With more than five million hot tubs already in use in our country, and additional quantities being purchased every day, that means that more and more Americans are using these manufactured water containers. The pros of owning and using a hot tub are well-known. They include beneficial relaxation, hydrotherapy and massage. But the cons surrounding these pools of heated, jet-circulated water aren’t as obvious. In fact, there are five hidden dangers of hot tubs you need to be aware of.
Hot tubs are commonly fiberglass containers designed to hold water for an extended period of time. They are available in assorted sizes that accommodate one to four people at a time. Hot tubs can be installed inside your home, or outside in the elements, with the latter generally being the case. And, these pools of water are heated either by electric or natural gas. Some hot tubs are actually heated with firewood.
While soaking in a hot tub can help relieve muscle aches and pains and wash away the stress of the day, it can also cause injury and even death if you’re not careful. For example, hot water is obviously a necessary part of the effectiveness of a hot tub. But if the the water temperature isn’t monitored, and the water becomes extremely hot- that means it rises above 110ºF- the heat can cause sleepiness. This, in turn, can lead to accidental drowning. That’s probably no surprise. Drowning is the number one cause of injury and death associated with using a hot tub. However, raising your body temperature to a high level can also cause heat stroke, heart attack, skin burns and even brain damage. The hot water can especially affect persons who suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure. Because, when we climb into a hot tub, the heated water causes our blood vessels to dilate. In turn, our blood pressure descends. Leave the hot water, and a person’s blood vessels- especially a person who suffers from heart problems or high blood pressure- may not constrict fast enough. The result? Their blood pressure can drop even lower and they can pass out.
That’s why the experts recommend the owners of hot tubs use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water. The temperatures shouldn’t rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit at any time. And if you do suffer from heart problems, high blood pressure or any other health condition, check with your doctor or healthcare professional first before you take the plunge into a hot tub.
Another hidden danger of hot tubs is a medical condition called “Hot Tub Lung.” If you use a hot tub-moreso one that’s located indoors- and you find yourself suffering from symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and fever and chills, then you should see your doctor immediately. It could be a matter of life and death. You could be suffering from this infection.
“Hot Tub Lung” is caused by bacteria getting into the steam of the hot water. Once you breathe the polluted steam inside your lungs, the infection can set in. To become healed, follow the directions of your healthcare professional. You’ll have to abstain from using a hot tub until you recuperate.
Then, to avoid further bacteria-causing illnesses, change the water in your hot tub often and use the chemicals that are recommended by the owner’s manual to keep the water clean and sanitary.
Hot tub users who soak in unclean water that contains bacteria can also suffer from a skin condition called simply “Hot Tub Rash.” Symptoms include a red skin rash, particularly in the areas where a person’s body is covered by clothing. The rash may become sore and blistered. A light rash can usually heal itself if you stop soaking in a dirty hot tub. However, a more severe case of “Hot Tub Rash” will require an antibiotic treatment from your doctor.
Another hidden danger of hot tubs involves a lack of certain safety devices. Namely, drain covers. Some older models of hot tubs don’t have the dome-shaped drain covers that are approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your hot tub was manufactured by Hydro-Air Industries of Orange, California, for one example, between 1980 and 1995, it may have a deficient drain cover on it that was recalled by the company. The identifying number to look for on this white, slotted drain cover is “Hydro Air P/N 10-6200.” If you’re not sure whether your hot tub has this type of unsafe cover, call the Hydro-Air company at (800) 230-9560.
So, what’s so important about your hot tub having an approved drain cover? It can keep a person’s long hair from becoming pulled into the drain. If this happens, a person’s head can be held underwater and drowning can ensue. If you have long hair, wrap it up on top of your head before you climb into a hot tub.
Another hidden danger of hot tubs is the strong suction of the drain. The suction can actually pull a person’s body parts- especially arms and legs- towards it. Young children and the elderly can be especially powerless to this sucking action and they can become entrapped. Since 1980, there have been about twenty reports of this happening. Worse yet, nearly half of the incidents involved disembowelment.
To avoid hidden dangers like these, check the drains in your hot tub often. Make sure they have drain covers on them that are approved by the current safety laws. If they don’t, then make arrangements for them to be replaced. Also, make sure the drains are clear of debris and are operating correctly at all times.
And finally, know where the shut off switch is for your hot tub. Think seriously about having a “Safety Vacuum Release System” installed in your hot tub. This system will mechanically shut off the pump if it discovers a blockage.
Don’t allow children to be left in a tub unattended. Follow these safety recommendations so you can avoid the hidden dangers of hot tubs.
