Nothing quite compares to the feeling of stepping into your hot tub after a long day at work, or enjoying some family time with the kids while listening to your favorite tunes. However you choose to enjoy your private oasis, it’s important to remember that safety should always be a consideration while using your hot tub. Whether you’re a brand new hot tub owner, or a seasoned veteran, here are some helpful reminders when it comes to hot tub safety:
Hot Tubs and Children
First, make sure to establish rules of behavior for children before allowing them to use the hot tub. As is the case with any body of water (whether it is a bathtub, pool, or hot tub), adult supervision is needed at all times when children are in the hot tub.
Infants and toddlers should not be allowed in hot tubs. Very young children will overheat faster than an adult because they have thinner skin. Also, should an infant or toddler have an “accident”, the hot tub will need to be immediately drained for sanitation. Diapers do not keep accidents from leaking into a hot tub, and even with specialized “swim diapers” it is not a good idea to have a small child in the hot tub.
Young children (5 & older) can safely use a hot tub as long as the temperature is not set too high (and there is no chance of a potty accident). Dropping the temperature to 98 degrees is a good setting for young children. Even so, children should not be in the hot tub for long periods; 15 minutes is a good rule to follow.
Some parents will use their hot tub to teach their children to swim, since it is a small area and most hot tubs are not overly deep, making it easier for young children to learn. But remember, hot tubs are not a good spot for underwater swimming since long hair can get stuck in jets or drains. In fact, Cal Spas is the only spa manufacturer that installs a “safety suction shut off”, so if the intake feels anything is blocking it, it will shut down to release whatever is causing the blockage.
Other Hot Tub Safety Considerations
- While soaking in a hot tub is great for your health, releasing stress and toxins, it can also dehydrate you, so it is important to drink water while enjoying your hot tub. If while using your hot tub you begin to feel sleepy or tired, take a moment to step out and hydrate with water. Drinking alcohol in a hot tub can increase dehydration.
- All hot tubs need a GFCI safety breaker box. These boxes need to be installed at least 5’ away from the hot tub, so no one is able to reach out and touch the electrical box while using the hot tub. Make sure to tell children to stay away from the GFCI box even while not using the hot tub.
- While the winter season is a great time to enjoy your hot tub, never use a hot tub during a thunderstorm.
- Your hot tub cover should have locks on it, for the safety of young children (and to prevent unwanted guests).
Recreation Unlimited is your go-to spot for hot tubs in the Indianapolis area. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current tub, a first-time buyer, or simply need a new cover, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help. We invite you to visit our large indoor showroom in Noblesville, or contact us at (317) 773-3545. And don’t forget to download our Free Spa Buyers Guide!