Safety - Hot Tubs and Spas

At Summer Swimming Pools we think hot tubs and spas are a wonderful way for you and your family to relax and enjoy yourselves. However, it is important to avoid unnecessary risks and Summer Swimming Pools recommends that you follow these basic safety procedures:

1) Try to prevent unauthorised access to your hot tub or spa. Make sure the cover is securely fastened when not in use. However there is no guarantee that the cover will prevent access to your hot tub or spa even if it is locked.

2) Children must be closely supervised at all times when in or near hot tubs and spas.

3) To prevent risk of injury resulting from body or hair being caught, do not remove suction fitting covers. The suction fittings in hot tubs and spas are sized to match specific water flow created by the pump.

4) Do not operate your hot tub or spa if suction fittings are broken or missing. When replacing suction fittings or pump heads, be sure the flow rates are compatible. Never exchange a suction fitting with one rated less than the flow rate marked on the original fitting.

5) Never allow any electrical appliance such as a telephone or radio within 3 metres of a spa or hot tub, due to the risk of an electric shock.

6) People with infectious diseases should not use a spa or hot tub.

7) To avoid injury, exercise caution when entering and leaving the spa or hot tub.

8) Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during spa use, these may lead to unconsciousness and possible drowning.

9) Pregnant or possibly pregnant women should consult a physician before using a spa or hot tub. Excessive water temperatures may damage the foetus or cause premature labour.

10) The water temperature in spas and hot tubs should not exceed 104°F (40°C). Temperatures between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C) are considered safe for healthy adults for up to twenty minutes. For young children, lower water temperatures are recommended. Check with your doctor.

11) Use an accurate thermometer to measure the water temperature before entering your spa or hot tub.

12) Never use a spa or hot tub immediately after strenuous exercise.

13) Consult your doctor before using a spa or hot tub if you have heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or a condition needing medical treatment. Pregnant women, infants and the elderly should also not use a spa or hot tub without consulting a doctor.

14) Limit the time spent in your hot tub or spa since long exposures at warm temperatures can cause high body temperature. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, fainting, drowsiness, and reduced awareness, resulting in possible drowning. Prolonged immersion in a spa or hot tub may be hazardous to your health.

15) It is not recommended that you use your hot tub or spa alone.

16) Maintaining proper water chemistry is essential to ensure safe water and to prevent possible damage to spa components.

Please contact Summer Swimming Pools if you have any queries regarding the safe use of your spa or hot tub