Safety Tips for Using Hot Tubs

Hot tubs provide enjoyable relaxation for people who use them. Kicking back in the water can be enjoyable, but safety is an important consideration. Some people are especially vulnerable to illness from the heat, depending on their age and any other health issues present. Guidelines Anyone using hot tubs must follow basic rules of use to ensure the safety of everyone. Failure to follow these guidelines could lead to contamination. - Take a shower prior to entering the unit. - Do not venture into the unit during times of gastrointestinal illness. - Never allow the water to enter the mouth, and do not swallow it. - Watch alcohol consumption while using a hot tub. The combination of alcohol use and the hot water can lead to excessive dehydration. If this occurs, a person might become lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous. Both alcohol and the hot water also prime the body for heat exhaustion because they expand blood vessels. Any of these situations could cause someone to lose consciousness and slip beneath the surface of the unit. - Follow posted guidelines about time limits and the number of users allowed at one time. - Do not allow children under five to use the tub. Children who are old enough to venture in should stay in the tub for five-minute intervals. Full immersion could be dangerous for children. Some facilities provide special seats for children to use that only allows immersion to the waist. Check out the Facility - While using hot tubs, observe the surroundings to ensure that everything is in order. You should not smell strong odors. In fact, a well-maintained tub should not emit any odors at all. If you smell strong chlorination smells, this indicates potential maintenance issues. - Touch the sides of the unit. The tiles should feel smooth, never slippery or sticky. - Check the unit temperature. It should never be higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. - Listen to ensure that you hear the filtration and pump systems running. Speak with the Management - Find out if staff checks pH and chlorine levels at least two times each day. Optimally, these checks will occur during times of heavy usage. - Find out the most recent health inspector grade of the facility. - Find out about the owner's and staff's understanding of recreational water illness. Understanding of this illness is essential for preventing it. A Word about Recreational Water Illness Recreational water illnesses occur from germs present in contaminated water. People might swallow or inhale these germs in hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans. It's also possible to develop RWIs from chemicals that evaporate into the air. The symptoms of RWIs include gastrointestinal upset and infections of the skin and ears. Respiratory infections can also occur. The most common type of RWI involves diarrhea. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9276954