Last Updated on May 30, 2021
As relaxing as hot tubs and spas are, they come with just as much responsibility as owning a pool. In fact, many of the same safety precautions you take with pools apply to spas also. Promoting safety first ensures that your leisure time is free of accidents. Common-sense water safety tips are important and there are additional considerations you need to consider specifically for spa safety.
Spa Safety: Special Spa Considerations
General Water Safety Tips
There are several general water safety tips that apply to both pools and spas, so if you have a pool you may already be familiar with these.
- Keep The Area Secure: Keeping the areas around a pool and spa protected so children cannot access them is essential. In-ground spas should have a spa cover, specifically an anchored cover which can support the weight of someone who inadvertently falls on top.
- Safety Fence: A pool safety fence is also essential for any body of water. Make sure you have self-closing and self-latching gates for additional safety. A properly secured fence surrounding your spa helps create a safer environment, even if a child gets away from their supervising adult.
- Create A Hazard Free Area: Keep the spa clear of common hazards such as glass containers, electrical appliances, or any tripping hazards. This limits the dangers of electrocution as well as the danger of tripping or slipping. It is also important to keep glass clear from the area as broken glass will appear invisible underwater and poses a serious danger.
- CPR And First Aid Training: It is recommended that you be certified in CPR and first aid. These valuable life-saving skills help you know what to do in an emergency. Every backyard pool or hot tub should also have a well-stocked first-aid kit in case of any emergencies.
Special Considerations For Spas
Many of these general water safety rules apply to spas too, but there are special considerations because of some of the unique features of spas and hot tubs. Knowing these differences and the challenges they create will play an important role in your spa safety plan.
- High Temperatures: Even though some pools are heated, they do not get as hot as a spa. A spa should never be set above 104 °F but sometimes thermostats get stuck. To prevent this, always have a clearly visible thermometer to verify the temperature before getting in the water. Heat can also affect some medications such as blood pressure medication and blood thinners. Being in a hot tub for a long time can cause users to be more susceptible to heat-related effects. Warn any guests about the potential dangers of being in the spa if they are currently taking any of these medications. You should also avoid alcohol when using spas. High temperature can increase your feelings of intoxication which can compromise judgment and can lead to unconsciousness.
- Stronger Suction: The pumps in a hot tub are much stronger than those in the pool. A spa pump is relatively small which means there’s a lot of power and a smaller volume of water. Your guests also sit much closer to the intakes and jets making them a potential hazard. Loose swimsuits, hair, and jewelry can also easily be sucked into pumps, potentially trapping someone. Should a trapped person get tired as they try to free themselves, they may slip under the water. Make sure you and your guests are wearing tight-fitting clothes and keep long hair tied up. Watch carefully for anyone showing signs of distress at all times.
- Smaller is Not Always Safer: One of the biggest threats to hot tub safety is the relaxed attitude people take. Just because it is smaller than a pool and is designed for relaxation, people don’t respect the real dangers. Spa safety helps keep you and your guests healthy and uninjured.
Conclusion
Your spa is an important investment as well as your own private oasis away from the world. We want you and your loved ones to stay safe, so are here to help you maintain optimal spa safety. It will not be a relaxing place to be if it becomes a hazard. Maintain proper spa safety and reach out to us today for details on spa covers or fences to keep your spa zone safe and fun.
