As the temperature is considered to be one of the hazards for children, most people just believe that small children shouldn’t be permitted to use hot tubs or spas. If you have a hot tub right in your home or have a hobby visiting a resort spa, you will probably wonder if it is safe for your children to be allowed to get in.
As stated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the main hazard connected to hot tubs or spa is drowning. Approximately 20% of the total number of deaths from drowning are children aged 5 and below.
Therefore, CPSC recommended putting a lock on hot tubs and spas when not in use, as well as maintaining constant adult supervision even in the shallow inflatable hot tub.
Taking a soak while having fun with your kids will probably be one of your best hot tubs experience, but safety must still be considered first.
Read on to know how you can secure your kid’s safety while taking a good soak in a hot tub.
Hazards in a Hot Tub
Various hazards for children are associated with a hot tub, and some of them are more serious than what you think.
In fact, not knowing how to swim is not the only cause associated with using drowning. Another hazard for small children is getting the hair caught up in the suction fitting which can also lead to drowning.
Drain covers can help fix the problem of hair entanglement, but children must still be advised not to go play underwater and must be kept under constant supervision.
There is also a danger of getting caught up in the forceful suction of a drain. To reduce the possibility for children to get involved in this accident, the parents who own an old hot tub must buy a newer one.
New hot tubs are already equipped with two outlets for each pump, thus decreasing the force of suction when the other outlet is blocked. As for the owners of the hot tubs and spas, they should know where the cut off switch for the pump is located.
Furthermore, they must know and be attentive about the maintenance of the correct chemical balance for a hot tub water care and sanitation.
Safety Considerations for Kids
The first safety consideration for kids is to consult a pediatrician for an advice before you go and take them into a hot tub. Generally, infants and toddlers are not permitted to use the hot tub at any rate due to the high temperature that may lead to dehydration.
However, older children may be permitted but only for a short period of time and the temperature is kept in check. The maximum time allowed for children to stay and play in the hot tub is 20 minutes— still, it depends on age and the temperature of the water.
Aside from the one mentioned above, the following are the recommendations in a safety advice issued by The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP):
- Unless their heads are completely above water when standing on the bottom of the tub, small children are generally not permitted to go in a hot tub.
- Young children must avoid plunging their whole body in the hot tub. It is safer for them to use the jump seats or benches present in most spas for partial immersion.
- Dehydration can be avoided by both children and adults while in a hot tub just by drinking water.
Hot Tubs Safety at Home and Away
Fantastic hot tub experience can be considered as a great way to bring the family closer together. However, with the hazards present for children, there is a big possibility of turning a vacation into a disaster.
The key to promoting safety for children while they are playing in a hot tub is responsible adult supervision.
When out on a trip to a spa or any bodies of water, there should always be one adult designated to keep a close and constant watch on the children.
If you have a hot tub right at your house, you should also be educated about the regular maintenance, possible risk and dangers, and proper supervision for children in order to enjoy a soothing bath experience without any trouble.
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