Hot Tub Safety Basics
If you own a hot tub or are considering buying one, then you probably know that hot tubs come with many benefits. They provide welcome stress relief at the end of a long day allowing you to get a better, more restful night’s sleep. For people with minor aches and pains, the hot massaging hydrotherapy relaxes tight muscles and promotes healing through increased blood flow. But perhaps the main reason why so many people love hot tubs is that they are just so much fun!
At Spa Max, the hot tub superstore in Corona, we share your love of hot tubs, but we also want to make sure that all of your hot tub experiences are safe and enjoyable. That’s why in today’s post we want to talk about hot tub safety. By following just a few simple rules, you can ensure the safety of your friends and family (as well as your own) so that everyone can enjoy their time in the hot tub for many years to come. Keep reading to learn more.
Keep Your Water Clean
First and foremost, it’s important to always keep your hot tub clean. Because of the elevated temperature of the water, hot tubs can be a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. When bacteria growth is out of control it not only makes for an environment that you don’t want to swim in, it can actually make you very sick.
Chlorine and bromine are the most commonly used chemicals used to sanitize hot tub water. It’s important to make sure that you check the sanitizer level before you use your hot tub to make sure that it has enough. Keep in mind that the more people that are in your hot tub, or the more often you use it, the more chemicals you’ll need to add to the water. Spa water that is cloudy or has a strong musty odor is a clear indication that your hot tub is not safe to be in.
Maintain a Safe Temperature
Hot tubs can get…well…hot! Although relaxing in hot water can have its many perks, if your water is too hot, it can be dangerous. Always check the temperature of the water before you enter your hot tub and make sure that it never goes above 104℉. Infants and toddlers should never go in a hot tub, and you should reduce the temperature for children.
Keep in mind that even if your hot tub is set at a safe temperature, it’s important to limit the amount of time you spend in it. Sitting in hot water for extended periods can cause heat-related illness and symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Make sure that you have a clock nearby and aim to limit your sessions to last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Supervise Small Children
Just as you would never let small children swim in a swimming pool unattended, you should never let them enter your hot tub unattended. To avoid slips and falls, install a sturdy handrail to assist with getting in and out. You should also be aware of the risk that suction covers can pose to small children. The powerful suction can pull hair or clothing creating a drowning risk. Adults should also pay special attention to how the hot water is affecting children and look for warning signs like a red face or lethargic behavior which could signal overheating.
Avoid Physical and Electrical Hazards
Many accidents happen when you’re having a good time and just not thinking about how your actions could be creating an unsafe environment. For instance, never carry a glass bottle or glass dishes into or around your hot tub. If they break, you could have shards of glass in your hot tub or on the ground — and that could pose a big risk, especially for people who have no shoes and minimal clothing on.
Listening to music in your hot tub can be a great way to unwind, but be careful not to have one plugged in nearby. In fact, any corded electrical device poses an electrocution risk if it happens to fall into the water. A safer option for listening to music is to use a battery-operated Bluetooth speaker instead.
Prevent Chemical Accidents
Part of routine hot tub maintenance is having to handle strong chemicals that, if not stored or used properly, could pose a hazard. First, always make sure to use only the recommended hot tub chemicals and nothing else. Be sure to store them in a well-ventilated, cool, dry area and never keep chlorine or bromine in the same container as acids.
Another important safety tip is to never pre-mix your hot tub chemicals before adding them to the water. Use a small bucket to pre-mix dry products and always add the water first — you never want to add water to acid otherwise it could create a potentially harmful reaction.
Stay Safe and Shop Spa Max!
If you have any other questions or concerns about hot tub safety or are considering purchasing a new hot tub, we encourage you to stop by Spamax — the hot tub superstore in Corona. We have over 100 hot tubs on display from a variety of manufacturers. We have new and refurbished hot tubs as well as some top of the line swim spas. If you’re in the market for a new hot tub, there’s simply no better place to shop. Visit our website or stop by our store today!