What Is Hot Tub Safety?

Hot tubs provide a wonderful way to relax, have fun and spend time with friends and family. But to ensure that you enjoy safe, relaxing and healthy soaks, it is important to follow the hot tub safety tips below. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Accompany Children

Children always need to be monitored for any water situation and a hot tub is no different. When not in use, always keep your hot tub securely covered with a lock and for the safest experience, be in the hot tub yourself when children are using it.

Hair Safety

Hot tubs contain powerful drains and pumps that create suction. Although they are designed with the highest safety standards, it can be possible for long hair to become trapped in a drain. Therefore, it is always recommended to keep your head above water in your hot tub and for bathers with long hair to keep it tied up.

Temperature

Although it can be tempting to turn up the heat of your hot tub to the highest setting, soaking for too long at a high temperature can raise your body temperature to unsafe levels. The maximum safe soaking temperature is between 100 - 102 degrees for soaks that are under 15 minutes. If you enjoy longer soaks, reduce your water temperature by several degrees.

Limit Alcohol

Soaking in a hot tub with a glass of wine or frosty beer is appealing to many, however, alcohol consumption should be limited. The warm water of a hot tub can increase the effects of alcohol and the same goes for certain prescription medication. Check with your doctor first if you are taking any medication and make sure to drink plenty of water or juice while in the hot tub and limit your alcohol intake.

Keep Water Clean

Properly balanced water is a must for hot tub safety. Without proper water treatment, bacteria and contaminants can thrive. It is important to routinely test the hot tub water for proper pH and alkalinity levels and follow the sanitization routine that your hot tub dealer recommends.

Pregnancy Precaution

Expecting mothers need to use extreme caution when using a hot tub. Being completely submerged in warm water raises the body temperature and can potentially be harmful to the baby. It is recommended that if pregnant, to consult with your doctor before using a hot tub and follow their advice to avoid complications.

Electrical Devices

Never bring any corded electrical appliances such as a radio, TV or stereo near your hot tub to avoid the risk of electrocution. Today, there are a wide range of battery operated and Bluetooth accessories which can be used instead and even waterproof radios and speakers.

Patio Area

The floor or wood decking surrounding your hot tub should have non-skid mats or be treated with a waterproof sealant to prevent slips and falls. For safety exiting the hot tub, install a railing and non-slip steps to make it safe for bathers to get out.

While most rules may just seem like common sense, they are important to follow to ensure the safety of bathers and to keep your hot tub experience fun for all. For more information on the many different models and styles of hot tubs available, click here to download a hot tub buyer’s guide.