A Hilton Garden Inn guest found her light blue swimsuit turned white and yellow after she and her friends took a dip in the hotel’s hot tub, which smelled like bleach. They reported it to the property, which tested the water, and began treating it. The jacuzzi was then closed. She emailed the hotel’s management, but never got a reply.
@gritasudziute “Thanks @HiltonGardenInn Our bright blue swimsuits are now white. Jacuzzi or giant bleach bath??” @hilton #hilton #fyp #hotel #hottub #POV ♬ original sound – Grita
Immediate “bleaching” of fabric in 45 minutes strongly suggests very high free chlorine levels in the water, consistent with a recent “shock” or “superchlorination” event when pools should be closed.
- Chlorine in the water should be at least 3 but not more than 10 parts per million.
- Use a test strip to measure it yourself (also aim for pH 7.2 – 7.8). They’re not expensive or bulky to bring with you!
That said, a strong “chlorine/bleach smell” is actually not a reliable indicator of too much chlorine! That’s frequently chloramines off‑gassing from used‑up chlorine reacting with sweat (or urine, cough). But the change in color of the clothes is a pretty good indicator.
Chlorine is important, though. There are dozens of outbreaks a year from improperly treated water, nearly all associated with public pools, hot tubs, and water parks. About one-third of outbreaks happen at hotels.
You’ve got chlorine‑resistant crypto giving people gastrointestinal illnesses; legionella (a severe pneumonia that thrives in warm, poorly maintained systems); and pseudomonas (or “hot‑tub rash” folliculitis as well as swimmer’s ear). Plus, there are thousands of emergency visits a year from pool chemical injuries like inhalation or skin irritations (1/3 of these are children).
And you shouldn’t spend 45 minutes in the hot tub either, not that I want to be a scold. Usually recommended times are like ten to 15 minutes, so probably that means 30 is fine, but 45 seems to be pushing it.
It’s a franchised hotel. The brand shouldn’t give you confidence in the pool. Here’s the pool at Marriott’s Regret Resort.
If the color of the water is green like this, you don’t need a test strip to have high confidence it’s not a place you want to swim.
@ Gary — You carry these?
As a general rule, I avoid hotel pools. Too many have germs in them the size of a nickel.
Ha. I saw Regret Resort and one photo and immediately knew which property it was. Worst hotel I’ve ever stayed at.
When using the Jacuzzi at a Hilton Garden Inn or other Hilton properties, it’s important to note that the chlorine in the swimming pools or hot tubs can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, potentially leading to infections such as vaginitis. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and unusual discharge. A clear warning sign of improper disinfectant concentration was observed when her light blue swimsuit changed color to white and yellow after she and her friends enjoyed a dip in the hotel’s hot tub. It is crucial to recognize that bleach germicidal disinfectants can pose immediate health risks at improper levels. To minimize the risk of infection, maintaining proper hygiene is essential. Additionally, it is advisable to change out of wet swimwear as soon as possible.
Why are you using a picture of Point Grace hotel in Turks and Caicos for this article? Although it’s affiliated with Hilton through SLH, it hardly seems appropriate to even imply there’s a similar problem there.
@L737 — My suspicions about @Ken A are becoming realized. Referring to such genitalia-based commentary is very much like what @PENILE would do. Hmm.
Regret Resort – we used to call these ‘polio ponds’. Had one at my apartment complex years ago.
Maybe her hair was bleached, also.
Oof, not ideal. Glad I don’t use hotel pools, one less thing to pack.
@1990 – Now that I think about it more, the writing styles do seem like similar. Intriguing… *rubs chin*
Avoid the public ( some private) stew pots ( hot tubs). You should be able to view the recorded readings required by jurisdiction. We have a problem in my area with Canada geese enjoying a swim in pools and spas. They poop more than one can imagine.
@L737 — Oof. *rubs temples* Bah!