A nice, long soak in a hot tub can be an excellent therapeutic experience. To complete this relaxing endeavour, rinsing off in the shower afterwards is a step that many people prefer to take. But, is it really necessary to do? While the answer might depend on your personal preferences or any sensitivities you may have, there are some reasons why it might be a good idea for you to shower after spending time in your hot tub regardless. Here’s what you need to know.
Post-Hot Tub Shower: Your Skin Will Thank You
Soaking in a hot tub has a lot of benefits, including stress relief, better cardiovascular health, improved sleep, and many more. However, there could be some drawbacks to the skin, especially for people who might have sensitivities. This is because a hot tub can have possible irritants that may be present in the water, such as the chemicals needed to maintain the right pH balance. A post-soak shower is a good idea because it allows you to rinse off any chemical residue, protect your skin from dryness and cool off after being exposed to warm temperatures. Aside from these benefits, the contrast of the hot tub’s warmth and the coolness of the shower will leave you with a soothing feeling.
It’s important to note that chemicals present in the hot tub should not be a cause for worry. As a matter of fact, chemicals like chlorine are needed for proper hot tub maintenance to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed and the water is kept in a healthy state. Without the proper cleaning agents, the bacteria could remain in the hot tub and cause infections or skin rashes. So even though some people might be sensitive to chlorine, it’s necessary to protect the hot tub and those who use it.
In addition to rinsing off, you can do a couple of other things to take care of your skin after using the hot tub and having a quick shower. First, it’s best to pat your skin dry and avoid rubbing it with a towel. This is because a hot tub session can leave your skin vulnerable as the warm water opens up your pores. Another important tip is to moisturize after your post-hot tub shower to battle the dryness that the high temperature of your spa might cause.
The Importance of a Healthy Water pH in Your Hot Tub
Ensuring your health and safety is just as important as the relaxation and enjoyment you can get from using a hot tub. As such, there are some things you should practice to make the most out of your spa experience. You should keep in mind that it’s not wise to use your hot tub without testing the water first. After all, rainwater can directly impact the stability of the water in your hot tub, spa, or pool. Use a testing kit or strips to determine all the relevant levels that you should know.
Worried about hot tub maintenance? It’s actually pretty straightforward. You can start by testing the water regularly and making the necessary adjustments about 2 to 4 times a week. You should also clean your spa filter every one to two weeks and replace it yearly or as needed. For more information about which chemical to use to keep your water clean, you can check out our previous article. It will also help guide you on how to balance the water and maintain a healthy pH of 7.2 to 7.8.
Showering after spending time in a hot tub can be beneficial, especially for those with sensitive skin. Contrary to what some people might think, doing so will not lessen the effects of soaking in a hot tub. In fact, it can enhance the experience because it removes any chemical that might cause irritation, protect the skin from dryness and leaves you feeling fresh and even more relaxed. Without a doubt, taking a shower could be a good addition to your post-hot tub routine.
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