Safe Hot Tub Water Temperature Settings
Warning: No Higher Than 99 Degrees!
Hot tubs are designed to create a hot water environment. The spa heater will regulate the set temperature up to 104 degrees. Sitting in the water at such an elevated temperature is not an easy task, but just the same many hot tub enthusiasts enjoy the elevated temperature. Turn the spa pump on, sit back and relax.
What Happens
Our bodies are designed to maintain body temperature whether exposed to cold temperatures or hot. As our extremities begin to get cold, the body will act quickly to send blood to those areas in an effort to restore body temperature and at extremely low temperatures, the human body will work to protect vital organs by pumping blood to the body core.
When the body’s core temperature goes up due to excessive heat, the body forces blood to the skin in an effort to keep the core cooled down. The skin perspires and the cooling process starts. Regulating body temperature is a full time job.
The Problem
Sitting in a hot tub at an elevated temperature disables the body’s ability to cool off. The body wants to regulate the body’s temperature to 98.6 and the water has been heated to over 100 degrees. Add a little dehydration to an overheated body and the situation can become lethal.
The Warnings*
1. Children under the age of 18 should not be in the spa if the spa heater has been set above 99 degrees.
2. Anyone who has just finished a rigorous workout routine should not soak in spa water above 99 degrees.
3. Anyone with high blood pressure or any type of heart condition should not use the spa above 99 degrees.
4. Anyone who has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol should never enter a hot tub.
Keep it safe. Stay hydrated, keep the temperature down for those at risk of hyperthermia and enjoy the experience. You will be glad you did!
*Advice from a qualified physician should always be sought before using a hot tub.
Hot Tub Fire – Another One Bites The Dust
Did you know that a thunderstorm can kill a hot tub?
April showers bring May flowers. Or so they say. This time of year we see powerful storms all across the country. Everything from tornadoes to thunderstorms that can last for days.
This time of year we get lots of calls about “dead” spas. The majority of these types of calls typically come right after a dose of heavy weather has moved through the area. The cause comes from a poorly grounded spa or a loose electrical connection. As a power surge occurs, an excess amount of electricity is “pushed” through the electrical lines until something gives. Unfortunately, it usually winds up being the spa control system – the most expensive component of any hot tub.
Hot tub fires are not that uncommon.
Another by-product of a loose electrical connection is a hot tub fire. If the electrician (a.k.a homeowner, a.k.a; TV repairman who lives down the street, a.k.a; neighbor with good intentions, a.k.a random guy who knows absolutely nothing about electrical wiring of a hot tub) has not taken the time to use the correct size wire or secure all connections tightly, then it is a good chance that something will go wrong and perhaps even cause an electrical fire.
What can I do to be sure We don’t have a melt down?
First and foremost, always use a licensed electrician. A licensed electrician will make sure that local codes are followed and the correct size wiring is used. If you are replacing a spa pack or spa control system, be sure to make all proper connections including the bonding wires to your spa motor. If not, there is a good chance that any power surge will not only cause a power outage, but also damage your spa pack, hot tub topside control or complete spa control system.
If your spa has been in service for any length of time, it is highly recommended that you check your electrical connections. With the vibration caused by the spa pumps and flowing water, there is a good chance that your electrical connections have come loose. Check them! You just might be glad you did!
Can I Use Bath Salts In My Hot Tub?
I recently received a letter from one of our subscribers. She asked a really good question about using Bath Salts in a hot tub.
Here is her letter below:
Dear Hot Tub and Spa Expert,
I recently found a wonderful recipe for Bath Salts that
included Epsom Salt, Sea Salt, Baking Soda and essential
oils for fragrance. Would be OK to use it in my hot tub?
Sincerely,
Stressed Mom
Dear Stressed Mom,
Epsom salts are a wonderful catalyst for healing sore muscles and achy joints. Add a little to a drawn bath of hot water and you will find a whole new level of pampering and self indulgence. It has been used for centuries to draw out toxins in the body, ease stress and to soften the skin and hair. It will even improve blood flow and help prevent the hardening of arteries and blood clots. But…
Is It Safe for My Hot Tub?
Okay, so there is a catch. You can not use Epsom salts in the hot tub. Using these salts in your hot tub is not only extremely corrosive to your spa equipment, but if mixed with chlorine or bromine, it can cause serious chemical burns to your skin. I know it seems like the perfect environment to experience the centuries old remedy, but it could lead to a trip to the hospital. Chlorine and Sodium create a flash burn when introduced to water.
