5 Tips for Keeping Children Safe Around Hot Tubs
If you have your hot tub, you're likely to be aware of the fundamental safety guidelines: do not sit in the hot tub for more than an hour, make sure your hot tub is in a ventilated area, Be cautious about soaking when pregnant, etc.
They're all pretty clear safety guidelines, and adults can use basic sense to stay secure without reading the entire blog post on it. But the guidelines aren't as straightforward concerning children. They could shock you. That’s why today's blog.
While enjoying a swim spa in the UK, consider these five excellent tips for keeping children safe around hot tubs.
1. Do Regular Maintenance or Buy Best Hot Tubs
Hot tubs that aren't adequately maintained may cause more issues, such as irritations and rashes. That is done by ensuring that the hot tub is clean and maintained and the chemicals are in the right balance. Use sterilising methods like chlorine and ozone treatment in keeping the hot tub safe from infectious diseases. Also, making sure the chemicals are correctly balanced will ensure that they don't irritate the skin. Replacement of filters is also a great way to keep the water safe and clean for bathers.
Other than minor repairs, you can do it yourself or find who offers the best and most reliable hot tubs for sale with complete security in the United Kingdom. Several speciality safety products are available for children to use around hot tubs. Besides, get your hot tub examined by a qualified professional each year. They will inspect every system component to ensure all is functioning efficiently, at its peak efficiency, and there aren't any leaks. However, regular preventative maintenance performed by an expert will allow you to spot issues before they occur and prolong the life of your spa.
2. Keep the Kids Out and Secure the Cover
If you're concerned about tiny children getting into your hot tub, the first option is to secure the cover for your hot tub. Many high-end hot tubs come with lockable covers (as it requires keys to unlock). If the hot tub you've selected isn't equipped with this feature, alternative locking mechanisms are available at a retailer.
When you choose a lock mechanism, you're following maintaining the drawer for knives secure--you require something that your child cannot outsmart. Key-based locks are the best option if you can keep the key away from the reach of children.
If you're looking to add a layer of security, you can consider putting up an enclosure around the spa to limit access to it. When properly constructed, the wall can block access to the spa area and provide some security, depending on its height.
3. Take Special Care When Babies In Hot Tubs
Nobody younger than 5 may swim in a hot tub and should be kept out of it to protect themselves. Because of their tiny size, their bodies can reach dangerous temperatures more quickly than an adult. Babies aren't able to communicate their discomfort. That means hot tubs are unsuitable for babies, even short durations.
Never allow your babies to play with electronics in a hot tub. Make sure they know how to turn off the power to the hot tub before they enter. And make sure you have anti-skid treads, sand paint, or a lockable safety cover on the hot tub. You should also supervise your kids while they are inside the water. As babies learn to walk and crawl in their first steps, they become naturally fascinated by their surroundings. Other safety features, such as the mesh fence around your pool, are beneficial additions.
4. Beware of Falls and Slips Around Your Hot Tub
We recommend it to have no-horseplay rules concerning children and hot tubs. It's easy for children to become distracted while playing roughhousing, and someone will probably be injured. You can avoid accidents that result in falls and slips outside of the spa by putting anti-skid treads on the steps or decks, applying Sand paint, and putting mats made of rubber that are slip-proof near the hot tub's entrance. Children (and adults) must be cautious when exiting and entering your hot tub.
5. Keep The Swimmers Safe
The water temperature in hot tubs can be too hot for children to swim safely, and suction drains can cause serious injuries. To reduce the risk of a child swimming in the spa, follow the below guidelines.
Time and Temperature
Ensure that you're enjoying the spa responsibly, keeping your kids secure.
- Don't allow the children the hot tub younger than five years.
- Set the hot tub's temperature at or less than 95 degrees if children will be in the spa.
- Do not let your children remain in the water for over 10 and 15 minutes one time (you could extend the time by letting them hang their legs in the water).
- Adults and teens should not spend over 30 minutes in the hot tub.
- Pregnant women should speak to their doctor before using the hot tub.
Suction Drains
Suction drains, typically found at the bottom of the spa, create a particular safety concern, particularly for children. The suction force is powerful enough to keep hair and limbs trapped, preventing a child from getting back on the top of the pool. Similar to other safety issues, there are methods to avoid accidents and protect your loved ones and family.
Ensure the drains have covers and are up to the current. It will stop things from becoming stuck. The second thing to consider is an option with dual drain systems, which reduces the suction force and the chance of having hair or clothing caught in the tub. Hot tubs are fitted with an emergency switch that can shut off drains. Find this off-switch on the model you have to use in an emergency.
Extra Guidelines to Ensure Everyone’s Safety
If you want to ensure everyone's safety and relaxing time at the pool, follow these a few other tips:
- Set rules for your children and ensure that they know the consequences and the safety risks.
- Always supervise children when using the hot tub.
- There's no need for hot tubs to be swimming pools "underwater" games that could cause an ear infection.
- Make sure the gate is self-latching.
- Children should never be fully submerged in them, as hot tub pumps and drains can act as suction on clothes and hair.
- Inspire your children to drink plenty of water and leave the spa frequently to cool down.
- Keep a first-aid kit nearby in case of emergency.
- Set up hot tub stairs and hot tub rails to ensure your guests can safely enter and exit the hot tub.
Final Thoughts
Pools and hot tubs are an excellent way to unwind and relax. However, they are also a danger for children. But you deserve to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is safe. To avoid this, at the very least, one adult should supervise children whenever they're around a hot tub or pool.
