Background
A prominent UK-based hotel group, operating one of the largest and most recognisable portfolios in the sector, manages a widespread estate comprising hundreds of properties nationwide. With a mixture of newly developed and longstanding sites, the organisation is tasked with maintaining high standards of water hygiene across a diverse and ageing infrastructure.
The Challenge
The well-known UK hotel chain, operating hundreds of properties, some of which are ageing buildings, were experiencing persistent water hygiene issues across some parts of its estate. Legacy infrastructure, inaccessible tanks, and complex pipework layouts made consistent compliance with routine water safety standards increasingly difficult.
Despite existing PPM schedules and sampling regimes, several sites were flagged for repeated sample failures. In response, the client sought an effective and scalable solution to support their in-house maintenance activities, particularly in hotels with limited access and high water demand.
The Solution
Working in close collaboration with the client, we proposed the deployment of Genox, an HOCl-based disinfection system designed to offer safer, low-maintenance, and scalable microbial control.
A phased rollout began with the installation of 12 rental Genox units across the most problematic sites. These systems were selected over chlorine dioxide options due to their reduced manual handling requirements and safer profile for site personnel.
In one particular property, the hotel opted to purchase the Genox unit outright. This site was being piloted as a ‘staffless hotel’, aiming to reduce on-site operational hours and associated costs. Genox formed the cornerstone of their strategy to:
- Reduce the frequency of manual temperature checks
- Gradually lower stored hot water temperatures (with safe monitoring)
- Improve long-term energy efficiency and compliance
We supported the project with regular monthly servicing and a structured rollout plan, backed by technical consultation and water sampling.
Value Added
- Over 60 Genox units were deployed across the portfolio.
- Improved sampling outcomes led to the removal of units at multiple sites where conditions stabilised.
- Labour and energy savings were projected at key sites trialling operational efficiency changes.
- Minimal installation issues, due to thorough site surveys prior to deployment.
While higher-level stakeholders expected an all-in-one solution, realistic outcomes demonstrated that Genox worked best as a complementary measure, supporting, not replacing, robust PPM regimes. In fact, where used effectively, Genox helped manage post-COVID flushing deficiencies, contributing to improved system health across ageing infrastructures.
Lessons Learned:
- Success depends on implementation: Results varied depending on how well internal PPMs were maintained.
- One size doesn’t fit all: Genox proved most effective when integrated with broader hygiene strategies.
- Safer choice for large hotels: Selected over Ultralox due to its capacity to handle higher daily water volumes.