Check out this video demonstration:
What Is Safe?
If you really want to pamper yourself with products that are designed for hot tubs try AquaClara Natural.
This enzyme based sanitizing system is designed to replace hot tub dependency on corrosive chemicals like chlorine or bromine while softening the water for silky smooth skin and hair. Add non-intrusive aromatherapy beads that wont change your spa waters’ chemistry and you have an all natural environment to enjoy.
Keep It In The Bath Tub!
We think Epsom salts are a great idea, just not for your hot tub. Even if you don’t use chlorine or bromine to sanitize your spa, the corrosive power of Epsom salts can still bring your spa equipment to an early demise. Keep the Epsom salts in the bath tub!
We love hearing from you. If you have a question or concern about your hot tub or spa, please leave a comment on our blog or send us and email at hottubandspaexpert@ gmail [dot] com.
You just might be glad you did!
Can You Go Blind from Bacteria in Your Hot Tub?
Hot Tub Blindness?
Go Blind? Most likely not. BUT… there are definite chemistry precautions that you should know and understand to keep you and your family safe.
Creating a safe environment for you and your family is an important factor when deciding to add a hot tub to your backyard environment. Making sure that the hot tub water is free from bacteria is key to providing a safe haven of relaxation and hydrotherapy.
There are so many different types of infections like hot tub folliculitis, hot tub lung, conjunctivitis, and any number of skin infections (most of which I cannot pronounce) that make considering a hot tub purchase a little daunting. But don’t worry, with a few precautions and some common sense, hot tub ownership is a breeze.
Preventative Hot Tub Eye Care
Bromine or Chlorine is a very effective sanitizing product when used properly. It kills algae, viruses and bacteria quickly and efficiently. The only down side is its corrosive properties, the dry skin and of course the smell. Over-chlorinated or brominated water becomes acidic, causing many health hazards including a burning sensation in the eyes.
In many cases, the over chlorinated vapor from the water’s surface can cause irritation. Not enough sanitizer – and the risk of infection becomes prevalent.
Conjunctivitis is typically caused by bacteria and viruses, but any bather can get it just as easy from too much chlorine as they can from not enough. Conjunctivitis is an irritation and swelling of the connective tissue inside the eyelids.
I remember getting “pink eye” as a kid. I remember the itching, swelling, stinging and misery that comes with this “gift that keeps on giving.”
Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of infection:
1. Beware of spas or pools with the strong smell of chlorine or bromine. If it burns your eyes, get out!
2. Remove your contact lenses. Leaving contact lenses in the eye traps micro-organisms which can cause infection.
3. After a good soak in the hot tub or pool, make a point to wash your face and rinse your body off. This will significantly reduce any risk of infection.
Hot tubbing is meant to be fun and relaxing. Be sure to maintain proper levels of sanitizer and if you find that some of the commercial bromines or chlorines are too harsh for your family, try an all natural water sanitizer solution. There are some really great alternatives without all the chemicals. You might be glad you did!
Hot Tub Ozonator Emits Poisonous Gas
Hot Tub Ozonator Emits Poisonous Gas
When you decided to purchase a hot tub, I am sure the salesman went out of his way to tell you all about the great features and benefits of your spa. The power, the comfort and the ease of maintenance were all pointed out with wonderful detail. But did the salesman tell you about the poisonous gas your new sanitizing system creates?
Ozone is a fantastic way to sanitize your hot tub water because it is an all natural solution for water maintenance and yet as effective as bleach. It essentially hyper-oxygenates the water, killing all bacteria, algae and viruses.
There are two types of hot tub ozonator systems. One is basically a high output UV bulb that creates ozone gas and the other is a CD or Corona Discharge type that uses low voltage electricity and a discharge cartridge. Both create ozone (O3).
Ozone is Harmful to Humans
Ozone is harmful to humans. Ozone is known to damage the tissues of the respiratory tract. Regular exposure causes irritation, inflammation and eventually it results in chest tightness, coughing and inflammation of asthma symptoms. Long term exposure can lead to long term damage to the lungs.
Ozonators Must Be Plumbed Properly
The spa plumbing must be properly engineered to avoid harm to the occupants. Ozone has a lifespan of approximately 17 seconds before the molecules change into air or mix with the water to convert back into H2O.
Typically the ozonator is programmed to come on when the pump is on. This will allow the ozone to get sucked into the plumbing and injected into the spa water for sanitizing purposes. The length of the plumbing and the speed of the water must be perfectly timed to keep the “live” ozone from breaking the surface of the water. In other words, the time it takes to go through the plumbing, must be at least 17 seconds. This will keep the poisonous gas from breaking the water’s surface and keep you from breathing in harmful ozone.
