Top Hot Tub Safety Tips
If you are considering purchasing a hot tub, you may be wondering how safe it is for you and your family to use. Although there have been rare occasions where someone has been injured in a hot tub, most injuries could have been avoided by following these simple safety tips.
#1 - Never Leave Children Unattended
Always make sure that children are supervised by an adult when using a hot tub. Children also have more sensitive skin and are more prone to overheating, so the water temperature should be less than 95 degrees F. If you generally keep your hot tub at a higher temperature, make sure to allow enough time for it to cool before children enter. It is also recommended to consult with a pediatrician if you want to bring your infant or child under 5 years of age into the hot tub.
#2 - Electrical Devices
Never bring any type of electrical device such as a stereo near your hot tub. Even if left on the pool deck or near the hot tub, water can splash and potentially become an electrocution hazard. If you want to have music or entertainment options in your hot tub area, consider purchasing battery operated units or waterproof Bluetooth speakers that are safe and hot tub friendly.
#3 - Patio Area
After bathing in a hot tub, wet feet and a slippery patio deck can be dangerous. Install non-slip spa steps for bathers to get in and out of the tub as well as a handrailing for support. Since many bathers will be barefoot on your patio area near your hot tub, make sure that there are no wood splinters and treat your patio wood with a waterproof sealant. For extra protection, place non-slip mats around the hot tub area.
#4 - Soak Time
Soaking in a hot tub for an extended period of time can expose you to potential health risk as well as be hard on your limbs and joints. There are different factors such as the external temperature and your overall health that can determine how long you should soak for in one sitting. For those that enjoy spending longer periods in their hot tub, by turning the water down several degrees can help prevent overheating and increase the amount of time you can stay per session.
Some signs that you may be overheating and have been in your hot tub for too long are:
Red Skin - Especially for those with sensitive skin, after an extended period of time your skin may redden and feel similar to a sunburn.
Dizziness - If you begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy, carefully exit the hot tub and allow your body to adjust to the external temperature.
Nausea- Long periods in a hot tub may cause some users to experience nausea, especially if they have eaten a large meal before entering.
#5 - Diving
Although some hot tubs appear to be quite deep - especially to children, set clear ground rules that there is no diving or cannon balls allowed.
#6 - Alcohol & Prescriptions
The high temperature of a hot tub’s water can amplify the effects of alcohol or certain prescription drugs. Limit the consumption of alcoholic drinks while using your hot tub and it is recommended to always consult with your physician regarding your prescription drugs to ensure that it is safe for you to soak.
Enjoyable hot tubbing is about fun with proper safety. Now that you know how to stay safe while relaxing in a hot tub, download a hot tub buyer’s guide to see the many models and features available.