A trip to the spa should be relaxing and energizing, the ultimate pampering experience. But if that spa doesn’t follow the stringent requirements for cleanliness, your trip can result in some unpleasant consequences. Take for example, the client who ended up with a difficult to treat nail fungus from a foot soaking tub during a pedicure. What should have been a wonderful treat ended up being a several hundred dollar expenditure at the foot doctor, not to mention the pain and discomfort of an infection.

If you do not want to find yourself in that situation, do your homework before you book that appointment. Just what should you look for in a spa? Are there standards and regulations? Will the staff think that you are just being “picky”?

Any good spa with high standards will relish the opportunity to explain their standards and how they comply with state regulations. They should also have state inspection notices posted in a prominent location. Just as in hair salons, employees should have their credentials posted. Some spas are accredited by IMPAC, an accreditation company located in the United States, which develops standards for the spa industry. Their “Gold Star” program requires spas to follow state regulations, have accredited staff, and pass inspections. They also monitor that complaints have not been lodged with the Better Business Bureau and that clientele are generally satisfied with their spa experiences.

While IMPAC is a starting point, you can be the best determiner as to the cleanliness of a spa. As a customer, you will be the one using the facilities and having the treatments. Tour the spa before you sign up to have any services. A visual inspection should answer many of your questions.

·           Is the facility neat and orderly?

·           Does the spa appear clean?

·           Are the drains in wet-rooms and showers free from mold?

·           Are the linens fresh? Are used linens removed quickly? After a towel has been used once, it should be deposited in a closed receptacle until properly laundered.

·           Are attendants with the client at all times?

·           Are treatment tables covered with fresh lines for each patron?

·           How are the implements sanitized?

After a visual inspection, it’s time to let your instincts take over. How do you feel about the spa?

·           Is the receptionist friendly and accommodating?

·           Does the staff seem to get along well?

·           Do staff members seem respectful of the customers?

·           Are clients given the appropriate amount of privacy?

If you have any uneasy feelings, listen to your inner voice. Chances are there is a reason for your feelings. It’s better to pay attention to your “gut instinct” rather than end up having a bad experience.

One final point, before having any spa treatment, make sure the therapist washes his/her hands. Personal hygiene of therapists is essential.

If the spa passes muster, then go ahead and book a treatment. You can truly relax knowing that you are in good hands.

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