A yeast infection is a common fungal infection generally caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, which is a natural part of the body’s flora. While relaxing in a hot tub will not typically result in the direct transmission of yeast from the water itself, the environment created by hot tub use can certainly increase an individual’s susceptibility to an infection. The warm, moist conditions and the effect of chemical exposure can disrupt the body’s natural balance, leading to an opportunistic overgrowth of the yeast already present on the skin.
Why Yeast Infections Are Rare From Hot Tub Water Itself
Hot tubs rely on sanitation protocols, such as using chlorine or bromine, to keep the water safe from harmful microorganisms. Properly maintained hot tub water is generally an environment hostile to the survival of fungi like C. albicans because of these chemical disinfectants. Standard, well-circulated spa water is not usually a source of infection. The concentration of disinfectants and the temperature are intended to kill or inactivate common pathogens. If a yeast infection were to occur after a soak, the cause is far more likely to be related to personal physiology and environmental conditions than to the fungus originating in the tub water.
The Infections Hot Tubs Are Known to Cause
The primary infection risk associated with hot tubs is caused by bacteria, not yeast. The most common is folliculitis, often called “Hot Tub Rash,” which is a skin infection caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium thrives in the warm water of poorly maintained spas, especially where disinfectant levels are low or when it forms a protective biofilm on the tub’s surfaces. Symptoms of this rash typically appear as lesions that form around hair follicles, often appearing more severely in areas covered by a wet swimsuit. This is a clear case of contracting a pathogen directly from contaminated water, usually manifesting 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Other bacterial risks include infections caused by Legionella bacteria, which can be inhaled in the steam and cause a severe type of pneumonia.
How Hot Tub Use Can Still Trigger a Yeast Infection
While the water itself is rarely the source of the yeast, using a hot tub can create the perfect conditions for the body’s existing Candida population to multiply. The combination of prolonged heat and moisture, especially when remaining in a wet bathing suit after exiting the tub, forms a warm, damp incubator. This warm environment encourages the overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on the skin and mucous membranes. Exposure to hot tub chemicals, like chlorine, can also temporarily disrupt the delicate pH balance of the skin or the vaginal area, making the body more susceptible to an opportunistic fungal infection.
Reducing Your Risk After Soaking
Taking simple, immediate steps after a hot tub session is the most effective way to prevent both fungal and bacterial infections.
- Remove your wet bathing suit promptly after getting out of the water.
- Immediately shower with soap and thoroughly clean your body, paying close attention to skin folds and the genital area.
- Dry yourself completely with a clean towel, as moisture is the fuel for yeast overgrowth.
- Wash your swimsuit right away or hang it to dry, as leaving it wet allows bacteria and fungi to multiply.