Sitting in a hot tub can be enjoyable, but leaving a child unsupervised while using a hot tub can be dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported over 700 deaths related to hot tubs since 1980, with roughly 30 percent of the victims under the age of 5. Water safety measures for pools and baths also apply to hot tubs if they are to be safe for children.
Identification
A hot tub is a type of small pool that allows people to sit and relax in bubbling hot water. People frequently use hot tubs, also called spas or whirlpools, to soak in hot water that relaxes the muscles. Some people have hot tubs in their homes, and hot tubs are also found in public settings. In situations such as public pools or spas, use of a hot tub by children of a certain age may be forbidden as a matter of safety.
Temperature
The water in hot tubs is kept at high temperatures, which a child may be unable to tolerate. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says water temperatures in hot tubs should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Extremely hot water in a hot tub can lead to heatstroke among children, which may cause dizziness, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Drowning
Children are at risk of drowning in a hot tub if they become submerged under the water. Parents who allow their children to use a hot tub should follow the same preventive measures as if their child were in a pool: never leave a child unattended, not even for a moment. When not in use, a hot tub should have a locked safety cover to prevent a child from accessing the water or turning it on.
Drains
Hot tubs frequently have water jets, suction fittings and drains that may become a hazard for children. It is easier for the smaller arms and legs of a child to become entangled within a drain, potentially trapping the child under water. Children with long hair are also exposed to risk, as hair can become tangled with the mechanical components of a hot tub. Parents should ensure their hot tub is fitted with a drain cover to protect against these occurrences and should supervise children playing near water jets.
Prevention
Parents can protect children from the dangers of hot tubs by following simple safety measures. For a personal hot tub, ensure it is cleaned regularly and free of objects caught within drains or water jets. Monitor water temperature carefully. When purchasing a hot tub, locate the emergency shut-off valve and teach children where it is and when to use it. When using a public hot tub, check with the pool operator or owner to locate the shut-off valve. Parents should get permission from their child's doctor before allowing the child to use a hot tub.
