Hot Tub Safety Tips To Make Your Soak Time Enjoyable

Hot Tub Safety

By Robbi H

For those of you who are lucky enough to be the owners of a spa or hot tub, know there are rules and regulations that pertain to the care, safety and maintenance of a hot tub.

Not all of the spa dos and don'ts pertain to the "do not run around the deck" practices, but are just as practical and have to do with health issues. Have you ever wondered if there is a limit to the number of glasses of wine or other alcoholic beverages you should have while soaking? Is there a time limit on how long you should be in the water? Is it safe for your children? Here are some tips for safety in and around the hot tub.

Talk to your doctor: If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or any cardiovascular conditions need to talk with their physician before they spend time in a hot tub or spa. If you're pregnant, you will also need to speak with your doctor before spending time in a spa.

Showering up: Take a shower and use soap and water before you dip into the hot tub. This will help cut back on the likelihood that you will contaminate the spa water. Remember, any bacteria you bring into the hot tub will you will multiply because of the heat.

Be properly ventilated: If your spa is on an outside deck this will not be an issue but if your spa is indoor, make certain you have adequate ventilation. If you don't your spa users could have eye irritation or sore throats from the heat, humidity and chemical evaporation. You can install an exhaust fan to ventilate the area.

How long to soak: Your soaking time in the hot tub should be no more than 20 minutes. If you reach the limit but still feel you want to go back in and work on relaxing your muscles, take some time to cool off before going back in.

What about alcohol? When you're soaking in a hot tub, you should not consume alcoholic beverages. The heat, combined with the alcohol can make you drowsy and lead to drowning. Also, if you are taking medication, ask your doctor before you take a dip in a hot tub.

What about long hair: If you have long hair, you need to tie it up or put it in a pony tail so that it doesn't get caught in the jets or drains.

Basic safety measures: Your or spa should be equipped with handrails to make it safe when you are getting in and out of the water. Enter the pool using the steps. Sitting on the edge and slipping in that way can lead to damage of the sides of the structure.

Robbi Hess is a writer/editor/blogger with more than 20 years experience as a writer on assignment. She is a professional writer on assignment who has served on the staff of newspapers, magazines and with book publishers. You can see more about her at http://www.poolinfosite.com

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Hot Tub Safety