Using Your Spa - A Guide to Safe Soaking

Enjoyment and safety should always go hand in hand with your spa. It is your responsibility to be sure that you, your family and friends use the spa or hot tub sensibly. A safe spa can give you many years of fun and relaxation – be sure that good times are safe times!

Supervision
Having an adult present and supervising any spa or pool activities, regardless of ages and abilities, can be your first defense against injuries and mishaps. There is no substitute for competent, constant adult supervision.

Soaking Rules
Establish and enforce spa rules and post them visibly near your spa so everyone knows them. Rules should cover things such as: no jumping or diving, length of time allowed for a soak, consumption of alcoholic beverage, handling of chemicals, etc. All soakers should also fully understand how to operate the controls, including how to cut power to the motors.

Who Shouldn't Soak
Pregnant women, or people with heart disease, high or low blood pressure or any serious illness should not enter the spa without prior consultation with their doctor. Those with skin, ear, genital or other body infections, open sores or wounds should not use the spa because of the possibility of spreading infection. It is also best not to soak immediately after eating a heavy meal.

Soak With a Buddy
It’s always safer (and usually more fun too!) to soak with another person. Never use the spa or hot tub when you’re alone.

Little Soakers
Never leave a child unsupervised and out of eye contact in or near the spa – not even for a second. If you must leave the spa area, even momentarily, take your child with you. Discretion is advised in allowing children to use spas and hot tubs, since their young bodies may not adjust well to the high temperatures. If in doubt, check with your doctor.

Some Like It Hot
Be sure you check the water temperature before entering to prevent scalding. The maximum water temperature should never exceed 104ºF (40ºC). High water temperatures can elevate your body temperature and the temperature of internal organs beyond safe limits. Keep an accurate thermometer in the spa or hot tub at all times to monitor the water temperature.

Don’t Soak ‘Till You Drop
Don’t soak for more that 15 minutes at one sitting in 104ºF (40ºC) water. Soaking for too long can makes some people nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded or faint. If you wish to soak for a longer period of time in high temperatures, leave the spa after 15 minutes, cool down and then return for another brief stay. At lower temperatures (such as 98.6ºF – normal body temperature), most people can comfortably and safely soak for longer periods of time. Always consult your doctor if you have any questions about what is safe for you and your family.

Sanitary Soaking
Be sure to maintain the water properly (ask your spa professional for guidance, when needed). Before entering, look at the water in your spa; if there is cloudiness, foaming or a strong chlorine “locker room” smell is present, the water probably needs treating. Soaking in such water greatly increases your chances of getting a skin rash. Shower with soap and water before and after using the spa. Showering before use washes away many of the common skin bacteria and removes lotions, deodorants, creams, etc. from the skin. These things can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant and lessen the ability of the filter to work efficiently.

Ins and Outs
Always completely remove the cover before entering your spa or hot tub. Enter and exit the spa slowly for assured footing and to allow your body to gradually adjust to the temperature change. Never jump or dive into a spa or hot tub. Non-skid surfaces, railing, steps and adequate lighting all help for easier and safer entry and exit. A “no glass” rule around your spa is also a smart safety policy; use plastic products instead.

Better Safe Than Sorry
Don’t permit playful screaming for help (false alarms) that might mask a real emergency. Never use a spa or hot tub if any of the grate outlets are missing or broken to avoid body entrapment. Be sure your insurance policy is updated to include ownership of your spa or hot tub. Keep lifesaving equipment nearby at all times in case of emergency; these items should remain stationary and not be misplaced. Take a lifesaving course – a wonderful gift to yourself and others.

Under the Influence
The spa is not a place for alcohol and drugs. Hot water amplifies the effects of these substances and cause nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness in addition to the dangers of loss of consciousness or heart attack. Some prescription and non-prescription medications can also similar problems. Always consult with a doctor when taking medications and using the spa.

A Secure Spa
Keep your hot tub securely covered when not in use. A fence, wall or natural barrier should completely enclose your spa or hut tub. Make sure that all doors and gates leading to the spa or hot tub area are kept shut and locked/latched when not being used and that locks and latches are out of reach of toddlers.

Power Trip
To avoid electrocution, NEVER handle a corded phone, radio, TV, hair dryer or any other electrical device while you are in contact with water, when hands or feet are wet, or when barefoot. Locate all electrical outlets a safe distance away from your spa. Keep electrical devices away from the water, and never place them on the spa edge.

Chemical Safety
Keep your spa chemicals and supplies in a separate locked storage area away from the water and out of children’s reach. Make sure that all chemical products are clearly marked and that you've reviewed proper storage and usage guidelines. Improperly mixing chemicals can be dangerous.

A good soak in your spa or hot tub is wonderfully warm and relaxing. However; this same hot water can hold some potential danger that you must be aware of. By becoming educated and following these guidelines, your spa can be a safe and soothing oasis for all who use it.

Exercise and Your Spa		Spa Etiquette