If you are looking for a wonderful way to relax, have fun and spend quality time with family and friends, owning a hot tub is the perfect solution. But with owning a hot tub, it is important to make sure that you and your guests enjoy a safe, relaxing and healthy soak. There are a number of hot tub safety tips that you should be aware of to ensure that your hot tub time is safe and fun for all to enjoy.
Below are the top hot tub safety tips that you should be aware of.
Keep Water Clean
First and foremost, ensuring your hot tub water is properly balanced and treated is a must. Without the recommended chemicals, bacteria and contaminants can thrive in a hot tub water. It is essential to frequently test your hot tub water to measure the alkalinity and pH levels. Make sure to always follow the sanitation routine that your hot tub dealer recommends.
Pregnancy Precaution
Women that are expecting need to use extreme caution when using a hot tub and should always consult with their doctor. Being completely submerged in the warm water of a hot tub raises body temperature which can be potentially harmful to a baby. Always follow a physician’s advice and recommendation to be safe.
Hair Safety
It is recommended to always keep your head above water in a hot tub as they contain powerful pumps and drains that create suction. Even though these components are designed with the highest safety standards, there is a slight risk that long hair can become tangled in a drain. It is also recommended for bathers with long hair to keep it tied up while in the hot tub.
Accompany Children
Any water situation requires children to be closely monitored and hot tubs are no exception. Always keep your hot tub secure with a lockable cover when not in use and for the safest experience, make sure that an adult is in the hot tub at all times when children are using it.
Temperature
It can be tempting to crank the heat in your hot tub to the highest setting, however, this can be unsafe for soaking for too long as your body temperature can rise to an unsafe level. For a 15 minute soak, the maximum recommended temperature is between 100 – 102 degrees. If you prefer longer soaks, turn down the temperature to a lower setting.
Patio Area
For the safety of bathers exiting a hot tub, install a sturdy railing and steps to make it easy to get out of your hot tub. It is also recommended to install non-skid mats on the flooring around your hot tub or wooden decking as well as treat with a waterproof sealant to prevent slips and falls.
Electrical Devices
No not bring any type of corded electrical device anywhere near your hot tub to avoid the risk of electrocution. Alternatively, there are a number of waterproof and Bluetooth accessories that can be used safely in a hot tub, such as speakers, stereos, and radios.
Limit Alcohol
Soaking in a hot tub with a cold beer or glass of wine is enticing to many, however, it is important to limit alcohol consumption. The warm water of a hot tub can amplify the effects of alcohol as well as prescription medication. Always 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 instead of alcohol.
While most safety tips just seem like common sense, they are important rules to follow to ensure your hot tub experience is safe and fun for all. For more information on the styles and features of our hot tubs, click here to download a hot tub buyer’s guide.