Keeping the Whole Family Safe in the Hot Tub

There is nothing quite like relaxing with the whole family on a mild Colorado summer night in a nice, bubbly hot tub. The best way to keep everyone safe while enjoying your backyard spa escape is to remember some simple safety guidelines. After all, hot tubs and spas are all about relaxation, rejuvenation, and comfort, all of which are best enjoyed in the same way you’d enjoy a fine wine — responsibly. 

Just like having a pool, owning a hot tub comes with a small level of inherent risks, including the possibility of overheating, electrical shock, infections, and drowning. However, with some basic foresight and by remembering these simple guidelines, you’re sure to have a fun, safe, relaxing experience in your family hot tub. 

Safety Tips for Kids and Hot Tubs

Keeping your kids safe around any body of water, including hot tubs, should always be a primary concern. When it comes to kids and hot tubs, there are some safety rules to keep in mind.

  • No Infants or Toddlers. Very young children have extremely sensitive skin that is susceptible to easily overheating, and when kids are young and non-verbal, they can’t necessarily communicate that there is something wrong. Children who have not been potty-trained should also stay out of the hot tub, as any accidents of that nature will make any hot tub or pool environment instantly unsanitary. As a general rule, if a child is potty trained and able to stand on the bottom of the hot tub with their head clear of the water, they can be allowed to join in. Otherwise, the little ones will have to wait a while longer.
  • Set a Time Limit. If you’re going to have younger kids enjoy the hot tub, it’s usually best to lower the temperature from the maximum settings that adults may enjoy. Lowering the temperature to a milder 98°F will allow kids to be able to enjoy the hot tub for about 15 minutes at a time. At hotter temperatures, any longer than five minutes of exposure can start to have ill effects on younger occupants. 
  • Always Accompany Children. Children should never be left unattended near bodies of water, including your backyard hot tub. Designate an adult to take on the role of kiddo watcher, ensuring that little ones stay safe while everyone is relaxing in the hot tub. It’s also a good idea to be trained to perform CPR in the event of an emergency. 

Pets and Hot Tubs Don’t Mix

Nobody likes to exclude furry companions from family activities, but when it comes to enjoying the hot tub, Fido is going to have to sit this one out. Your dog may love the water and enjoy splashing in the pool, but hot tubs have some characteristics that are dangerous to our canine friends. Pets can easily become overheated in a hot tub, which can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and even death. Hot tub water also contains chlorine, which is toxic to drink and can make your pet sick. Finally, for hygiene purposes, there’s a good reason most people don’t bathe with their pets, as they can carry bacteria into the hot tub. Sorry pooches — no hot tubs for you.

General Safety for Every Summer Night

  • Keep Your Hot Tub Clean. When you invest in a hot tub with Mountain Mist Pool & Spa in Longmont, we’ll teach you how to best take care of your hot tub and keep it clean. Dirty hot tubs can be breeding grounds for bacteria and other germs that may lead to infections, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of maintenance. We’ll show you how to monitor the pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine levels of your hot tub to keep it operating safely for everyone! If you’re taking a dip in the hot tub at the end of a long day, it’s also recommended to take a quick shower beforehand to reduce contamination levels. 
  • Avoid Alcoholic Beverages. We know, we know — who invited the party pooper? While it may be tempting to enjoy a glass of wine or a nice cold beer while soaking in the hot tub, alcohol is a diuretic. This means that you can quickly become dehydrated, which is not a good state to be in while enjoying a soak in a hot tub. Alcohol dilates your blood vessels, which can then raise your body temperature to dangerous levels very quickly in a hot tub, sometimes causing people to pass out. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to opt for a big bottle of ice-cold water instead of alcohol. 
  • Take Advantage of Professional Installation. When your hot tub is professionally installed, all of the electrical components will be handled correctly, ensuring that everything works properly and functions safely. 

Find Your Hot Tub Paradise at Mountain Mist in Longmont

Summer nights along Colorado’s Front Range were meant to be enjoyed outside, especially with family and friends. At Mountain Mist Pool & Spa in Longmont, as well as Bear Naked Hot Tub Co. in Loveland, we believe the best way to experience these evenings are in a luxurious hot tub. Visit our showrooms today and speak with a hot tub professional to find the best backyard getaway for your family to enjoy. We’d be more than happy to walk you through all of the safety features and functions that help keep you and your family safe while enjoying a summer soak!

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