There’s nothing quite like sinking into a relaxing, bubbling hot tub after a long day. With heat relaxing the muscles and the jets giving a gentle massage, a hot tub soak is the perfect way to unwind.
However, when it comes to home spas, you never want to relax too much. While hot tubs may initially seem like the ultimate in no-rules, at-home relaxation, using them irresponsibly can ruin everyone’s good time.
From soaking under the influence to using glassware and soaking too long, there are a number of things that you shouldn’t do in a hot tub.
It could lead to unnecessary risks, costly repairs, and even health issues.
Our professional home spa technicians from our Rochester Hills Hot Tub Store have compiled a comprehensive list of the Don’ts related to hot tub use.
By following these rules outlined below, you can ensure that your hot tub only brings you and your friends pleasure and bliss.
1. Don’t Soak Under the Influence
Now, we’re not saying you can’t enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with your soak. What we are saying is that it is best not to overdo it. Home spas raise body temperatures and cause dehydration, which when combined with the drowsing effects of alcohol can have drastic consequences.
Not only can overindulging lead to dizziness, nausea, and fainting, but it also tends to make people clumsier, which can lead to injury due to slippery surfaces. It is best to wait until your soak is over before enjoying an adult beverage, but if you can’t wait, limit yourself to only one.
Along those same lines, prescription medications can have similar effects as alcohol or worse. Speak with your doctor about how the medication and hot tub combination may affect you before enjoying your soak.
2. Don’t Use Glassware
As you can imagine, broken glass in a hot tub can ruin what should be a perfectly relaxing time. Not only can it cause serious injury, but cleaning out all those tiny, little shards can be a pain. You may not plan to break anything, but accidents happen. Instead, err on the side of caution and use plastic or silicone drinkware instead.
3. Don’t Leave Children Unattended
Children have small, underdeveloped bodies compared to adults. This means they can’t handle the same high temperatures as adults can. In addition, slippery surfaces can make play hazardous.
It is important to monitor children at all times when they are in a home spa and to not let those under five years of age in the spa at all. Wait until your kids reach at least five years old to let them enjoy the benefits of a hot tub.
4. Don’t Forget to Drink Water
Hot tubs raise body temperatures, increases blood flow, and speeds up your heart rate, all of which causes dehydration. It’s very similar to the effects you get when working out. When using your hot tub, it is important to make sure you are consistently drinking enough water to replace any lost during the soak. Drink a full glass of water both before and after using the tub.
5. Don’t Allow for Unlimited Soaking Time
Soaking in a hot tub indefinitely or for extended amounts of time is not advisable. It can easily cause overheating, dehydration, lightheadedness, and fainting. Limit your soak time to 15-30 minutes, and if you feel yourself beginning to experience any of these symptoms, give yourself a break by exiting the tub. Remember to drink plenty of water.
6. Don’t Use Electronics
Electronics and water do not mix. It is best to avoid using any electronics while you are enjoying the home spa. This includes headphones, smartphones, and other devices. Instead, set up a speaker a few feet away from the tub to enjoy your tunes.
7. Don’t Allow Pets in the Hot Tub
Having your beloved pet enjoy the hot tub with you may sound like an intriguing idea, but the reality is far from pleasant. Even if your pet enjoys warm water, pet hair can clog the filtration system as well as allow contaminants to enter your tub.
In addition, the high temperatures can be detrimental to your pet’s health. Leave your furry friend on the sidelines and enjoy their company after your soak.
8. Don’t Wear Lotions and Oils
While wearing lotions and oils in your hot tub may initially seem like a good idea, similar to pet hair, they can clog filters and fluctuate the water chemistry. Wait until you are finished with your soak before putting on lotions or oils. Instead, use them to rehydrate your skin after using the hot tub.
9. Don’t Use Hot Tubs During Storms
Hot tubs obviously contain water, and similar to outdoor pools, being in or near water during severe storms is never a good idea. Lightning could strike the water or the tub itself and have deadly consequences. Even if it seems unlikely, it is better to take the safe route and put off using your home spa until after the storm is over.
10. Don’t Neglect Water Chemistry
Each home spa at The Hot Tub Store comes with detailed instructions on how to maintain the spa and appropriate chemicals to use. These instructions are meant to help you optimize your spa use and ensure the longevity of the system. By not following these instructions and neglecting water chemistry, your hot tub or swim spa may show signs of early wear, cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and can even cause skin irritations. To ensure these don’t happen, regularly test the PH, chlorine, and bromine levels of the tub and follow the instructions to regulate them.
In Sum
While hot tubs offer a luxurious way to relax and let go of responsibilities, they are their own responsibility. Luckily, hot tub care and safety is simple and straightforward. Now that you know what not to do in a home spa, you are equipped to fully enjoy the benefits it provides.
Premier Hot Tub and Swim Spa Retailer Near You
When it comes to the best hot tubs and swim spas there is none better than Master Spas products and you can find an impressive selection at The Hot Tub Store in Rochester Hills. If you are looking for luxury as well as high performance and want to stay within a budget, we’ve got the perfect home spa for you. Visit our hot tub and swim spa store anytime and speak to a spa professional about everything from hot tub size, brands, performance options, financing and more!