Hot Tub Safety: Top 10 Must-Know Tips To Soak Safely

Top 10 Must-Know Tips To Soak Safely

1] Place on a Plain, Level and Stable Surface

Whenever setting up or placing a hot tub, especially a portable and inflatable hot tub, it is very important to make sure that the hot tub is situated on a flat, stable and clean surface. If the base of the hot tub is not strong, it could be risky. Think of the hot tub like a giant bucket filled with water that is placed on an uneven flooring; chances are the bucket might tip ahead causing a spill or get damaged due to debris below it. So to make sure that the people using the hot tub face no dangers, take the below precautions:

• To keep the hot tub from moving or sinking, place it on concrete, decking, or reinforced ground.
• Before installing, clear away any sharp items, rocks, or sticks to avoid punctures or base damage.
• An insulating cushion or protective mat helps to support the tub, reduces heat loss, and prevents any damage.

2] Take Precautions Around Children and Elders

For the safety and wellbeing of children and the elderly, supervision is absolutely needed when using a hot tub. Children are more likely to drown or sustain injuries because they can quickly lose balance, overheat, or accidentally go underwater. Similarly, elderly people are more likely to experience dizziness or fainting due to slower reflexes, balance problems, or medical ailments. So if you wish to give them a good experience in the hot tub, follow the below precautions:

• Maintain the hot tub temperature at around  95°F (35°C) or lower because they are more heat-sensitive and can quickly become overheated.
• To help seniors get in and out without getting hurt, provide handrails or non-slip steps.
• Make sure children stay in for no more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time and adults no more than 15 to 20 minutes.

3] Monitor Water Temperature

Dizziness, overheating, dehydration, and even heat stroke can result from water that is extremely hot (over 104°F or 40°C). Long-term exposure to high temperatures is risky for people with cardiovascular conditions since it can also raise heart rate and drop blood pressure. However, excessively cold water can cause discomfort and muscle rigidity, which lowers the therapeutic effects of the hot tub and is also unpleasant. Keeping your water’s temperature between 98-100°F [37-38°C] will help your hot tub soak be joyful.

4] Check Water Quality

Next in the checklist of hot tub safety is- water quality maintenance. Unclean and stale water is a big breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful diseases. This can lead to skin rashes and various infections. Keeping your hot tub clear of any dirt and debris is extremely important for a healthy experience and here’s how you can do it:

• For proper sanitation, check the pH, chlorine, or bromine levels 2-3 times each week.
• Clean the water every 1-3 months to avoid chemical buildup and keep it fresh.
• A quick shower before entering the hot tub helps wash away sweat, oils, lotions, and dirt, preventing water pollution.

5] Never Overcrowd

It can be dangerous for both the people inside and the hot tub itself if it is overcrowded. When there are too many people in a hot tub, the water circulation is weak and there are more possibilities for the water getting contaminated. Additionally, it causes the water’s temperature to rise too quickly, exceed the suggested weight, and make the hot tub wobbly.

• To avoid overloading, check the recommended amount of individuals in the hot tub.
• Avoid being rough and jumping on the hot tub walls, as it could result in leaking or injury.

6] Stay Hydrated

Soaking in a hot tub usually increases your body temperature suddenly, which causes you to sweat more than normal. Due to this, a person could face fluid loss and over time, this might lead to dehydration. Some early signs of dehydration are severe headaches, drop in blood pressure all of which can be very dangerous. That is why staying hydrated when making use of a hot tub is so important for keeping your body healthy and avoiding discomfort or health risks. Here are some precautions you can take to avoid dehydration in a hot tub:

• Stay hydrated by drinking cool water or water based drinks while soaking. Avoid caffeine and overly sugary beverages.
• Every 15-20 minutes, step out of the hot tub to take a break to cool down and drink water before reentering.
• Hydrate before and after using the tub to recover lost fluids.

7] Cover the Hot Tub When Not In Use

Whenever your hot tub isn’t in use, you should always try covering up the hot tub. This is done to avoid any debris, insects or unnecessary dirt collecting in it. Such a hot tub safety tip usually comes in handy when your hot tub isn’t under a sheltered zone, as this makes your hot tub prone to rainwater, dirt or anything else getting collected. 

8] Keep Filter Clean

Your hot tub filter is basically the main organ for keeping your water clean and clear by collecting all the debris and obstructions in the system. A clogged up filter can put excessive stress on the pump and heater, which leads to higher energy usage and also possible damage. To make sure your hot tub safety is maintained and is working properly, remove the filter on a regular basis and rinse it well. 

• The hot tub filter should be changed every 12 to 18 months, or sooner if it looks worn out or damaged.
• Regularly check the filter for any dirt or obstructions that might block water flow and lower its effectiveness.
• Once a month, soak the filter in a filter cleansing solution to get rid of debris and oils.

9] Avoid Using Electrical Devices Inside The Hot Tub

The last thing you should bring inside your hot tub water is electric devices. These can cause severe shock or even fatal electrocution. A phone, speaker, or even an extension cord that falls into a hot tub can send a hazardous current through the water since the tub is filled with warm, conductive water. Hence always keep all electronics out of reach and, if necessary, stick to battery-operated, waterproof gadgets for extreme hot tub safety. Additionally, confirm that your hot tub is connected to a GFCI-protected outlet, which will instantly cut power in the event of an electrical problem.

10] Don’t Drag or Move The Hot Tub When Full

It is impossible and definitely not recommended to move a completely loaded hot tub safely because it can weigh well over a ton. You can expect leaks or malfunctions in the hot tub’s base if you do so. This could also cause weakening, hoses disconnecting, filter error or internal components breaking. To prevent such mishaps and any bigger accidents, always empty the tub before moving it.