A relaxing soak in a hot tub is a great way to unwind after a long day. To help you get the most out of it, we’ve come up with a list of safety tips to ensure your soak is as stress-free as possible.
Are Hot Tubs Dangerous?
Hot tubs are generally safe for the average user, but it’s always wise to be careful when using one. As with any body of water, there is a risk of drowning, and the high temperature of hot tub water can cause dehydration and dizziness, increasing that risk.
If you don’t keep your hot tub filter in good working order, the water will become dirty and you run the risk of catching infections like E. coli or Legionnaires’ disease.
These risks can be mitigated by using your hot tub safely and sensibly, particularly by following the safety tips we’ve outlined below.
Hot Tub Safety
Your hot tub will be safe as long as you follow these guidelines:
- Keep the tub clean (see How to Clean a Hot Tub)
- Don’t use the hot tub for longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation
- If you’re drinking alcohol, do so in moderation and exit the tub if you start to feel drunk or unwell
- If you are pregnant or have a sensitive medical condition, consult your doctor before using a hot tub
- Enter and exit the hot tub carefully
- Don’t crank the water temperature too high
How Long Can You Stay in a Hot Tub?
Each hot tub manufacturer will have their own guidelines on how long you can spend in a hot tub. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ hot tub safety guidelines recommend you soak for no longer than 15 minutes at a time, but most healthy adults will be fine to soak for around 30 minutes.
Don’t soak in the hot tub for more than an hour at a time, however. You run the risk of burns, overheating, and dehydration if you stay in a hot tub too long.
The Risks of Drinking Alcohol in a Hot Tub
A glass of wine might be a pleasant accompaniment to an evening bath, but in a hot tub, it may not be the wisest idea. Baths cool down gradually, but a hot tub stays hot for the duration of your soak. Drinking alcohol in a hot tub increases your risk of dehydration and overheating, which could ruin the experience.
If you do want to enjoy a drink with your hot tub experience, do so carefully, and ensure you have a bottle of water handy to stave off dehydration and the effects of the alcohol itself. Use plastic cups, not glass, as the heat could make the glass shatter.
Risks of Using a Hot Tub While Pregnant
As safe as a clean and well-maintained hot tub is, there are still times when you should avoid using one. The first trimester of pregnancy is one such time.
READ MORE: Can You Go in a Hot Tub When Pregnant?
Not only do you run the risk of overheating, fainting, and dehydration, but if you’re on holiday and using a communal tub, you have no control over the cleaning chemicals being used. The chemicals and heat can all cause problems with your pregnancy if you submerge yourself in a tub during the first trimester.
During the second or third trimester, we recommend speaking to your doctor about safely using a hot tub.
We also recommend avoiding a hot tub if you suffer from any other sensitive medical conditions, such as heart conditions, blood pressure issues, lung problems, or bowel problems. Not only can using a hot tub exacerbate the symptoms, but certain medications can lead to dehydration and other unpleasant symptoms while using a hot tub.
General Hot Tub Safety Guidelines
Your hot tub session will be much better if you follow the aforementioned guidelines. Here are a few more additional tips to keep you as safe as possible:
- Keep the hot tub covered and locked when not in use, ideally with a childproof cover
- Supervise children around an open hot tub
- Store the cleaning chemicals safely
- Stay hydrated by drinking water or juice before and after a hot tub session
- If you want to drink while in the tub, use plastic cups to avoid shattering any glasses with the heat
- Watch your step: enter and exit the tub carefully, and do not run near the tub! Put some rubber mats down if you feel you need them
- Do not heat the water any higher than 40°C or you may burn your skin
- Do not use the hot tub if there is a noticeable chemical odour, as this indicates a maintenance problem
We hope you enjoy using your hot tub for years to come. If you have any questions about our products and how to use them safely, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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