That perfect soak after a long day, the warmth of the water while entertaining friends, or even the feeling of the jets on your back while gazing at the stars. They all sound pretty idyllic, don’t they? Hot tubs are a wonderful way to unwind but before you can relax into the bubbles, there are some safety factors you need to know and consider.
Our quick tick safety guide
There are plenty of ways you can improve hot tub safety, and we will dive into those below, but if you’re looking for a quick list to check how safe your hot tub is, then here is a quick tick list so you can be sure yours is as safe as it can be.
- Store your chemicals safely
- Clear trip or slip hazards
- Supervise young people
- No children under five
- Cover it
- Lock it
- Respect it
Hot tub safety dos and don’ts
| DO | DON’T |
| Keep your hot tub covered and locked for maximum safety | Leave your hot tub unlocked as children can get in and will not be able to get back out |
| Store chemicals safely in a locked cupboard away from children and animals | Leave chemicals lying around for anyone to see and use |
| Keep the area tidy and dry | Leave any water spills thinking they will dry naturally |
| Respect the hot tub – it is a body of water | Play pranks around a hot tub – they are dangerous |
| Supervise young people | Allow anyone under 5 in or around a hot tub |
Are hot tubs safe?
Hot tubs are generally safe, yes. There have been six fatalities as a result of accidental drowning in hot tubs between 2014, and 2020. There are a few other things to consider when we talk about hot tub safety.
Creating a safe environment
Slips and trip hazards
Creating an environment that is trip free is one thing, but also making sure that the area surrounding your tub is set up to deal with any water spills, as not to create a slip risk. One good idea is to have a gravel base for your hot tub, that will support the drainage of any water that springs out of the tub.
Child protection
Child-proofing your tub is essential, and one of the ways you can do this is to keep the hot tub covered and locked when not being used, even if you pop inside for a drink. Children can climb into hot tubs with ease, but cannot push the lid off quite so easily, which can have catastrophic effects. Also consider a child barrier or similar to put the hot tub off limits, and have open discussions about the dangers and risks of a hot tub.
Staying safe in a hot tub
Staying hydrated
The warmth of the water dehydrates you, without you even realising. Keep a bottle of water handy and listen to your body.
Alcohol free zone
We mentioned dehydration, and alcohol only increases this. Also, you lose sight of your judgement when you’ve had a drink, so keeping hot tubs an alcohol free zone can be a sensible and safe decision.
Health considerations
Any underlying, or obvious, health conditions could pose dangerous combinations with a hot tub. Medication can dehydrate you further, but on another note, the heat of the tub can increase blood flow and the heart rate, which is not always a desired outcome depending on the condition. Consult a medical professional.
Temperature control
Keep a firm eye on the temperature and ensure that you are dipping within your means. Hot tubs should not be higher than 40 Degrees Celsuis, and you can read our temperature guide here for more guidance.
Time is of the essence
You should not spend more than 30 minutes in a tub at a time, but start with a max of 15 minutes and see how you go. Timing is everything, and it is important not to push your body beyond its limits.
Chemicals and cleaning
Chemistry is key
Checking the water chemistry is vital, and you can use strips or digital kits to stay on top of this. Over chemicalized water can cause itching and irritation to the skin, and while not enough chemicals can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can be equally as uncomfortable.
Cleaning and maintenance
A regular cleaning and maintenance schedule is another hack for staying safe in a hot tub. The build up of scum and dirt can be harmful to the body, and filters that need cleaning or changing will not do their job of catching the nasties that might make their way into the water.
Who is a hot tub not safe for?
Hot tubs and children
Hot tubs are not suitable for children under five, and children under 16 should always be accompanied by an adult.
Hot tubs with pregnancy
Hot tubs are not recommended for those who are in their first trimester of pregnancy, and after this point, caution should be exercised.
Hot tubs and medical conditions
Hot tubs can be harmful to those with medical conditions, and users should seek the advice of their doctor before indulging.
