Water, whether in pools or hot tubs, is always fun and entertaining for kids. However, child safety should be a top priority during hot tub baths. It’s essential to keep a close watch on children at all times to prevent the unique risks associated with hot baths, such as overheating or slipping.
This blog is your hot tub safety guide for kids. It explores common spa risks, the best hot tub temperature, and necessary jacuzzi safety rules.
Let’s explore more!
What are the common hot tub risks for kids?
You must be alert whenever children are inside or near the pool or hot tub. Their bodies are less adapted to spa temperature and may not know how to swim.
Here are the most common hot bath risks related to youngsters.
Temperature Susceptibility
Young children are more susceptible to hot tub temperatures. This is because they have more skin area relative to their body mass, which means they can absorb more heat quickly.
Secondly, their bodies are still developing, so they have an ineffective body heat regulation process compared to adults. So, the cooling process of kids in hot tubs is slower.
Risk of Drowning
As the little ones can’t swim, you shouldn’t let them alone in a pool or hot tub. A toddler in a hot tub is at risk of drowning without proper safety measures.
Another reason for the kid drowning in a hot tub is their hair being entangled in the hot tub suction fitting.
Accidental Falls
If you have extra features installed in your hot tub that cause more movement, be on alert for your kid’s safety. The toddlers or young children may stumble and fall accidentally.
Skin and Eye Irritation
Strong chemicals, such as chlorine, can cause skin or eye irritation in minors, so this is another thing to watch out for.
Dehydration
When body temperature rises, the internal systems regulate it to the normal level, right?
A hot tub increases the kid’s body temperature, which causes more sweating and increased urination. This leads to a lower water level in the body or dehydration.
Ideal Hot Tub Temperature for Kids
Hot tubs can be fun for youths, but safety should be prioritized due to the higher risk of overheating. Most hot tubs are preset to 104°F, which is too hot for children.
The best way is to keep the water temperature lower for little ones than adults. According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the ideal hot tub temperature for kids is 98°F (36.7°C).
Another question arises here as to how long a kid can stay in a hot tub. The hot tub sessions for children should last from 10 to 15 minutes, with frequent breaks outside the hot tub.
The maximum safe water temperature for children, according to Mayo Clinic, is 100°F (37.8°C).
How young is too young for a hot tub?
Another significant question is the age at which young people should avoid hot tubs. Well, it is better to prevent kids under 5 from using hot tubs. Hot tubs are safer for kids above 5, but only for a limited time.
Additionally, ensure that children are only half-submerged in the hot tub, with their upper torso out of the water. Also, keep your kid constantly hydrated and keep him out if he feels dizzy.
What are the important safety rules for kids or children?
If your child is excited about hot tub soaking, it’s best to let them enjoy it with proper safety precautions. The safety guide below will help you ensure a safe experience.
Consult a Health Professional
It is best to consult an expert health professional before letting your child into a hot tub. The professional will check your child’s health conditions and will be better able to decide for you.
Constant Adult Supervision
Never leave your child alone in the hot tub or pool, even for a short time. A responsible adult should be alongside the child to constantly watch over him. This will minimize the chances of drowning or accidental falls.
Limit Entrapment Chances
To limit the chances of children’s entrapment caused by the hot tub suction system, they should wear tight swimsuits instead of saggy pants. Moreover, encourage children with long hair to tie it back in a ponytail or bun.
Maintain Proper Chemical Balance
Another way to keep your kid safe is to service your hot tub. This includes maintaining proper water chemistry, as well as regularly cleaning and testing water for a healthy spa experience for children.
For further knowledge of hot tub chemical balancing, read our blog, “Hot Tub Maintenance.”
Safe Entry and Exit
Using designated steps, safety rails, or ladders to prevent slipping and falls. Install slip-resistant surfaces, textured tiles, or rubberized mats near the hot tub for safe entry and exit.
Proper Hydration
As hot tubs drain body fluids through sweating or urination in kids, encourage water consumption to avoid dehydration.
Avoid Roughhousing
Kids love to play around in the pool or hot tub water, but their safety should be your top-most priority. We recommend that you discourage jumping, diving, or rough play in the hot tub.
Teach Your Kids
Teach kids to recognize dizziness or discomfort. Exit the hot tub immediately if feeling unwell.
Additional Hot Tub Safety Tips
Here are some additional safety tips to follow for hot tubs.
- Secure the hot tub cover
- Prevent accidental access when not in use.
- To make things extra safe, you can add a locking cover.
- Keep cleaning products where kids can’t get them.
Can I stay in a hot tub for 2 hours?
We don’t recommend staying in a hot tub continuously for 2 hours. After 30 minutes of soaking, take a break.
What three people should avoid hot tubs?
Pregnant women, people with seizures, and people using medications that cause drowsiness should avoid using hot tubs.
What is an unsafe hot tub temperature?
Hot tub temperature above 104°F or 40°C is considered unsafe to soak in.
Is it healthy to sit in a hot tub every day?
Yes, daily hot tub sessions can relax muscles, treat sore joints, and improve heart health.
Should you go underwater in a hot tub?
The best option is to avoid submerging your head inside a hot tub. Going underwater in a hot tub exposes your ears, nose, eyes, and mouth to bacteria and hot tub chemicals that can cause health issues.
Conclusion
Soaking with kids in a hot tub requires extra care and safety measures. Children’s bodies are not as developed as adults, so they can absorb more heat and dehydrate easily. It is best to keep the hot tub temperature lower and give them a break outside the hot tub after 10 minutes.
Ensure an adult constantly supervises children in the pool or hot tub. Balance the chemicals to keep the hot tub water fresh and safe. You should also know about CPR and first aid in case of an emergency.
