There’s nothing like coming home after a hard day’s work and relaxing in a steamy hot tub. It’s perfect for easing the aches and pains of arthritis, relaxing after a good workout or, soothing your nerves after a stressful day, or for a romantic tryst with your significant other, too. However, if you have children, or if you have kids at your home often, there are some things you need to know.
Safety First
You might think it goes without saying, but when it comes to small children, you can’t say it often enough. Think safety! More than a quarter of the injuries in hot tubs documented from 1990-2007 by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System were children under 16. These included slips and falls, overheating, and near drowning.
So, be sure to use emergency shut-offs, covers, locks, non-slip coatings on walkways, and other features. You should also take time to teach children the rules of being around the tub, such as no running, no going in without an adult, etc.
What About The Kids?
Although there are parameters for adults – experts recommend no more than fifteen minutes in a hot tub, at no more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit – there are no such standards for children. However, it stands to reason if fifteen minutes and more than 104 degrees F is too much for an adult, even half of that could be more than a small child can handle.
If you do take your child into the hot tub, make sure to monitor their physical reactions. If their face becomes very red, they start to act lethargic, or their eyes become glassy, it’s more than time to get them out of there.
Stop the Horsing Around
They love to run, jump and play, but around the hot tub is no place for shenanigans. The majority of injuries are caused by slips and falls, and 7% of these require hospitalization. Nothing puts a damper on a hot tub party more than some poor child running amok, falling, and breaking a limb. So, put a halt to any activity around the hot tub that may involve running and jumping.
If you treat the hot tub as a serious safety issue, so will your children. Never leave them unattended but most importantly enjoy them responsibly and together as a family!