Hope Floats: How Hydrotherapy Pools Offer Relief and Raise Safety Questions for Vulnerable Swimmers

Hydrotherapy pools, with their warm, soothing waters, offer a sanctuary for individuals seeking relief from various ailments. However, beneath the surface of therapeutic benefits lie critical safety concerns, especially for vulnerable swimmers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 400 children under the age of 15 die every year due to drowning in pools and spas, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures. This article explores the therapeutic advantages of hydrotherapy pools while addressing the potential risks and legal considerations surrounding their use.

The Healing Power of Water: Benefits of Hydrotherapy Pools

Hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy, involves utilizing water’s unique properties to promote physical and mental well-being. Unlike regular swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools are typically warmer (between 32°C and 36°C), which helps relax muscles and ease joint pain. This makes them ideal for individuals with conditions such as:

Arthritis: The warmth and buoyancy of the water reduce stress on joints, improve range of motion, and alleviate pain. Studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis experience greater health improvements with hydrotherapy than with other activities.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Hydrotherapy aids in the rehabilitation of muscle and ligament injuries, broken limbs, and sprains by reducing joint compression forces and swelling.
Neurological Conditions: Individuals with spinal cord injuries, stroke, or multiple sclerosis can benefit from improved balance, coordination, and muscle strength in a supportive aquatic environment.
Back Pain: The buoyancy of water allows for low-impact exercise, reducing strain on the spine and surrounding muscles.
Fibromyalgia: Swimming and water exercise can decrease anxiety, depression, and improve mood in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Hydrotherapy can be a good supplement to physical therapy as you recover from an injury or surgery. Moving in water provides a low-resistance way to exercise safely.

Beyond physical benefits, hydrotherapy also offers significant psychological advantages. The water’s soothing effect promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and boosts confidence.

Navigating the Depths: Safety Concerns and Risks

While hydrotherapy pools offer numerous benefits, they also pose potential risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

Drowning: Drowning is a significant concern, especially for young children. According to the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, 35 drowning deaths occurred in swimming pools, half of which were backyard pools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report highlights that in 2021, 380 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned, a 12% increase from 2020.
Infections: Hydrotherapy pools can harbor bacteria and pathogens if not properly maintained. Infections such as Legionella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause skin, eye, and ear infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) recommends weekly microbiological tests for hydrotherapy pools.
Slips and Falls: Wet surfaces around the pool area increase the risk of slips and falls, especially for individuals with mobility issues.
Burns and Scalds: Inappropriately high water temperatures can cause burns or scalds, particularly for individuals with sensory impairments.
Entrapment: Suction from pool drains can pose an entrapment hazard, especially for children.
Exacerbation of Existing Conditions: Excessive heat can be dangerous for individuals with cardiovascular disease because it can raise heart rate and blood pressure, and there is also a risk of dehydration.

Ensuring Safe Passage: Safety Measures and Legal Considerations

To mitigate the risks associated with hydrotherapy pools, several safety measures must be implemented:

Water Quality Management: Regular testing and maintenance of water chemistry are crucial to prevent infections. Free chlorine levels should be maintained between 1.5mg and 5.0mg per liter, and total chlorine levels should not exceed 10mg per liter. The pH level should be between 7.0 and 7.6.
Supervision: Constant supervision by trained personnel is essential, especially for vulnerable swimmers. Riverside School Hydrotherapy Pool Policy states that “An appropriately trained member of staff must remain poolside as “Spotter.”
Accessibility: Hydrotherapy pools should be accessible to individuals with disabilities, with features such as ramps, hoists, and accessible changing rooms.
Emergency Preparedness: Staff should be trained in emergency procedures, including CPR and water rescue techniques. Emergency equipment, such as first aid kits and evacuation sheets, should be readily available.
Signage: Clear signage should be posted to indicate pool depth, emergency exits, and safety rules.
Bather Load Management: Overcrowding can increase the risk of accidents and compromise water quality. Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP) should include instantaneous bather load. Use 2m² per bather (ATACP space recommendation vs PWTAG water quality 2.7m² for 1-1.5m depth of water).
Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments should be conducted to identify and address potential hazards.

From a legal standpoint, owners and operators of hydrotherapy pools have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their patrons. Failure to do so can result in liability for injuries or fatalities.

Negligence: Pool operators can be held liable for negligence if they fail to maintain a safe environment, properly supervise swimmers, or provide adequate warnings of potential hazards.
Premises Liability: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises in a safe condition. This includes ensuring that the pool area is free from hazards such as slippery surfaces, faulty equipment, and inadequate lighting.
Vicarious Liability: Employers can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employees.

Seeking Legal Counsel: Protecting Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hydrotherapy pool accident, it is essential to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and pursue compensation for your injuries. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

In cases involving serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or brain damage, a claim for damages may include the costs of installing and maintaining a hydrotherapy pool at home. A High Court ruling has provided welcome clarity on the law relating to compensation claims for the costs of a hydrotherapy pool, including installation and maintenance. The ruling is particularly helpful to potential claimants because it reviews the key cases on this topic, analyzes the grounds for a successful claim and explains why the child in this particular case was entitled to the costs of installing a hydrotherapy pool.

Conclusion: Balancing Hope and Vigilance

Hydrotherapy pools offer a valuable therapeutic resource for individuals seeking relief from various conditions. However, it is crucial to recognize and address the potential safety risks associated with their use. By implementing stringent safety measures, providing adequate supervision, and understanding the legal considerations, we can ensure that hydrotherapy pools remain a source of hope and healing for all, especially our most vulnerable swimmers.