How can I tell If I’m Getting an Overdose of Ozone Gas?
The best way to tell if your ozonator is plumbed properly is by using your ability to smell. The odor is similar to the smell after a lightning storm or a good rain. If you experience this odor while sitting in your hot tub, there is a good chance that you are getting an overdose of ozone. Another tell-tale sign is that your spa cover, spa pillows, spa filter lid, etc. are bleached out and deteriorating before their time.
Ozonators are a great, all natural way to reduce your hot tub’s chemical dependency. If you are experiencing a heavy dose of ozone reality every time you enter your spa, or you’re not even sure if your ozonator is working, call us for support. There are some very quick and easy solutions.
You just might be glad you did!
Pets in the Hot Tub Damage Spa Parts
Pets in the Hot Tub?
Not Healthy For Your Pet And It Damages The Spa!
As pet owners, we truly understand how important it is for the family to include their pets into many aspects of their lives. In our home, our children get to grow up with a wonderful American Boxer. She is protective of the children, she has a sweet disposition and she is always willing to play – day or night.
But just like with everything else in our home, there are some rules that must be adhered to:
1. Andy, our Boxer, must keep all four on the floor. She is not allowed to jump on anyone especially the kids. This applies to receiving affection, treats, her dinner etc.
2. She is never allowed in any of the kids beds (this was tough, the kids didn’t exactly see eye to eye on this one). Consistency is the key.
3. No people food. I know that I will probably get some feed back on this one, but it really is nice to own a dog that won’t maul the kids for a bite of their chocolate chip cookie or stare and whine at us while we are eating dinner.
4. No Hot Tubbing! Although I am sure that Andy would love to soak in the warm waters and enjoy the full hydro therapeutic experience, she is not allowed in the hot tub.
It’s not healthy for your pet and it damages the spa!
Even if we reduce the health risk to our pet by adjusting the temperature and lets say we overlook the obvious fur issues and lets say we don’t mind the potential damage to the acrylic, and lets add to it by saying we love our pets so much, that we don’t mind cleaning out dead skin and body oils she most definitely will leave behind. When they enter the warm water, do they know to “hold it”? We just can’t get past the horrible things that happen to the spa parts pumps, heaters and sensors.
Being a service oriented company, we advise against doing any thing that will eventually cost our customers lots of money in spa repairs. Our best advice is to keep all pets out of the hot tub, no matter how cute or dependent they are. It’s not good for them or your spa. If there is anything we might be willing to bend on, it would be that we might, just might let the dog sleep in bed with you this one time.
Keep your pets out of the spa, we promise you will be glad you did!
Hot Tub Poachers Beware
Hot Tub Poachers “Beware”
Hot tub poaching is typically a late night event where uninvited guests find a way into your hot tub during the wee hours of the morning. These interlopers are usually inebriated and almost certainly unaware of the consequences.
Because of their hot tub inexperience, they don’t know of all the dangers that can occur when alcohol use and hot tubbing are mixed.
Alcohol becomes exponentially more potent when sitting in a hot tub, so even a small amount can adversely affect the body. The higher water temperatures and alcohol both cause dilation of the blood vessels and lower the body’s blood pressure.
When this occurs a simple maneuver like standing up can cause dizziness, nausea and potentially loss of consciousness. Add dehydration from a day of skiing or hiking and a simple late night adventure into the neighbor’s back yard for some hot tub fun can prove deadly.
As a Gulf Coast Spa owner, the last thing you want to see is your neighbor passed out in your spa. There are a few ways to protect yourself from this type of invasion and potentially any liability.
Secure the Spa Cover
Be sure that all the straps are locked to the spa cabinet on your spa cover. Most covers come with push clips designed to attach the cover to the spa and some will even come with locks that can only be opened with a set of keys.
Install motion sensors – Motion sensors on exterior lighting makes a great deterrent to would be invaders. It is real hard to be sneaky when you have 100 watt flood lights exposing your every move.
Water Alarms
There are alarms on the market today that sound off when an object enters the water. These units are inexpensive and can be installed in minutes.
Obviously we do not condone hot tub poaching, but no matter the circumstance, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and soaking in a hot tub is a bad idea and going solo could prove fatal. If late night soaking is on the agenda, be sure to invite a friend.
You’ll be glad you did!
