As more and more people are purchasing hot tubs for home-use, many are finding out the hard way that they should’ve read the safety instructions that come with a hot tub. Although they look seemingly harmless, there are many things that you should look out for when it comes to hot tubs. Here are the most important safety guidelines and advice we could find about hot tubs.
Keep Glass Away
This is especially relevant with portable hot tubs, but it also applies to traditional (inground) hot tubs. Regardless of the type of hot tub you are using, glass can easily fall and break in the slippery environment. Not only could this damage the jet and filtration system of your spa; more importantly—it puts everyone in the hot tub at risk of serious injury and infection.
Hygiene Should Be A Priority
The warm water of a hot tub can be a breeding ground for bacteria. You can get skin infections or worse if any bacteria is introduced to the water. Take a shower (with soap) before getting in the hot tub, and avoid getting in with street clothes. Also, keep food away from the hot tub at all times. If your hot tub is placed indoors, then be sure the room is well-ventilated. Otherwise, you risk bacteria multiplying in the vapors of the room, and people could develop a condition called “hot tub lung”. Also, never drink the hot tub water. Ideally, don’t let it get into your mouth at all.
You should regularly clean and sanitize your hot tub, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as to how often to drain it. Also keep the pH levels neutral at all times, to avoid encouraging bacterial growth. Never get into a hot tub if the water is cloudy – it may be too soft, too hard, or unclean.
Danger Of Drowning
As with any body of water, there is always a danger of drowning, no matter how shallow the water is. Make sure children don’t have access to the hot tub unattended. You should also make sure that the hot tub cover is always closed, in case any child gets near the hot tub without an adult nearby. Try to avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages in the hot tub as well, to avoid passing out (and drowning).
Hyperthermia
Sitting in hot water for too long can cause you body to overheat. The recommended maximum temperature is 104ºF, and should set it lower than that for elderly people and young children. Also, limit children’s time in the hot tub to 20 minutes at a time.
Preventing Slips Around The Hot Tub
Last but not least, the area around the hot tub can be very slippery if no preventative measures are taken. If the surroundings are tile, you may want to add anti-slip pads. On deck, a sand paint will do the trick. Of course, be careful getting into and out of the hot tub to avoid slipping or falling. The hot tub itself should not be slippery—that’s usually a sign that it is not clean.
