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Outdoor hot tubs provide all sorts of health benefits from improving blood flow and circulation to relieving stress and anxiety. But without proper care, hot tubs can become unsightly health hazards. That’s why it's important to understand how to use a hot tub safely to ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy the experience without any accidents or health concerns.
Let’s explore some essential hot tub safety tips so you can enjoy your hot tub with peace of mind.
Essential Hot Tub Safety Tips
Hot tubs can be a great source of relaxation and fun, but it's important to keep safety in mind. In this section, we'll explore some essential hot tub safety tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. From monitoring water temperature to preventing slips and falls, we'll cover everything you need to know to stay safe while using your hot tub.
Entering and Exiting the Hot Tub
Safely entering and exiting a hot tub is crucial to preventing slips, falls, and other injuries. Regardless of your age or fitness level, be sure to always enter the hot tub slowly, keeping a firm grip on the handrails or steps. When exiting, use the same caution and grip the handrails or steps. Keep the area around the hot tub clear of any tripping hazards and avoid running or jumping into the hot tub.
Using a Spa Cover
Using a spa cover is an important safety feature of a hot tub as it can help prevent accidents and keep children and pets safe. A securely fitted cover can prevent unauthorized access to the hot tub and ensure that small children and animals cannot accidentally fall into the water. Additionally, a cover can help maintain the water temperature and keep debris from entering the hot tub, ensuring a clean and safe environment for relaxation and enjoyment. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the spa cover can also help extend its lifespan and ensure continued safety.
Maintaining the Right Temperature
Keeping your spa or hot tub at the right temperature is important for safety reasons. If the water is too hot, it can cause burns or discomfort to those who enter the tub. Conversely, if the water is too cold, it can lead to hypothermia or cause shock to the body. In addition, maintaining a consistent temperature can prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all users. Regularly checking and adjusting the temperature of your hot tub can help prevent accidents and promote a safe and enjoyable experience.
Being Mindful of Electronics
Using electronics around a hot tub can pose potential safety hazards. It is important to keep all electrical devices away from the water, and to use ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets and cords to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Additionally, it is advisable to use battery-powered devices rather than plugged-in devices near the hot tub. If you must use a plugged-in device, ensure that it is at least six feet away from the water and that the device and cord are in good condition.
Using Hot Tub Chemicals Safely
Hot tub chemicals play a critical role in maintaining water clarity, pH balance, and overall cleanliness. The most common hot tub chemicals are chlorine and bromine. These are necessary for getting rid of bacteria and other contaminants that might otherwise make the hot tub unsafe.
In general, everyone should make sure they test their hot tub before adding chlorine and bromine. Then, based on the information, more chlorine or bromine must be added.
After adding these chemicals, hot tub owners need to wait for at least 30 minutes and then test the water again. This will give the chemicals time to distribute evenly, ensuring the test is accurate.
On the other hand, proper water balance also depends on more than what is just read on the strip. It is important for everyone to understand how chlorine and bromine work in addition to how to keep hot tubs as safe as possible.
It’s important to remember that these chemicals are also very strong. If the levels are too high, health problems can arise, such as skin inflammation, eye damage, and even breathing difficulty. Anyone who has ever spent time swimming in a pool that has been over-chlorinated understands the discomfort or even health problems this can cause.
At the same time, adding too little chlorine or bromine might not kill all the bacteria. So, it is important to consider each chemical separately.
The Differences Between Chlorine and Bromine
Both chlorine and bromine are used as sanitizers for hot tubs. Chlorine is less stable than bromine in warmer temperatures. While either chemical can be used, bromine is going to last longer in warmer water. This also means that it doesn’t have to be applied as often.
On the other hand, bromine is also more expensive than chlorine. It takes longer to dissolve in the water, meaning that people might have to wait a little bit longer. Furthermore, bromine is also a better choice for sensitive skin. Chlorine is more abrasive and can cause people to become itchy. Others might even break out in a rash.
Also Reference: Hot Tub Water Care
Waiting for the Proper Amount of Time
Again, as a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 30 minutes after adding chlorine before getting in the hot tub. Those who use bromine might have to wait a little while longer.
Make sure the hot tub cover is off, allowing chemical vapors to escape. Turning on the hot tub jets will also help the chemicals distribute more quickly.
Finally, everyone should always test the water before getting in to make sure the chemicals are at the right level.
No matter which hot tub chemicals you choose, it's essential to use them safely and correctly to prevent health issues and ensure a pristine and attractive spa. Here are some tips to help you use hot tub chemicals safely:
- Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling chemicals.
- Never mix different types of chemicals or add chemicals to the water while people are in the hot tub.
- Keep chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
- Store chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Test the water regularly to ensure proper chemical balance.
- Avoid using the hot tub if the chemical levels are outside the recommended range.
Other useful content for hot tubs:
Also check our Hot Tubs Ultimate Buying Guide
If you’re looking for a new hot tub or have any other questions about hot tub safety, stop by your local Watson’s store today.
When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We offer all the hot tub supplies you need, along with a robust selection of new hot tubs to choose from. For all your hot tub needs, trust the experts at Watson’s.
