Hot tubs provide you with the opportunity to relax and release tension. Having your own hot tub at home allows you to enjoy these benefits any time you want to and with more privacy than a hot tub at the gym could provide. Keep these safety concerns in mind when you decide to install a hot tub in your home.
One of the leading hazards of a hot tub is the temperature of the water. A scalding burn could take place when the water temperature is hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to set the thermostat lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit in order to lower the risk of burns. In addition to setting the thermostat, use a thermometer to check the actual temperature of the water before you get into the hot tub. Keep the tub covered when it is not in use. The cover should lock into place. If there are children in your home, consider an alarm for the hot tub cover. An alarmed hot tub cover reduces the risk of accidental burns and drowning.
An improperly wired hot tub is a serious risk for electrocution. If the tub is not on its own circuit, it should be. The tub’s heater and motor for the jets consume a lot of electricity. Operating the hot tub on the same electrical circuit as another appliance could cause a short circuit. In an older home, a separate breaker or an upgrade of the electrical box might be needed in order to safely deliver electricity to the hot tub. All of the electrical wiring for a hot tub should be done by a licensed professional electrician. In some places, you might need to have city inspectors verify that the work has been done properly before you use the hot tub.
Spa chemicals help to keep the hot tub clean so that you do not have to totally drain it after using it once and refill the whole thing again when you want to use it the next time. Be sure to properly use spa chemicals in your hot tub. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much of the chemicals to use. Avoid adding extra chemicals. Putting too much of any chemical into the water of the hot tub could cause skin or breathing problems. Do not mix the spa chemicals with household cleaners such as ammonia, bleach, or detergent. A dangerous chemical reaction could occur. Store the spa chemicals in their original containers and keep the containers in a locked cabinet out of the reach of children.
The water in a hot tub is consistently maintained at a warm temperature so that it is ready to use whenever you desire. However, the warm temperature is also ideal for the growth of bacteria, parasites and viruses. Do not use the hot tub if you have recently had a skin infection or a weeping or open wound. It is also important to avoid using the hot tub while you have diarrhea. Wait for a few days after your last episode of diarrhea has cleared up. Many microorganisms that cause bacteria will thrive in the warm and moist environment of a hot tub.
When used safely and properly, a hot tub offers a great place to unwind at the end of the day. Be sure to show your family how to correctly use the tub. Enforce the safety rules. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and arrange for repairs if you notice a problem.
You must be logged in to post a comment.