Spending time in a hot tub is a lot of fun, it also relieves stress and relaxes your muscles. However, it is important to adhere to safety procedures to prevent the spread of germs and disease, maintain a proper body temperature, and not injure yourself. If you have a hot tub, you will need to take proper precautions and avoid damage. If you are using a public hot tub, follow basic safety procedures so that you can relax and have fun with your friends.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Maintain Your Hot Tub to Make It Safe
Step 1. Maintain the pH between 7.2 and 7.8 with a pH builder or reducer
When you have a hot tub, it is important to maintain proper pH levels to reduce eye and skin irritations caused by water disinfectants. PH is a scale that indicates how alkaline or acidic the substance is. Pure water has a pH of 7 and a hot tub should be between 7, 2 and 7, 8. If the pH of the water is very high or low, purchase a pH builder or reducer at your home improvement store to change the levels as needed.
You can use hot tub test strips to find out what the pH of the water is. To use one, soak it in the water for about 15 seconds. It will change color according to the pH of the water and you can compare it to the label to identify the level
Step 2. Test calcium levels to protect water from impurities
If the calcium levels are very high, you will notice cloudy water and you will see calcifications on the sides of the hot tub. On the other hand, if the levels are too low, the water can cause erosion and damage to the tub. You can use water hardness test strips to check calcium levels and take measurements by making any necessary adjustments.
- It is recommended that calcium levels remain between 175 and 275 ppm (parts per million). However, keep in mind that the ideal calcium hardness depends on the type of hot tub you have. Check with the manufacturer of the jacuzzi you have to know this information.
- Add calcium hardening grains if levels are low. If calcium levels are high, take water out of the hot tub and add more low-calcium water to balance it out.
Step 3. Add chlorine or bromine to disinfect the water and keep germs from spreading
You can choose bromine or chlorine to keep the hot tub clean. Both chemicals come in powder or tablet form. Bromine levels stay between 3 and 5 ppm, depending on whether you use tablets or powder. Chlorine levels should always be between 2 and 5 ppm. Check the levels of these chemicals with test strips and adjust accordingly.
- Bromine and chlorine tablets are added to a dispenser that floats in the pool and dissolves in the water. Chemicals that are in powder form are measured and poured directly.
- It is up to you to use chlorine or bromine. Some people prefer bromine because it does not have the smell of bleach. However, it will split if the sun goes down, so it should only be used in hot tubs that are not in direct sunlight. Some advantages of chlorine are that it is cost effective, it is easy to handle in water, and it is very aggressive in killing bacteria.
Step 4. Clean the hot tub on a monthly basis
It is important to keep the Jacuzzi clean to remove impurities and accumulations. To clean it properly, you will first have to drain it completely. Then clean the surface thoroughly using the hot tub cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure you clean the filters well by spraying them with water and soaking them in a grease-cutting solution.
Clean the cover when you clean the rest of the hot tub because it will be constantly exposed to dirt and other germs
Step 5. Keep the surfaces near the hot tub clean
When you are a group of people using the hot tub, they will be constantly in and out, and going back and forth. Make sure the areas around the hot tub are free of dirt. If there is a lot of dirt and dirt nearby, someone could step on it and put it in the tub, making the water dirty.
Have a broom nearby to clean dirt, leaves, or any loose objects around the hot tub
Step 6. Maintain a suitable temperature when you are using it
The maximum temperature of a jacuzzi will depend on different factors. The ideal temperature for adults is 38 ° C (100 ° F). For children 10 years and older, the temperature should not exceed 37 ° C (98 ° F). As a rule, a hot tub has a thermostat that reads the water temperature, but they may be inaccurate by about 4 degrees. It is best to check the water temperature with a thermometer.
Pregnant women should not enter a hot tub that is hotter than 102 ° F (39 ° C) and can only stay inside for 10 minutes at a time
Step 7. Check your hot tub water and equipment regularly
It is important to regularly maintain your hot tub and keep it in good working order. It would also be good to have a professional review it on a quarterly basis. They have access to advanced test equipment and can make adjustments to evaluate any component or connection problems.
Keep in mind that if you are about to enter a hot tub, you should hear the pump and filter systems working. This is a good sign that the hot tub is working effectively
Step 8. Always keep the hot tub closed and covered when you are using it
Keep the cover on to save energy and prevent small children and animals from falling inside. In addition, it will prevent dust and dirt from entering. Consider using a zippered cover so children and unwanted visitors won't use it when you're not around.
Also, remember to clean the hot tub cover regularly when cleaning the rest
Method 2 of 2: Follow Basic Hot Tub Safety Procedures
Step 1. Shower or bathe with soap before entering the hot tub
Washing well before entering will remove sweating and common bacteria on the skin. When you wash, be sure to remove lotions, deodorants, and creams that can reduce the effectiveness of the hot tub sanitizer and the efficiency of the filter.
Step 2. Limit the time you spend in the hot tub
Staying inside for a long time can cause users to feel nauseous, dizzy, pass out, or feel light-headed. To avoid these symptoms, do not spend more than 15-20 minutes at a time in the hot tub. If you'd like to spend more time in the water, get out after 15 minutes and come back when you've cooled down for a few minutes. You can also lower the temperature to normal body temperature (37 ° C and 98.6 ° F) to stay inside for a little longer.
- Pregnant women should not stay in the hot tub for more than 10 minutes at a time. If you are pregnant and do not feel comfortable in the water, get out immediately. It's also important to sit with your arms and chest above the water at all times so you don't get too hot.
- Children should also restrict the time they spend in the hot tub to no more than 10 minutes.
Step 3. Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol in the hot tub
Drinking alcohol increases your body temperature, causing you to overheat when combined with the hot water in the Jacuzzi. Drinking alcohol sometimes causes dizziness, nausea, drowsiness and, like drug use, can impair judgment and increase the risk of drowning from loss of consciousness.
Step 4. Accompany the children when they get into the jacuzzi and prohibit its use to those under 10 years of age
Children under the age of 10 should not go near a hot tub at all. Hot water is dangerous because their small bodies have trouble regulating temperature. Children 10 years and older should be supervised by an adult, especially near the suction valves. If possible, use booster seats to make sure their heads are above the water at all times.
When there are children in the hot tub, keep the temperature below 37 ° C (98 ° F)
Step 5. Keep your head above the water
Hot tubs have powerful suction that keep the water warm and bubbly. If the head enters the water near the valves, the hair could catch and tangle. If your hair is long, put it in a ponytail or bun so it doesn't get caught in the filter or sump.
Step 6. Do not use electrical devices in or near the hot tub
This includes telephones, radios, televisions, or any other strung-out device. If you must use an electrical device, use a battery-powered one and keep it on a table away from water. Also, make sure there are no electrical outlets near the hot tub as strung devices and sockets pose the danger of electrocution when getting wet.