Are Hot Tubs Safe?

9 Minute Read

As you do your research on your journey to becoming a hot tub owner, you probably have several questions. You may wonder about the benefits of a hot tub. On the flip side, you may wonder if there are any risks associated with hot tub use.

If you have asked yourself, “Are hot tubs safe?”, this article is for you. This article will cover some of the potential hot tub risks may have, depending on the status of your health. As you read on, you will also learn some important tips to ensure safe hot tub use. Finally, this article will cover some of the wellness perks of hot tub use as well as tips for choosing the right hot tub for you.

Are hot tubs safe?

Hot tubs are designed for your enjoyment and relaxation. They are meant to enhance your quality of life by providing you with stress relief as you ease sore and tense muscles. But just as with any large piece of equipment, such as a car, for example, there are important safety factors to take into consideration before and during use. It is also crucial to note that depending on your health, you may need to limit or avoid hot tub use.

You should always check with your general physician prior to hot tub use, especially if you have health conditions such as heart disease or if you experience seizures. Make sure your doctor understands your health history before giving you the okay to enjoy your hot tub.

Are hot tubs safe during pregnancy?

Another common question surrounding hot tub safety is whether or not use during pregnancy is safe. Since everybody and their state of health are unique, whether pregnant or not, it is best to seek guidance from your doctor. Your obstetrician, in particular, can advise you as to whether or not hot tub use should be included in your prenatal healthcare routine. They may advise you to avoid hot tub use during your pregnancy.

Are hot tubs safe for kids?

It is generally advised that caregivers wait until children are at least five years old before enjoying a hot tub. Even then, it is important to limit their time in the hot tub to just a few minutes at a time. Before allowing a child to enjoy a hot tub, seek your pediatrician’s advice. Just as with adults, each child’s unique health status may determine whether or not hot tub use is advised.

One of the most important things to keep in mind regarding hot tub safety as it relates to children is not the use of the hot tub per se, but rather the danger of accidental drowning in any body of water. Children should always be supervised around a hot tub, swimming pool, or other body of water. Even a small puddle or a bucket with just a few inches of water in it can pose the risk of drowning.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports drowning is responsible for killing more children ages one to four years old than anything else, second only to birth defects. If you have little ones, it may be a good idea to have your hot tub placed within a gated, child-proof area.

What are some hot tub safety tips?

Responsible use of your hot tub can ensure an enjoyable and relaxing time for you and your loved ones. Read on for some important hot tub safety tips to consider:

Manage your hot tub water temperature

The CDC states that hot tub water should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The good news is that most hot tubs are specifically regulated so they will not exceed this temperature. This should provide you with peace of mind that you are soaking safely.

Keep an eye on small children and pets

Designate an adult to keep a sharp eye out to ensure little ones or pets do not accidentally get into the hot tub without proper supervision.

Avoid excessive alcohol use

Once again, think of using a hot tub as you might a vehicle. You wouldn’t drink and drive, and it’s best not to drink in excess when you use your hot tub, either.

Be mindful of slips and falls

You’ve likely heard parents calling to children, “No running around the pool.” This warning is to prevent them from slipping on wet areas and falling onto a hard surface or into the swimming pool. The same applies to your hot tub. Be mindful of wet areas as a result of people getting in and out of the hot tub and watch your step to avoid a slip or fall.

Stay hydrated

Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hot tub session. Even though you are submerged in water, you may sweat, which causes your body to lose fluids and become dehydrated. Replenish your fluids by drinking water.

Stay on the sidelines if sick

Avoid using your hot tub when you are not feeling well. If you begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy, safely get out of the hot tub.

Manage your soak sessions

It is generally advised to limit your soak sessions to between 15 and 30 minutes at a time. If you are new to hot tub use, start with short soaks and gradually increase your time. This is why it is important to purchase a hot tub with powerful purposefully placed jets, such as a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub, that can deliver effective hydrotherapy in a short amount of time.

If you are specifically using a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub with exclusive Infrared and Red Light therapy, you can rest assured that Jacuzzi® has tested this product to the IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety Standard in both wet and dry applications. These models have also been designed to deliver preprogrammed therapy so you don’t have to do any guesswork. You can simply select a 20-minute IR and Red Light therapy session cycle from the topside control in the Jacuzzi® J-LX® Collection models. To ensure your safety, you can even track your IR and Red Light therapy sessions through your Jacuzzi® SmartTub® System and app.

Maintain water health

It’s also important to ensure the health of your hot tub’s water before use. If you purchase a hot tub with high-quality water and filtration systems, this will make maintaining your water that much easier and give you peace of mind that your water is ready to go when you are. It is a good idea to speak with your trusted spa dealer about how to maintain clear hot tub water on a routine basis.

Once you have been assured that hot tub use is safe for you, the real fun of shopping for your hot tub can commence. You will want to prepare your home and decide where you intend to have your hot tub placed prior to doing any shopping. This way, you will have a good idea about the size hot tub that is suitable for your needs. You may also want to consider the following factors:

Who will be using my hot tub?

The answer to this question will help you decide what size hot tub you will need to accommodate your guests. It can also help you determine the seating style of your future hot tub. For example, open seating is ideal for a social experience with family and friends, while a lounger or even a double lounger option may be more suitable for solo soaks or couples time.

How do I intend to use my hot tub?

If you are seeking mostly the relaxation and rejuvenation benefits of a hot tub, you will want one with the best performing jets and exclusive technology such as IR and Red Light therapy, which is available only in Jacuzzi® Hot Tub models. If you are seeking fitness as well as relaxation, you may want to consider a swim spa, for example.

What is my budget?

When shopping for a hot tub, you will want to determine a price range of what you are willing to spend. Keep in mind the value of this investment, rather than the cost. A luxury spa from a premium hot tub company can give you years of comfort, peace of mind, relaxation, and joy with friends, family, and loved ones. These things are tough to put a price on and will serve to be invaluable over time. You may want to speak with your hot tub dealer about financing options to help you enjoy your dream hot tub without breaking your budget.

What features do I want in my hot tub?

The features are the bells and whistles that take your hot tub experience to the next level. In addition to quality and craftsmanship and high-quality equipment such as water management and filtration systems, the features of your hot tub can truly elevate each soak. So go ahead and treat yourself—you’re worth it.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

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About The Author: Ashley Field

Director of Training, Jacuzzi Group

Ashley Field has been with Jacuzzi Group since 2016, previously having worked for Discover Financial Services and Taco Bell. When she was initially contacted about an opportunity with Jacuzzi Group, she loved the idea of building... Read Full Bio