Spa Safety Tips
Spa Safety Tips
By Jen Carter
Water balance and sanitizer has to be maintained:
Make it a point to ensure that the water is healthy and free of any form of harmful microorganisms before you actually enter a spa. This can be done by regularly shocking the water and the maintenance of the total alkalinity and pH of water for controlling bacteria in the water.
Sanitizer levels, TA and pH can be monitored by using the appropriate test strips. There is also a bacteria test available now for testing for bacteria in the spa water.
Storage of Chemicals & Spa Supplies:
It is important that additives, cleaning compounds and chemicals used in the spa are stored in a cool, dry and ventilated spot. In addition to this, it should be placed away from direct sunlight, and way out of reach of children. Remember to always read and follow the directions found on chemical labels.
All spa chemicals should not be mixed before adding to the spa water. Instead, you have to dissolve the dry chemicals one at a time, in clean water in a plastic bucket. It is only now that you can pour this bucket of water and chemicals into the hot tub. This is done to prevent possible damage to the acrylic shell or PVC liner of the spa which arises from direct contact to the undissolved granules of the chemicals.
Consumption of Alcohol and Drugs in the spa:
It is dangerous taking alcohol and drugs when in the spa as the hot water tends to amplify the effects of the alcohol and drugs. This may lead to dangerous consequences. So if you take drugs, consult your doctor for directions on the right use of prescription drugs in the spa. Instead of taking alcohol, many people prefer drinking a chilled soft drink, mineral water or juice when relaxing in the spa.
The right Water Temperature:
The National Spa and Pool Institute states that 104 degrees F is the maximum hot water temperature for your spa. Sitting for long periods in water with higher temperatures tends to lead to rising of the body heat to dangerous levels. This is why the modern spas are usually set at the factory, to not exceed this limit.
The recommended soaking time and temperature is not more than 15 minutes at 100 to 102 degrees F. and with children and infants being more sensitive to heat, the ideal water temperature for them is not more than 95 degrees F, for no longer than 10 minutes.
People suffering form high or low blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or any other serious health conditions should consult, and obtain the advice of a physician before doing so. To find out the ideal temperature of the spa, place a floating thermometer in the spa if it does not have a digital temperature readout indicator.
Precautions for Children and Infants:
If children and infants are to enter into a spa, they have to be introduced slowly so that they have time to adjust to the change of temperature without any fear or discomfort. Children should never be left unattended in hot tubs, spas or pools. A few minutes in even a shallow pool or spa is sufficient for a drowning hazard to take place. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Pregnancy and spas:
It is not at all advisable for pregnant women to enter a hot tub or spa without a consultation with their physician.
Dangers of hair entanglement:
It is possible for a drowning risk to occur with a bather s hair getting entangled in a drain cover, when hair and water draws down the drain. This is why children, or anyone for that matter, should not play with their heads placed underwater in a spa.
To prevent this, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has helped in the development of the requirement for dome shaped drain outlets in a spa, with two outlets to be used for each pump. With this, the powerful suction that arises with a blocked drain is reduced. So those with old spas have to have these new drain covers installed, and perhaps get a spa with two drains for prevention of entrapment in the drain.
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To ensure that the spa remains in good, and safe working condition, and that drain covers are not cracked or missing, have regular professional checks on the spa. You have to check to ensure that the drain is covered throughout the year. Have a GFCI protected power disconnect device installed for the spa, and learn where and how to use it in emergencies.
About the Power Cutoff Switch:
It is important to install a manual disconnect device for the spa at a minimum of 5 ft and a maximum of 15 ft from the spa, for your safety. Also make it a point to check local codes.
Electrical Devices in the spa:
For safety reasons, corded phones, TVs, hair dryers, radios and other electrical devices would not be handled when in spas or pools or when in contact with water with wet hands or legs.
Make sure that all electrical outlets are located at a safe distance from the spa or hot tub, following local building codes. Electrical devices should be kept away from the water, and never on the edge of the spa. This is because if an electrical appliance falls into the water, or is touched by a wet person, possible electrocution results.
Importance of a Spa Cover:
The spa has to be covered with a locked safety cover when the spa is not used. Children should always be kept away from spas, unless under adult supervision. Remember that unsupervised spas are attractive to curious small children so keep the spa covered tightly with cover straps that prevent the slipping of the child into the spa. Replace the spa cover when necessary. You can install a pair of extra tie down straps for added security around the spa.
Importance of Safety Rails & Steps:
Spa steps and handrails are required for help when getting in and out of hot tubs with wet and slippery feet. With a towel bar, you can ensure that dry towels are available for feet and hands. For added safety, you could have a non-skid surface around the parameter of the spa. To avoid accidents with broken glass, snacks and drinks can be served in plastic containers when in the spa. There should be adequate lighting at ground level, at nighttime.
Benefits of a Tub Together:
Adults soaking together is always a wiser and more entertaining option in a spa. This is because with one or more partners, you are sure someone is there if you have a problem in the spa. Of course, children should always be accompanied when in the spa.
Jen Carter is team member and writes regularly about hot tubs including hot tub installation, hot tub buying guides
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