Hot Tub Safety Tips for Families

Many of the Hot Tub Covers Canada team members have kids of varying ages. So as you can imagine, we've had plenty of how-to conversations over the years. As we head into the prime spa and hot tub season, we thought it was a timely idea to share some of our favourite backyard hot tub safety tips.

Keep It Covered

As crazy as it sounds, there are hot tub owners who do not use a cover. For those who use their "hot tub" as a "cool water" spa, the need for heat retention is significantly lower. There is also the craze for portable or inflatable hot tubs hitting the Canadian market - but even still, safety should be paramount. Whatever type of hot tub you use, a hot tub cover with lockable child safety straps and clips can play a key role in protecting your children and pets. At Hot Tub Covers Canada, be sure to ask us how we produce covers which exceed the ASTM standards. We can also help provide you with the manufacturer's specifications, which are sought by city and municipal by-law officers when inspecting a new backyard pool, hot tub, swim spa or spa. Finally, couple your hot tub cover with an assistive device that allows for easy entry and exit from the hot tub. Hot tub rails, hot tub steps and over aftermarket accessories are great for helping hot tub users of all ages get in and out without "jumping" into a tub. This is especially important for the younger set, who often can't judge the depth of a hot tub.

Hot Tubs are NOT Swimming Pools

This is a hard one for kids to understand because when you're small, a hot tub really does look like a miniature pool! Given the shell design is often hidden by the bubbling water, children may not be aware of what is lurking beneath the water's surface. It is important to remind kids they can easily hurt themselves by jumping around in a hot tub, they may not be aware of the water's depth and the most important reminder: No Diving!! Tip from the ASPS Children should not be allowed in hot tubs unless their heads are completely out of the water when they stand on the bottom of the tub.

Overheating - It Happens Fast

Adults love hydrotherapy and how soothing hot water can be on aching muscles. Unfortunately, little bodies do not have the same cooling system and they can overheat very quickly. Overheating often leads very quickly to drowsiness or passing out; neither of which you want to see happen to an adult, let alone a child. When in doubt about allowing children to soak in a hot tub, ask your medical professional for suggestions and guidance on temperature and time allowances in the hot tub. If your little ones absolutely must have some "hot tub time", consider lowering your tub temperature and use a timer to keep the soak to a minimum. It is also essential to keep little ones (and grown ups) well hydrated while soaking. Always ensure you have plenty of fresh, cool water on hand. Tip from the ASPS It's safer for young children to avoid immersing their whole body in the hot tub. Many spas have benches, jump seats or cool down seats that allow for partial immersion.

Be Prepared

While it should go without saying, children should not enter a hot tub until an adult has tested the water. Ensuring the correct balance of chemicals or saltwater chlorination levels is paramount to keeping the tub safe and sanitary. Last, but certainly not least, is a reminder that every hot tub owner should know the location of the cut-off switch. This switch is designed to be used in an emergency and will immediately shut off the pump.