Hot Tub Safety
Hot tubs can be a source of relaxation and enjoyment. Even if you’re buying a hot tub for the first time, you’re probably aware of some basic safety. Some of it is just common sense, like not diving in, keeping it secure from the kids when not in use, basic sanitary procedures, and so forth. But there’s more to hot tub safety than that, and in this article, we’ll go into more depth on how to ensure that your hot tub appropriately set up and maintained.
We’ll take a look at the basics but also cover more nuanced details, like what chemicals are best to keep the water clean, specific accessories that make it easier to use, tips geared towards children or those who are pregnant, and more.
The first step after buying a hot tub is to set it up, so let’s look at some of the essentials that go along with that.
Hot Tub Access and Safety
After your hot tub is installed, you’ll want to safeguard it from being easily accessible when not in use. If your hot tub is not on a gated deck that is raised above ground, consider doing what many pool owners are required to do: set up a fence.
Fencing and Security
While not required in all circumstances, a fence will ensure that your hot tub isn’t used by unwelcome visitors or unwelcome animals. Even something as simple as a neighbor’s curious child wandering over into your yard can spell disaster if your hot tub is easy to get to.
If your hot tub is already in a proper enclosure, or an enclosure is not required (or feasible), the next step is to get a secure hot tub cover.
Hot Tub Covers
There are two primary types of hot tub covers, and we look at several of the best hot tub covers here.
A good hot tub cover will come with child safety locks. It also helps keep it insulated, energy efficient, and clean.
When removing it for use, be sure to fully remove it and place it away from the hot tub so as no one will become caught underneath it, or use a hot tub cover lift, as described below.
Hot Tub Insulating Heater Cover
The insulating spa heater cover is a heavy, thick foam insulated cover designed to retain heat, and to provide a fairly solid cover over your spa. This is the most important cover, and virtually all outdoor spas and hot tubs need such a cover.
An example of a hot tub insulating cover is the BeyondNice custom covers, which are our favorite insulating hot tub heater covers.
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Hot Tub Weather Cover
The weather cover is a thin cover akin to a patio furniture cover, designed to protect the spa and insulating cover from damage, weather, and the like.
An example of a weather cover is the CoverMates line of hot tub covers. These are excellent weather covers.
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Hot Tub Steps
With these two vital steps out of the way, the next step is to get steps. What you’re looking for are water-resistant, non-slip steps to help people enter and exit the hot tub easily and without falling.
To find the right steps, you’ll have to identify the height difference between the ground and the walls of your spa. From there you can pick the appropriate number of stairs for your steps.
These 16″ high CoverMates steps are quite nice.
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Hot Tub Hand Rail
Once you’ve got the steps in place, a hot tub safety rail is a big help. As there is often nothing to grab onto when entering and exiting the tub, adding some safety rail certainly improves access, especially for the elderly and infirm.
The CoverValet Hot Tub Handrail is a great choice, as it doesn’t attach to the spa itself, and can be used in a variety of different circumstances. See here to find the Best Hot Tub Handrail.
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Spa Cover Lift or Roller
A hot tub cover lift or roller allows you to safely remove and store your spa cover while you’re using the tub. There’s no risk of the heavy cover toppling over on someone in a wind gust or otherwise getting damaged. Typically these units use the weight of the spa and water as support, or are drilled into the sidewall of the tub.
The CoverValet Hot Tub Cover Lift is an excellent choice for a spa cover lift, and is compatible with many different types of spas.
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If your hot tub is physically secure and its users follow the necessary precautions when entering/exiting, the next step is to make sure your water is sanitary and clean.
Water – Keeping it Clean and Balanced
If not properly cared for, hot tubs can become a breeding ground for various types of bacteria. Whether it’s hot tub folliculitis or Legionnaires’ disease (a severe form of pneumonia) from breathing infected water, the results can range from annoying rashes on the skin that take the form of your bathing suit, all the way up to severe illness.
It’s important to keep your hot tub disinfected at all times whenever there is water, even when it’s not in use. Some bacteria, like those that cause Legionnaires’ disease, can form during down times when the water is not as clean and persist even when you add in chemicals to clean it again.
The best way to ensure that your hot tub stays bacteria-free is to treat it with the proper chemicals and solutions regularly. Be sure you pick up a hot tub vacuum to clean up the tub, and regularly check your chemicals.
The Water Catfish is a good, simple Hot Tub Vacuum.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Chemicals and Supplies
There are a number of options when it comes to sanitizing your hot tub. If you have an inflatable hot tub, see our guide Intex chemicals here and Lay Z Spa chemcials here. If not, here’s a break down of the basics.
Be sure to read your spa’s instructions for any specific chemical recommendations.
The three most popular water management chemicals that we’ll look at are chlorine, bromine, and ozone. And before you start, you’ll need to get test kits to figure out how you need to adjust your spa.
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Chlorine
Chlorine may be the most popular option when it comes to hot tub sanitization since most owners are familiar with its common use in pools. It’s worth noting though that chlorine sanitization is a bit differently in hot tubs than pools – due to the high temperature of the water and smaller size.
Spa Chlorine will likely be in dry, granular form rather than the liquid form that pools use. These Spa Chlorine Granules from Leisure Time are a great option for many.
