Heed the spa rules for safe and healthy use:

• Refrain from entering a spa when you have diarrhea.
  
• Avoid swallowing spa water or even getting it into your mouth.
  
• Shower or bathe with soap before entering the spa.
  
• Observe limits, if posted, on the maximum allowable number of bathers.
  
• Exclude children less than 5 years of age from using spas.
  
• If pregnant, consult a physician before spa use, particularly in the first trimester.
  

Observe and listen to the spa and its surroundings. What should you notice?

• No odor; a well-chlorinated spa has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
• Smooth spa sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
• Spa equipment is working; pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running.
• Spa temperature; the water temperature should not exceed 104°F (40°C)
• Check the spa water; test for adequate chlorine (2-5 parts per million) and pH (7.2-7.8) levels. Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers and pool supply stores.

Talk to spa owners/staff and other spa users:

• What was the health inspector's grade for the spa after its last inspection?
  
• Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice per day?
  
• Are these levels checked during times when the pool is most heavily used?
  
• Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the spa is most heavily used?
  
• What specialized training did the staff take to prepare for working at or operating a spa?
  
• Learn about Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) and educate other users and your spa operator.
  
• Urge your spa management to spread the word about RWIs to spa staff and pool users.