Hot Tubs are the perfect tool for relaxation, stress-relief, and leisure. They offer several health benefits and can help you connect with family and friends in your very own backyard.
Whether you plan to use your hot tub for therapeutic reasons or to host gatherings where your friends and family can share in the relaxation your hot tub provides, it is important to always keep a few key safety concerns in mind when your hot tub is in use.
Heat & Dehydration
If you live anywhere in the North Texas area, you are without a doubt all too familiar with the risks associated with the high temperatures we typically experience in the summertime. While it may seem counterintuitive to worry about dehydration while soaking in a body of water, the heat of the water in your hot tub will cause bathers to perspire while they enjoy the tub, which can cause moderate to severe dehydration if not monitored. Sundance Spas have a high temperature setting limit of 104 degrees, which is fairly standard among hot tub manufacturers. Dehydration along with this high water temperature in the tub can lead to your body becoming overheated. Overheating and dehydration can be serious health problems, but are avoidable if you look out for symptoms and respond accordingly:
- Headache
- Changes in heart rate
- Weakness of Fatigue
- Dizziness
If anyone in your hot tub begins to experience any of the above signs of overheating, get them out of the hot tub and into a cool place immediately. Have them drink water and keep an eye on their symptoms. If they persist or worsen, seek medical attention. In order to avoid overheating, make sure bathers stay hydrated while in the hot tub and take breaks to cool off every 15 minutes or so. In fact, Sundance Spas have a built-in feature that cycles jet pumps off after about 20 consecutive minutes of runtime. This can be a handy reminder to take a quick break and cool off if you have been soaking for a while. If you have children using the tub, it is a good rule of thumb to lower the temperature to 98 degrees and always ensure they are supervised while in the hot tub.
Another factor to take into consideration is alcoholic beverages – alcohol can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated, and the intoxicating effect it has can impair your judgement while using the tub. If you are enjoying any alcoholic beverages while using the hot tub, be sure to consume in moderation, take extra care to stay adequately cool and hydrated, and be careful not to fall asleep while in the hot tub.
Drowning
As with any body of water, the risk of drowning should always be a concern if you have a hot tub in your backyard. If there are children using the hot tub, plan to have at least one designated adult to monitor their safety at all times. Hot tub covers should come with strap locks that you can use to secure the closed cover to the hot tub. If there is any possibility that children could find their way into the hot tub while unsupervised, be sure the tub remains closed and locked when not in use.
Electricity
Any time a body of water is in use that is around or that utilizes electricity, safety should be a top priority. Before using your hot tub, you should ensure that the electrical hook-up has been completed by a licensed electrician. Faulty wiring or electrical work that is not performed according to your state and local code can pose a serious safety risk to anyone in or around your hot tub. Be cautious of any signs of serious electrical issues with the hot tub like a constantly tripping GFCI, if exposed uninsulated wire is visible around the tub, and of course hot tub users being shocked while using the tub. If you experience any of these it is best to turn off the power to the tub immediately and have a licensed electrician evaluate the hot tub’s electrical configuration.
Additionally, you should minimize electrical devices in use around the tub. Overhead string lighting, while aesthetically appealing, can be a dangerous feature to have over your hot tub. Any lights over the tub should be plugged into a GFCI protected outlet, and the lights should be low voltage (30 volts or less). Any lights suspended over the tub should be permanently affixed and hung at least 12 feet above the water. There should be no electrical outlets within 6 feet of the water in the hot tub, and any electrical outlets in the area should be GFCI protected.
Your hot tub should be a place where you can relax, experience the natural stress relief of the warm water and massaging jets, and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Taking the above safety precautions can ensure that you and your loved ones’ experience using your hot tub is safe and enjoyable. Whether you live in Frisco, Dallas, or Fort Worth, DFW Hot Tubs is here to help with any questions or service needs you may have. If you need hot tub repairs or you are concerned about the safety of your outdoor electrical setup, our in-house staff of experienced hot tub technicians and licensed electricians are never more than a phone call away at 469-250-2226.