Hot tubs are a fantastic source of relaxation and enjoyment for families, providing a much-needed escape from the stress of daily life. However, one common question we get from parents is whether or not hot tubs are safe for children?
In this blog post, we will explore the potential benefits and risks of allowing children to use hot tubs and discuss our favourite safety tips and guidelines to ensure a safe and fun hot tub experience for everyone in your family.
Benefits of Using Your Hot Tub as a Family
- Using a hot tub as a family means that everyone gets to experience the therapeutic benefits of restful sleep and reduced muscle aches and joint inflammation.
- We know that finding time to relax with your loved ones can be hard. Hot tubs provide an ideal space to relax and spend quality time with your family, opening up opportunities for more thoughtful conversations and family bonding.
- Hot tubs are also a great opportunity to lure your children away from their screens and games! Purchasing hot tub safe toys and games can be a great way to keep your kids occupied while they enjoy the relaxing benefits of an at-home spa.
Hot Tub Safety Tips for Parents
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Children under the age of 5 should not use hot tubs
It is recommended that children under the age of 5 should not use hot tubs as their bodies tend to be very sensitive to temperature changes. Young children’s skin is also delicate and therefore more likely to be irritated by the sanitising chemicals used to keep your tub clean.
If your child is over 5 years old, lower the temperature of your hot tub to a maximum of 35°C to avoid any potential burns or scalds.
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Limit soaking time to 10 minutes
For younger children, it is recommended that you limit their soaking time to 10 minutes or less. This is because children are less able to regulate body temperature; their smaller bodies heat up much quicker than adult bodies, which can lead to overheating after prolonged exposure. It is also essential that your children have warm and cosy clothing to wrap up in once they have left the tub to avoid prolonged exposure to the chilly evening air.
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Never leave your child unattended
To avoid serious accidents, always ensure you are with your children while they use the hot tub. Never leave them unattended even for short periods of time.
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Encourage your children to stay hydrated
Hot tub sessions can be dehydrating, especially for young children. Make sure your child drinks water before and after soaking in order to stay properly hydrated.
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Secure your hot tub cover with child-proof locks
To avoid your children trying to use the hot tub when you are not around, consider installing child proof locks on your hot tub cover to avoid potential accidents.
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Fold down any towel rails that aren’t in use
Make sure that any towel holders that aren’t being used are folded down to avoid your children colliding with them while playing in and around your tub.
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Establish clear hot tub rules
It is essential that you communicate with your children about the dos and don’ts for your hot tub. Make sure they understand how to safely enter and exit the spa and know not to dive or jump. Educating your children on hot tub and water safety is crucial to keep them safe.
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Following these tips should help to keep your kids safe in and around your hot tub so that it can be a safe and enjoyable environment for the whole family.