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In addition to ensuring there is proper chlorine in the hot tub at all times, you need to shock the water once a week or so with a non-chlorine agent (see below).
The downside to using chlorine-based sanitizers is the strong smell associated with it, which only gets amplified from the temperature of the water.
Bromine
Bromine is the second most popular option for hot tub owners. These usually come in the form of tablets and may be easier to use than having to measure out the proper amount of chlorine, however, they come in granules as well.
Like chlorine, you still need to shock the water about once per week with a non-chlorine shock agent (see below).
Leisure Time is a great choice, as usual. Typically chlorine is cheaper than bromine. Though over time, owners may find they use less bromine in their spas.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shock Treatments and Ozone
Mineral purifiers and filters work in tangent with chlorine or bromine in order to provide a cleaner hot tub environment. They may reduce the total chlorine or bromine requirement by up to 50% so that you can get more out of them. One common example is an ozone filtration system. Ozone generators are common in newer hot tubs but are likely not present in older models.
Its important to note that anytime you see “mineral purifier”, or “ozone”, that they are not stand alone products. You still need a chemical agent for your hot tub like, like chlorine or bromine, to keep it sanitary at all times.
A spa shock chemical can also work well, for example Leisure Time’s Spa Shock Oxidizer.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Food and Drink
The most important guideline to follow for food and drink is to avoid or at the very least minimize alcohol before or during hot tub use.
Booo, we know. But it’s the truth.
Alcohol
When combined with the heat of the water, alcohol can cause drowsiness and overheating. And being in a hot tub can cause dehydration. Dehydration can increase the effects of alcohol as well, leading to more impairment – and the chance for injury or worse, such as passing out.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that the use of hot tubs alone can cause drowsiness and the chance of passing out.
But this is significantly heightened when alcohol is in the mix. Take care when mixing alcohol and hot tubs.
Food
Besides alcohol, a few food and drink choices are best to avoid due to their interaction with the hot tub or residue they can leave on your fingertips. Foods such as crackers or chips can leave greasy, oily residues on your fingertips which will then require the hot tub sanitizer to work overtime.
If you’re having guests over, the best way to serve food to those in the hot tub is cubed and on a toothpick. This will allow for quick bites and clean fingers.
The exception is water, which you’ll want plenty of (along with plastic cups), to be readily available and within reach to whoever wants it. It’ll help keep occupants hydrated, and if it spills, no big deal.
Keep food on a separate side table away from the hot tub; don’t get one of the side tables that attaches to the side wall of the spa.
These are not a good idea when it comes to safety and sanitation:
Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
See our hot tub party tips for more information on how to deal with entertaining around a hot tub.
Dealing with Spa Scum and Algae
All that food, drink, sunscreen, and other chemicals that enter the hot tub can produce scum. See our article on how to deal with hot tub scum to get rid of it!
Water Temperature
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 100 degrees Fahrenheit is considered the safe temperature for healthy adults. Furthermore, hot tubs should never exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
At 106 degrees Fahrenheit, a healthy adult is capable of suffering from heat stroke. This is a result of the body failing to regulate its own temperature due to exposure from the high heat. It can be fatal, especially since it often leads to unconsciousness.
According to the CPSC, women who are pregnant can experience fetal damage in their first three months if exposed to hot tub temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot Tub Tips for Children, Infants, and Those Who are Pregnant
Infants and Children
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals recommends that children should not be allowed in the hot tub unless their heads are completely out of the water when they stand in the middle of it. This is helpful to prevent drowning and other injuries that could occur.
In addition, its best for children to only be partially submerged. Benches and jump seats can help with this cause as to allow them to avoid having their entire body exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.
A hot tub booster seat can help to keep the kids up a little higher and less submerged.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pregnancy and Hot Tubs
Women who are pregnant can experience hyperthermia if exposed to temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This can lead to fetal damage, a miscarriage, and other risks. The safest, and most limiting, route to take is to just avoid hot tubs altogether, especially during the first three months – although any time at all during the pregnancy is risky.
If you really need that spa, stick with a lower temperature of up to 98 degrees Fahrenheit combined with no more than 10 minutes at a time. This can be suitable for those that have been pregnant for more than three months.
Check with your physician before you take the plunge, though!
Cell Phones
Don’t use your cell phone in the spa. We know, you’re often just sitting there, lounging, and the temptation to check your Instagram or Twitter can be powerful. But your hands are likely wet, and there’s a significant risk that you can drop your cell phone into the tub, running a huge risk of destroying the cell phone completely.
It’s best to try and relax, read a book, meditate, chat, etc. Wait until you’re out of the tub to pull out the cell phone.
Conclusion
Enjoying time in the hot tub can be a relaxing experience but special caution should always be taken.
It’s easy to avoid the basics or become accustomed to “rule breaking”, like limiting yourself to one alcoholic beverage while in there.
But even that can pose a risk. Take hot tub safety seriously and you will never run a risk of injury.
After all – an average one person per day annually drowns in America due to hot tubs.
Even if it’s not as serious as that, infections from dirty water, having to clean out the hot tub due to food getting in, or injuries related to improper accessories like stairs can all be quite a nuisance. See our guide for hot tub maintenance to ensure everything is running properly.
Play it safe and your hot tub will always be a source of enjoyment, rather than frustration, after a long day.
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