Hot tubs can be a sanctuary to relax and unwind in. However, certain precautions and measures must be put in place to ensure the safest experience. Here are nine important safety tips to consider before soaking in a hot tub.
1. Limit your time in a hot tub spa
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re relaxed. However, we recommend a maximum of 45 minutes of spa use.
If you start to feel dizzy, overheated, or generally unwell, please step out of the hot tub immediately.
2. Stay hydrated
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke in a hot tub can be overlooked, as it induces heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Both of which are easily masked by water temperature and jet pressure! One way to combat overheating is by staying hydrated. Without it, your body’s natural ability to sweat or maintain a normal body temperature is reduced.
Drinking the recommended amount of water will also help with not just your soaking, but your overall health and wellness. Harvard’s School of Public Health recommends 13 cups of water for healthy men and 9 cups for healthy women. Exercise, climate, diet, and body size may affect the recommended amounts.
3. Rinse before/after entering
Practicing good hygiene inside and outside of the hot tub is extremely important. Thoroughly rinsing before hot tub use will help remove sweat, dead skin, and especially hygienic products like deodorant, perfume, and cologne. These products can disrupt your water care system, which will create more work for you!
Speaking of hot tub water care, which includes chemicals like bromine and chlorine, it’s equally important to shower after a soak to remove any excess that’s left on you.
4. Purchase accessories that prevent slipping or falling
If you’re in the market for an above-ground hot tub, consider the height of the model and envision yourself entering and exiting from that height. This can be a menacing task depending on your age, height, weight, and so many other factors!
Luckily, there are hot tub accessories that can create a safer environment.
Hot tub steps make it extra safe to get in and out. We recommend investing in sturdy, non-slip steps. There are even surround options that make for a more complete appearance.
Depending on the model you have/purchase, you may have the option to install handrails inside the spa. This will ensure that you have a stronger sense of gravity as you navigate in and out of the hot tub.
5. Check the water levels & cleanliness
Make it a habit to check your pH level, alkalinity, and sanitizer every 7 days or so. Most of our Artesian Spas models can set reminder messages for these important tasks!
Both levels can be checked with test strips. If they are off, please adjust your hot tub to the appropriate chemical levels to give you the safest & healthiest soaking experience in each hot tub use.
Putting off this tub safety standard can cause severe skin irritation, or worse side effects. Don’t take water safety lightly!
6. Be aware of hyperthermia symptoms
Heat fatigue, exhaustion, and stroke are nothing to underestimate. By recognizing the symptoms and listening to your body, you’ll be able to prevent hyperthermia!
Some hyperthermia symptoms like sweating can be hard to recognize in a hot tub. However, others are easier to pinpoint:
- cramps
- spasms
- headaches
- light-headedness
- fast heart rate
- high blood pressure
- nausea
- fast breathing
- blurred vision
- drowsiness
- fainting
- losing consciousness
If you or someone in your hot tub starts to experience these symptoms, immediately exit the spa and move into a cooler place.
If you suspect that your current health condition, health issues, or health risks could put you in jeopardy, please have adult supervision nearby.
7. Avoid soaking during rainstorms and lightning
I understand the inclination to soak in a hot tub during a cold and moody rainstorm. It sounds picturesque!
However, for best safety practices, avoid soaking during intense weather conditions.
In an event of thunderstorms, we advise you to turn your hot tub off and switch the circuit breaker completely to prevent any fires or electrocution for the tub itself.
Refrain from soaking during lightning storms, as electrocution while submerged in water can incapacitate the bather.
8. Do not bring any glass in or near the hot tub
Glass objects are vulnerable to thermal shock. While glass does not fracture solely to excessive heat, it can fracture and explode with excessive changes in temperature.
There was a viral trend going around where if you heated a room-temperature wine bottle right under the cork, the pressure from the heat would force the cork out. When people tried it on chilled bottles and put a flame on the neck of the glass, the glass would shatter!
The heat from the hot tub can have similar side effects to glass. Please be cautious when bringing glass beverages near a hot tub!
9. Pregnant women, children & infants – be cautious!
These safety tips apply to every person and body – however, we advise pregnant women, children, and infants to have adult supervision during a soak. Pregnancy and growing bodies increase the risk of overheating, higher heart rates, and dehydration.
Additionally, it’s recommended by doctors to completely avoid hot tubs during the first trimester.
Summary
With all these safety tips and safety measures in mind, we are confident that you and your family will enjoy your hot tub soaks. This article is not meant to scare you away from using your hot tub, but to give you peace of mind as a hot tub owner.
In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
If you need any clarification or assistance with your hot tub safety, please feel free to contact your local Artesian Spas service provider or our office staff.