Hot Tub Safety Basics for Adults and Kids
Hot tubs are amazing assets. From exceptional family time to recovery from athletic competitions, personal spas are unmatched investments for your family’s health and well-being. At Backyard Oasis, we know that hot tub season is right around the corner. We want you to enjoy your hot tub to the fullest! Here’s a quick review of some hot tub safety basics. These will keep you and your family safe during your favorite time together – hot tub time!
Basic Safety
Fun hot tubbing is safe hot tubbing. There are a lot of things that might be personal preferences for adults during hot tub time. Then there are other things that are safety and health concerns. Here’s a few to think about:
1) There are safety features, such as factory-set temperature maximums, on new hot tubs. 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit is a comfortable and therapeutic temperature level for most adults. Be sure to monitor your water temperature. The water should never be above 104 degrees. If you, or any of your family or guest, feel nauseous, light-headed, or get overheated, step out of the tub to cool off. If you have an older hot tub, invest in a water thermometer. Or, consider trading in that old hot tub for a newer, safer model.
2) Drink plenty of water. You may not have thought of it this way before, but your hot tub hydromassage and warm water work together like exercise. The water temperature raises your body temperature and gets your heart pumping. Just as you would fuel and hydrate your body during an intense workout, you need to do the same during a hot tub session. An increase in circulation, blood flow, and heart rate perform in the same way as a workout would—delivering oxygen to your blood and brain and flushing the toxins from your body. To assist in staying hydrated during this process, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hot tub session. You will feel like you just hit the gym!
3) Alcohol, drugs, and hot tubbing do not mix. Although your favorite sultry characters on your most-loved TV reality shows might enjoy their favorite alcoholic beverage in the steamy hot tub, we cannot advise you do the same. Between the hot water of the hot tub and the dehydrating properties of alcohol, you need to save those beverages for another time. Glass and metal containers are also a concern, as breakage in the hot tub can cause damage to your body and to your hot tub shell, jets and plumbing.
4) Your hot tub isn’t the place for active water games like chicken and Marco Polo. If you can envision someone getting badly hurt during an activity in your hot tub, err on the side of caution. Invest in some waterproof cards and board games, instead, to keep everyone in the hot tub entertained.
5) Open wounds and sores don’t belong in a hot tub. Infections can spread in warm water, especially if sanitizer levels are off balance. The temperature of a hot tub is not high enough to kill bacteria and germs. Please be considerate enough not to infect others. Also, take care that no infection can get into your open wound or sore.
Safety for Children and Grandchildren
Hot tubs can be fun for the whole family! By following these basic guidelines for kids, you can ensure that your most precious treasures are well-taken care of and are having a great time during hot tub time.
Temperature settings are one of the main safety concerns for children. Little bodies retain the heat and are unable to regulate their body temperature like adults can. Because of this, it is advised that infants and toddlers refrain from hot tubbing. For older children, a hot tub set between 98 and 102 degrees is much safer than the 104 degree maximum default setting of a spa. Hot tubs with raised ledges or benches can also help regulate temperature through partial submersion. Have your child or grandchild sit on the taller seat so that their body temperature does not get as high as it would with full-body submersion.
Keep those sweet kids hydrated with their favorite drink in a plastic cup or drink pouch. They will love the extra treat and you will love that they are safe and getting the liquids they need. It’s a win-win for both of you!
Another concern for children is drowning. Your hot tub cover should always remain locked when not in use. Children in and around the spa should be supervised at ALL times. They should be able to reach the bottom of the hot tub when standing. Also, remind little ones that hot tubs are not for underwater swimming and the water is not for drinking. If you own a hot tub, please know where your safety cut-off switch is, in case of an emergency.
Whether you are in the market for an amazing hot tub or are shopping for quality maintenance and chemical supplies for your existing spa, we’ve got you covered this hot tub season. Get all the knowledgeable help you need at Backyard Oasis. Don’t want to run to the store every time you need more chemicals for your pool or spa? No problem! Let our home service bring everything you need and service your pool or spa for you, so it will always be ready whenever you are! Just call us today at 936-327-2531 ext. 30 or schedule your service online. We know you will love the convenience and professional results.
At Backyard Oasis, we want each hot tub experience to be the BEST experience. With safety in mind, you and your family can enjoy your hot tub for years and years to come.
