Hot tubs are a great way to relax and have fun with your family and friends. To make sure everyone has as much fun as possible, keep these following safety tips in mind while you soak away.
Monitor Children
You should always monitor children when they’re near water, and a hot tub is no different. When the hot tub is not in use, keep a cover with a lock on it so children cannot wiggle under the cover and get stuck. Also, be next to or in the hot tub while your children are in it.
Clean† Water
Keeping your hot tub water clean† is key to preventing bacteria and other contaminants from growing. Make sure you’re regularly cleaning† your hot tub and the filter. You should also routinely test the water for the proper alkalinity and pH balance.
Hot, But Not Too Hot
It’s sometimes tempting to really crank up the temperature of your hot tub, especially on cooler evenings. However, soaking for too long at high temperatures can cause your body temperature to rise to high. The maximum temperature a person can safely soak is between 100 and 102 degrees for soaks under 15 minutes. To sit in the hot tub for longer, reduce the temperature to the low 90s.
Tie Your Hair Up
While your hot tub might have a self-clean† function, long loose hairs can clog up the drains and filters. When soaking in the tub, ask guests with long hair to keep their hair tied up above their head and out of the tub.
Limit Your Alcohol
Many hot tub owners enjoy an alcoholic beverage while they soak in the hot tub. If you do choose to imbibe in your favorite beverage, be sure to rotate alcohol with water. Your increased body temperature can increase the effect of the alcohol and dehydrate you faster. The increased temperature and alcohol can also react badly with certain medications, so ask your doctor before drinking and soaking.
Electronics
You should never bring an electric device that’s powered by a cord near your hot tub. These types of electronics can cause electrocution if they make contact with the water. There are plenty of battery operated electronics which you can use near your hot tub.
Precaution During Pregnancy
Expecting mothers should be extremely cautious about their hot tub usage. The increased body temperature can be harmful to a developing baby. If you’re pregnant, consult with your doctor about using a hot tub.
No Slipping
Depending on the flooring you have around your hot tub, it might get very slippery when guests get out of the tub. To avoid slipping, lay down non-skid mats or have the surrounding area treated with a waterproof sealant.
Many of these tips might seem like common sense but it never hurts to remind hot tub owners about basic safety precautions. For more information about different hot tub models and styles, download our hot tub buyer’s guide, or visit us at our London hot tub store.