It can be difficult and time-consuming for hot tub companies to stay abreast of these vital changes, but help is at hand through the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) which was established in 2001 to ensure that companies engaged in the display and sale of hot tubs are adequately trained in water hygiene management and understand the importance of maintaining these Standards. 

BISHTA exists to promote high standards of safety, enjoyment and value, by registering suppliers of spas, hot tubs, accessories and water purification products. With a world-renowned team of experts on hand to offer support and assist with issues or any questions.

As the industry leaders, BISHTA has been working tirelessly with their various committees of industry experts, to digest how these updates will affect hot tub companies and the actions that need to be taken, transforming these new publications into easily understandable guidance. It was, therefore, crucial to have the new BISHTA Standards available this year to ensure that they were as up to date as possible, with the intention that the BISHTA Standards will need to continue to evolve as new guidance continues to be produced.

The 2019 BISHTA Standards now available to BISHTA members

The 2019 BISHTA Standards are now available to BISHTA members in a paper format, and they are also available online via the members' area of the BISHTA website, allowing members '24-7' access to the information they need. As the website is responsive, the information can be easily viewed on mobile phones and tablets. 

This version of the BISHTA Standards replaces the 2010 version. There are now nearly 100 pages in the BISHTA Standards, including useful appendices. It is envisaged that the number of pages will continue to increase due to the development of new (and the revision of existing) materials, with the development (and revision) of member factsheets as a vital additional support service. These factsheets are also available in the member's area of the BISHTA website (www.bishta.co.uk).

So, what is in the 2019 BISHTA Standards?

The main headings are as follows:

  1. Introduction
  2. Definition
  3. Types of Hot Tubs, Exercise Spas and Associated Equipment
  4. Types of Settings
  5. Selecting the Right Hot Tub for Your Customer
  6. Delivery and Installation
  7. Shell Structures
  8. Equipment
  9. Water Treatment and Chemical Standards
  10. Electrical
  11. Energy Efficiency
  12. Maintenance
  13. Safety
  14. Acknowledgements and References

There are also a series of Appendices as follows:    

  1. Hot Tub Record Testing Sheet
  2. Data Sheets
  3. Handover Documentation
  4. Further Advice on Hot Tubs Used in a Business Setting
  5. Further Advice on Hot Tub Hiring
  6. Site Survey
  7. Glossary of Terms

What's new in the Standards?

The importance of HSG 282 for hot tubs used in a business activity such as holiday parks and homes cannot be overestimated. Although HSG 282 was a follow on from the Management of Spa Pools (which was published in 2006), the industry has fully embraced the guidance so that the visitors to these locations are kept safe. Much of the HSG 282 guidance has also been included in BISHTA's water hygiene management course that was updated in 2016, and more than 1,000 people have been through this training since 2016, an incredible figure and thanks are due to the various tutor teams that run these courses on behalf of BISHTA. Namely Complete Pool Controls (Martin Rigby, Matt Roberts, John Key and Keith Pescott), Pollet Pool Group (Jimmy Lamb and Lesley Hipkiss), SpaTech Training / 1 Stop Spas (Chris Brady) and Pool and Spa Advice (Howard Gosling). Other tutors such as Robin Flux from Lonza / Arch Chemicals can offer the course when there is sufficient demand.

BS EN 17125 defines Scandinavian hot tubs as a 'spa for single use of water, where the water temperature is increased from an external heat source and which is sited outdoors'. These products are being sold for both domestic and business settings, with the need for emptying the products every few hours (depending on whether the water is potable or non-potable) these products need better guidance from the manufacturers to ensure they are used appropriately.

The electrical section has benefited from feedback from experts in various places, but special thanks to BISHTA's partners NICEIC, who have not only delivered electrical courses to 100 people but have been given pragmatic feedback on the words used in the electrical section. BISHTA strongly recommends the use of an earth electrode or earth mat for properties that do not already offer this type of earthing arrangement. 

There is a new section on energy efficiency to take note of some of the content in BS EN 17125. This section is expected to evolve as this important topic of sustainability grows ever more popular with customers wanting energy efficient products.

The revision of the BISHTA Standards has only been possible thanks to the hard work of the Technical Committee (Howard Gosling, Stephen Crabb, Pete Grinnall, Chris Brady, Karl Rowntree, Lesley Hipkiss and Matt Middleton). There was also input from many of the BISHTA Committee members, not on the Technical Committee (Tony Welsby, Martyn Winstone, Jonathan Bunn, Dorian Davies, Jimmy Lamb, Shaun Pickles, Kevin Newby and Dave Ramsden).

If you would like to find out more information about joining BISHTA and having access to these useful industry resources, please contact the Andover office on 01264 356211 or email [email protected]