Time in the hot tub can be a fun activity; however, you must be very careful when allowing your kids access to this environment. Before your child gets into the hot tub, here’s what you need to know.
Age Restrictions
Children five years and under should not be allowed in a hot tub. In this age range, kids are too small, which puts them at greater risk of drowning and overheating from the hot temperatures. It is advised that children be at least 12 years old before they use hot tubs.
Risks of Hot Tub Use
It’s important to remember that hot tubs pose risks even for kids who are old enough to use them if the correct measures aren’t in place. Keep an eye out for these issues if your child will be in the hot tub:
- High temperatures can cause drowsiness or unconsciousness in the water;
- A raised body temperature can result in heatstroke and potentially death;
- The warm water of a spa can increase the chances of bacterial infections in kids.
Safety precautions
If you will have children using your hot tub, have spa rules in place to ensure safe use. Appropriate spa rules for child use would be:
- Lower time in the spa: Kids should only be allowed in hot tubs for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Taking breaks from the warm water helps minimize the chances of experiencing any of the undesired symptoms discussed above.
- Keep the hot tub covered when not being used: An uncovered hot tub can give a small child unwanted entry. Avoid dangerous situations and childproof your hot tub for their safety!
- Supervise the children at all times: If there are children in your hot tub, then there should be an adult out there supervising. Supervision helps prevent any horseplay that could result in injury and monitor the length of time spent in the hot tub.
