Soaking in a hot tub can be an excellent way to relax, decompress and melt away your cares.
Hot tub safety might not be something you think about often, but it’s important to know the do’s and dont’s in order to safely get the most out of your hot tub experience.
We’ve compiled a short list of safety tips to give you a little extra piece of mind before jumping in.
Relax, We’ve Got You Covered – Safety Tips for Using Your Hot Tub
Supervise for Safety
Ensure your safety and the safety of your guests by putting someone is in charge of hot tub supervision. It’s best to use a hot tub with another user, but if you’re solo, tell someone you are going in and when you get out. Never leave a child unattended in a hot tub.
No Children Under 5
The CDC advises agains children under 5 years of age using a hot tub. Children do not regulate body heat as well as adults, so it’s easy for them to become overheated.
No Alcohol
Alcohol can increase the risk of fainting, heart attack and slip and fall accidents. It is best to wait to have a drink until you get out of the hot tub.
Cover and Lock It Up
Always cover and lock your hot tub when not in use. Locked covers protect children and pets from entering the hot tub. It also keeps it clean from debris.
Watch the Weather
Never use a hot tub during a storm.
Keep Glass Out
Protect against cuts and scrapes by using plastic cups in and around your hot tub.
Keep the Water Clean
Shower before entering the hot tub to keep the water as clean as possible. Be sure to regularly check for adequate free chlorine, or bromine and pH levels using hot tub test strips. And, promptly remove any debris.
Check the Temperature
The CDC recommends keeping you hot tub temperature no higher than 104 degrees to prevent potential overheating and burns.
According to the CDC, all hot tub users should = follow HOT (Heed. Observe. Talk) when using a hot tub.
Heed – Think before you dip.
• Never use a hot tub if you have diarrhea.
• Never swallow hot tub water
• Always shower with soap before entering the hot tub.
• Always follow limits on the maximum allowable number of bathers.
• Never let children under 5 years of age use hot tubs.
• Never drink alcohol before entering the hot tub or during use.
• Always consult your physician if you are pregnant before using a hot tub.
Observe – See, smell and touch before you dip.
• Take a deep breath. You should smell nothing. A well-chlorinated hot tub has little to no odor. A strong chemical smell could indicate a maintenance problem.
• Feel the side of the hot tub. The sides should feel smooth, not sticky or slippery.
• Listen to hot tub to ensure the equipment is working. You should hear pumps and filtration systems running.
• Check the temperature and be sure it’s not too hot. Water temperature should not exceed 104°F (40°C)
• If available, test the hot tub water. Use hot tub test strips to check for adequate free chlorine (3 parts per million or ppm) or bromine (4–6 ppm) and pH (7.2–7.8) levels.
Talk – Speak up! Talk to the hot tub owner (if it’s not you!) before you dip.
Communication is key. Don’t be afraid to ask the hot tub owner if the chlorine and pH levels are checked often and at times of heavy use.
If you have questions or concerns about hot tub safety, contact Zagers Pool and Spa and we’ll get you the information you need! Happy tubbing!