Perfect for relaxing after a busy day at work or chilling out with family and friends on the weekend, hot tubs are a highly desirable addition to any home. What’s more, they have been known to ease muscle soreness, increase blood flow, relieve injury pain, improve sleep and help those with arthritis too.
But despite the fact you cleanse your mind and body, some people have concerns about hygiene. We already know thathot tubs bring about extensive benefits, but are they actually dangerous from a health perspective? And what can be done to improve hygiene?
Potential hot tub dangers
Owing to the fact that germs thrive in warm and wet environments, they are naturally attracted to hot tubs. One issue that bathers may have previously experienced is hot tub rash, caused by the bacterium pseudomonas aeruginosa. This occurs when disinfectant levels fall, probably due to an inadequately sanitised hot tub. It is therefore of paramount importance for any hot tub owner to ensure that the chemicals are regularly checked and topped up as recommended in the users instruction manual. There are many videos and guides online showing how to check your hot tub chemicals which apply to most installations.
Other potential Hot Tub Issues
Another potential issue is Legionnaire’s disease, which is a severe type of pneumonia that can be transmitted through inhalation of bacteria-laden water droplets. Those at most risk include senior citizens, smokers and people with weak immune systems. Other minor issues relate to irritation caused by body oils, lotions, deodorants and cosmetics brought into the hot tub by bathers. Chemicals in the water such as chlorine and bromine try to fight against these, but also have to protect against bacteria at the same time.
Maintaining good levels of hygiene
It is important to note that the aforementioned issues are not common in well-maintained hot tubs. Filtration systems and sanitizer chemicals make sure hot tubs are clean while protecting bathers against germs and bacteria from developing in the first place.
Even so, there are various things the owner can do to improve hot tub hygiene. These include:
- Showering before getting in – In addition to saving sanitizer chemicals from working so hard, showering before getting into a hot tub will remove irritants like deodorants and cosmetics from the body. Furthermore, it will get rid of any harmful or unpleasant residue your body may have accumulated throughout the day.
- Keeping an eye on chemical levels – Regular hot tub users should be testing the water twice a week to see whether chemical levels are within the appropriate range. These are different for chlorine and bromine, but the hot tub should come with manufacturer guidelines.
- Checking the water – Visual inspections can help you determine whether a hot tub water is hygienic or not. Don’t get in if there is any calcium build up along the water line or a very strong chemical smell. Alternatively, buy your own test strips if you intend to use a hot tub at your friend’s house, the gym or hotel.
Generally speaking, hot tubs are very hygienic if they are cleaned properly and well maintained. But along with the hot tub’s filtration system and sanitising chemicals, there are a few things you can do before getting in to ensure hygiene is of the highest standard possible. It is important to get the basics right for everyone’s safe enjoyment of your system.
Most reputable hot tub manufacturers and retailers will have useful information regarding how to keep your system well maintained and safe for all to enjoy. For instance, hints and tips are available on the HotSpring World Blog to mention just one of those useful sources of information.