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Hot Tub Lung or Common Cold?
As the winter season intensifies, more people become susceptible to getting a cold or the flu. Sneezing and coughing are common place, but did you ever stop to think that your hot tub could be what ails you?
The symptoms of “hot tub influenza” are identical to the flu. Most cases report shortness of breath and coughing, while others report fever, chills and aches and pains. In extreme cases the patient can become lethargic.
Often, people who are not feeling well will attempt to use their hot tub in an effort to relieve the aches and pains of the illness. Unfortunately, “sweating” out the cold in a spa will only compound the issue and intensify the infection.
Do You Have Germs Swimming in Your Spa?
Once the bacterium takes up residency in a hot tub, the spa efficiently aerosolizes the organism for your breathing pleasure. The steam and effervescence of the water provides the perfect opportunity for infection.
The treatment is simple. Avoid the cause of the infection (In other words, stay away from the spa!) and get some rest. If the symptoms persist, see a doctor for specialized treatment. Most people will recover quickly and there have never been any reports of long term effects of hot tub lung.
To avoid hot tub lung it is recommended to change the water regularly and maintain sanitizer levels, replace your spa filters on schedule, and shower prior to bathing.
If you are a frequent hot tubber and that nagging cough just will not go away, steer clear of your spa for a spell and make sure your hot tub is not the culprit. You’ll be glad you did!
Canadian Christmas at SpaShopper.Com
The holiday season is in full swing. If your house is anything like mine, it’s time to knock down the cobwebs, decorate the house, plan meals for 37 people and shop like you only have four days left for Christmas. There is so much going on that there is no time to slow down and unwind. Or is there…?
Isn’t this why we own a hot tub? It doesn’t take long to find deep relaxation in a hot tub. A twenty minute soak can do so much to remove the cares of this world even if only for a few moments. The time taken to reflect and let your mind drift provides just the right amount of regeneration that brings back the energy and drive needed to keep up with a hectic lifestyle.
There are many reasons to buy a hot tub. Some use their hot tub just to relax, some for health reasons, and others because it makes for a great excuse to escape with a loved one. But overall, the benefits are the same for everyone.
For this week only you can save the Canadian GST taxes and that is a great incentive for purchasing a new hot tub from SpaShopper.com.
The hot water, the outdoors, the quiet time to reflect as the water loosens the tension is enjoyable to say the least. Even the sounds of moving water can be soothing.
It’s important not to forget why we have holidays. We do it because it is so important to take a break from our repetitive, busy lifestyles. To spend time with our families and focus on the things that enriches our lives.
We need time to reflect and unwind. We need to recharge our batteries from time to time. During the busy holiday season, slow down and take a break from all the rushing around. It won’t take long and you will feel a lot better. I promise you will be glad you did!
Merry Christmas! – The team at SpaShopper.Com
Hot Tub Safety
In light of the recent needless death of yet another child drowning, we would like to raise awareness to the Virginia Graeme Baker act passed through congress and signed into law by President Bush in December of 2007. The law went into effect in December 19, 2008.
This law is the direct result of a seven year girl named Virginia Graeme Baker who drowned in a hot tub after being sucked into the drain. This little girl who was completely capable of swimming since the age of three was not strong enough to pull herself free from the drain suction. In horror, her mother tried with all her strength to pull Graeme from the bottom but could not free her from the powerful suction. It took two other men to free her from the drain.
To read the whole story: http://www.usa.safekids.org/water/pool_bakers.html
In an effort to avoid this tragedy in the future, a safer newly designed suction has been engineered. These suctions are designed to release the vacuum when the water flow is blocked and eliminate the suction all together.
There are no manufacturers that I know of who have deliberately ignored the mandate to use safer suctions. What I do know is that none were available until late December from suppliers and with the downturn in the economy there is still a lot of hot tub inventory left over from 2008. At the onset of 2009 there were tens of thousands of spas left over from 2008 that were not built with the newly designed suctions. Sad to say, but many of these spas are still sitting in dealers’ showrooms and will be sold without the safety devices. If you are considering buying a hot tub please ask your dealer to be sure the spa either has the new suctions or will be retrofitted prior to delivery.
If you purchased a spa prior to January 2009, please be sure to change your drain suctions to the new safety suctions. It only takes a few minutes and can easily be done without much effort. You will not have to replace any plumbing. Changing the suction face will only require a Philips head screwdriver and a few minutes of your time.
Sitting in your hot tub should not be dangerous. Please take the time to make the changes; you will be glad you did!
