(NC)-Hot tubs are a great way to relax, renew your spirits and escape from your cares and worries. However, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure that your hot tub experience is a safe one, as follows:
• Check the water temperature before entering the hot tub. It should be at a maximum of 40°C (104°F). You should also limit the amount of time you spend in the water to 10 - 15 minute intervals with cool down periods in between to avoid becoming overheated.
• Never allow children to use a hot tub without adult supervision and maintain constant eye contact with children when they are around a spa or hot tub.
• Never use a hot tub while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs such as antihistamines, tranquilizers or anticoagulants that may cause drowsiness or increase/decrease blood temperature.
• Consult with your doctor before using a hot tub if you have heart disease, high or low blood pressure, are pregnant, or have any serious illness.
• Make sure the entry and exit areas around the hot tub are slip-resistant and have good deck drainage and remove any vegetation or other obstacles that can impede your view of the hot tub or spa.
• Keep toys stored away that could encourage a child to enter the water. Do not allow horseplay or roughhousing around a spa or hot tub that can lead to slips, falls or injury.
• Never use a spa or hot tub with a drain cover or grate that is loose or broken and make sure the hot tub is protected by a rigid safety cover that locks shut to prevent unauthorized use.
Installing a permanent fence in your backyard is essential in preventing children, pets and unauthorized users from entering your property and using your hot tub. Sliding glass doors and other entrances to the hot tub area should also have self-closing, self-latching mechanisms.
More information is available online at www.poolcouncil.ca, or toll-free, 1-800-879-7066.
Credit: www.newscanada.com