Hot tubs can provide year-round enjoyment and comfort for homeowners, making them an excellent long-term investment. Yet, as with any water feature, enjoying them responsibly is essential to ensuring a safe experience. From staying on top of routine hot tub maintenance to being mindful of how and when you use it, here are a few ways to minimize any safety risks while enjoying your tub.

5 Important Hot Tub Safety Tips

1. Maintain a Proper Chemical Balance

While hot tub maintenance is relatively simple, it does require you to keep the water properly balanced. To prevent bacteria and algae from growing, you’ll need to maintain the right balance of pH and alkalinity. You can test these levels regularly using individual strips, available at most hot tub maintenance and supply centers. If the levels are too low or high, you’ll need to use the right mix of chemicals, such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulfate, to restore a proper balance.

2. Avoid Alcohol Use

Enjoying a drink while soaking in the hot tub may sound like the perfect way to unwind. Yet, these activities should never be mixed. The CDC warns against drinking alcohol before or while using a hot tub, as hot water can intensify the effects of alcoholic beverages.

3. Keep Glass Away

Hydrating drinks, like water or juice, are better drinks of choice for hot tubs, but if you choose to enjoy them while inside, avoid using glass containers. Plastic, or other durable materials, are a better option, as shattered glass in or near the hot tub can lead to serious injury.

4. Be Cautious With Medical Conditions

People with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure or heart disease, should consult their physicians before using a hot tub. Since sudden or prolonged immersion in warm water can elevate body temperature and affect the heart, these populations may need to adjust the amount of time they spend in the hot tub or alter the temperature to minimize any medical risks.

5. Limit Your Soak Times

Hot tubs can cause a drop in blood pressure and lead to dehydration, but cardiologists support their use in limited amounts. Try to restrict your time in the tub to ten-minutes per session, and stay hydrated by sipping on cool water.

In addition to these sensible practices, it’s essential to make sure your tub is running correctly so that you can enjoy it safely. If you need hot tub maintenance or repair, allow Don Marcum’s Pool Care to help. Serving the Cincinnati, OH, area since 1967, they have been voted as one of the Top 100 Swimming Pool Companies in the U.S. by Aqua Magazine. View their full list of services online or call (513) 561-7050 today to schedule an appointment.