Climbing into a hot tub is a great way to relax at any time of year. Hydrotherapy jets can soothe stiff or sore muscles, a quick soak after a long day can relieve stress and a whirlpool gathering with friends and family is a fun, social activity. 

Alfred Tu, a store manager with Master Spas of Ontario, says jacuzzi and swim spas are growing in popularity, as more people seek to turn their backyards into relaxation zones.

“Cold tubs are also a rising trend with people being more health conscious and enjoying the benefits of these new products,” says Tu. Benefits of cold tubs include reducing inflammation and enhancing circulation.

But, enjoying a hot tub safely should always be a priority.

Here are top tips for hot tub safety.

Water temperature safety

Check the water temperature. Ensure the temperature remains at or under 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid overheating, as even warm water can cause burns.

Time limit in the whirlpool

Watch the time that you spend in a hot tub. You shouldn’t be in there longer than 20 minutes to avoid dehydration or any other heat-related issues such as dizziness. Get out and cool down your body temperature regularly.

Capacity limits

If you’re in a public hot tub, keep the number of people in the tub at or below the maximum capacity.

Hydration tips

Make sure you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cold water before, during and after using the hot tub. Avoid alcohol or at least minimize consumption of it as alcohol dehydrates.

If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor before using a hot tub as the heat could harm the baby.

Physical safety around the tub

Keep fingers, toes and hair away from the jets and other holes in the hot tub.

Supervision and child safety

Never allow children or inexperienced swimmers to use the hot tub without adult supervision. And make sure safety covers are securely fastened on the hot tub when it’s not in use.

Minimize the risks of slips or falls. Be careful getting in and out and consider installing anti-slip treads and handrails.

Water maintenance and sanitation

Keep up with regular maintenance. This includes:

• Maintaining proper water levels. “I would say top priority is keeping the spa water balanced (correct alkalinity and pH levels) and having proper sanitizer levels (chlorine/bromine levels),” Tu says. This helps prevent germs such as bacteria and viruses spreading in the water, leading to skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses. But also pay heed if there’s a strong chemical odour; a properly chlorinated hot tub has little odour.
• After every use, you should add sanitizer or shock – which is a treatment that oxidizes or gases off contaminants in the hot tub. “Anytime sanitizer or shock is added to the water it is important to leave the lid open for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the vapours to escape,” Tu says.
• Regularly clean to keep the hot tub sanitary and performing optimally. That includes regular chemical treatments, weekly adding descaling and sequestering agents (which prevent and remove mineral buildup and stains) and cleaning the filter. The cover of the hot tub should be cleaned frequently, and the water in the tub should be drained and replenished approximately three to four times annually (and certainly if you detect strange smells, foaming, or discolored water) to maintain water quality.

There are also new technologies to keep hot tubs sanitized, which lessen the amount of chemicals traditionally used in hot tubs. Ultraviolet (UV) systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other germs. Saltwater hot tubs use a process called electrolysis, which breaks down salt into its elements of sodium and chloride – with sodium acting to soften the water and chloride acting to clean the water.

A hot tub can be a great source of enjoyment and relaxation year-round and, by taking proper steps when using and taking care of it, it will be safe for you and your loved ones for many years to come.

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