Hot tubs are a great way to sit back and relax. When you have a hot tub, indoor or outdoor, on your property, it’s understandable that you would want everyone in your family to be able to enjoy your hot tub, children included! So, the question of the day is one that we hear all the time here at S & H Pools: “Can children enjoy hot tubs safely?” The answer? Yes! Provided that you take the following safety precautions seriously, there is no reason why your child(ren) can’t enjoy spending time within your hot tub.
First, make an age limit for your hot tub. Young children and toddlers often have issues controlling their bladders and bowels. Even potty-trained children will sometimes prefer to avoid a trip to the bathroom and “go” in the hot tub. This can quickly contaminate a hot tub with its limited water capacity. If youngsters are going to be in your hot tubs, make sure they are fully potty trained and are taking regular bathroom breaks.
Second, keep temperature and time limits. Kids don’t have the thick skin that adults have, nor do they have the same ability to control their core temperature. Keep them from overheating by lowering the temperature to less than 100 degrees, ensuring they drink cool water after a hot tub soak, and limit their time to no more than 5-10 minutes, never fully submerged.
Finally, stress to your children that hot tubs, like pools, are completely off-limits without an adult present. Safeguard your hot tubs with heavy, strong covers, gates and fences.
These are just some of the safety features that we recommend for hot tubs here at S & H Pools. For more tips, come see us today!