Hot Tub Safety: How to Soak the Right Way
The simple fact is hot tubs are a great way to relax. However, if you do a quick Google search, you’ll find tons articles that aim to complicate that simplicity by painting a scary picture of hot tub dangers. So, how do you enjoy the good and leave the bad? Here are some tips to help you soak worry-free next time you are in your hot tub.
Keep It Clean
In the same way you appreciate the warm, cozy environment of a hot tub, bacteria also thrive in the heated water. This makes it important to follow hot tub sanitation guidelines and stay on top of your cleaning routine. Change the water when needed and keep your tub chemically balanced to avoid any unnecessary sickness.
Set a Timer
Most guidelines say that you shouldn’t soak for longer than 15 minutes. Time frames, however, can largely depend on outside temperatures and the temperature of your tub. The rule of thumb is to not let your tub exceed 104 degrees, but if you decrease the heat, you can stay in for a little longer.
On occasion, you can stretch your time limit to 30-45 minutes, but don’t let yourself get too hot. If you start to feel dizzy or light headed, don’t push it. Get out and cool off to be safe. The guidelines are even stricter for children, so don’t let your kids overdo it.
Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
It might seem like the only thing better than relaxing in the hot tub is doing so with a cold beer or glass of wine, but do so responsibly. Drinking too much alcohol, mixed with the hot conditions, can cause you to become dehydrated rather quickly. This could increase the effects that alcohol has on your body and put you closer to the danger zone of hot tub use.
Watch yourself closely. If you start to feel faint, take a break from the tub and drink some water. You should also take precautions when taking prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before getting in if you think being in a hot tub might negatively affect you.
Bring Your Friends
One of the easiest ways to avoid most hot tub dangers is to share the experience with someone else. This way, everyone can keep an eye on each other, and everyone will stay above water. Plus, time in the water is always more fun with company!
These are just a few tips help you and your family have more pleasant times in the hot tub with less worry. This list is by no means exhaustive, so use your best judgment. When used responsibly, hot tubs are a great thing and not near as scary as some would make them seem.
