Stepping into a warm, bubbling hot tub after a long day can be blissful relaxation for both body and mind. As rejuvenating as hot tubs may be, it's important to keep some health precautions in mind whenever you take the plunge. Being mindful of safety and remember that moderation is key for getting the most benefits out of your hot tub experience. Follow these tips for keeping well while soaking those cares away.

1. Consider Overheating Risks Before Jumping In

Before rushing excitedly into the welcoming waters of the hot tub, pause and check the temperature. Per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, water that exceeds 102 degrees can put stress on your body and cause overheating. This is especially important if you have health conditions or are taking medications that affect your blood pressure or circulation. If you're pregnant, skipping the hot tub is the safest choice as high heat poses risks to your growing baby. Children's bodies can overheat easily in hot tubs as well. For kids, set the water temperature a bit lower or have them take quick dips with plenty of breaks for hydration and cooling down.

2. Know When You've Had Enough

While lounging in a soothing hot tub for half an hour or more may sound heavenly, limiting time to 15 minutes or less per session is usually enough to gain relaxation benefits without health drawbacks. According to WebMD, if you stay in a hot tub for ten minutes or longer, it's important to get out if you begin to feel dizzy, overheated, or unwell. Prolonged exposure to very warm water can cause dizziness, fainting, or nausea. If you feel uncomfortable, dizzy, or overheated during your soak, get out immediately and take time lying down with your feet elevated before trying to stand up. Remaining well hydrated by drinking cool water before, during, and after hot tub use can also guard against that lightheaded feeling.

3. Shower First to Maximize Cleanliness

Rinsing off with a thorough shower using soap eliminates pollutants, oils, hair products, and bacteria. That way, you don't bring them into the hot tub water with you. Showering beforehand not only keeps the water cleaner for fellow users but protects your health and skin as well. It may sound like an inconvenience, but keeping grime out of the tub you're about to soak in is worth those few extra shower minutes.

4. Secure Long Hair Back Safely and Apply Heat Protection

Before easing your way into bubbly bliss, gather any long, flowing locks into a secure bun or braid. Make sure no stray hairs end up caught in the powerful suction fittings around the bottom or sides of the hot tub basin where tubing feeds into pumps. Hair becoming stuck in these fittings could result in a painful injury. Not only should you keep hair controlled neatly away from jets and fittings, but applying leave-in conditioner or protective hair products beforehand guards against damage from heat exposure during your hot tub session. Much like with curling irons or blow-drying, hot tub heat over time can lead to brittle and dry locks if the hair isn't properly protected pre-soak

5. Rinse off After Your Hot Tub Dip

After each hot tub visit, take a few minutes to rinse your entire body off with fresh water rather than just toweling dry. Rinsing removes chemicals and bacteria that may stick to your skin and swimsuit after soaking. This prevents unwanted breakouts and rashes or skin irritation after exposing pores to heat and opens them wider to absorb toxins. Hop in the shower after using the hot tub when possible for optimal safety and hygiene.

6. Stay Well Hydrated and Listen to Your Body

One last overarching tip involves putting your health first when using a hot tub. Drink plenty of cool water before, during, and after hot tub usage, rather than alcoholic or sugary beverages which can intensify dehydration. Go at your own pace without peer pressure for overly long soaks. Carefully listen to any warning signs from your body like dizziness, nausea, or sudden intense fatigue as cues to exit the hot tub safely.

By keeping these hot tub health precautions in mind, you can relax, unwind, and rejuvenate with optimal safety assurances and risk reduction. Paying a bit of extra mindful attention means catching all the soothing benefits hot tubs offer while minimizing any unwanted side effects. It's equally important to properly care for your hot tubs. If you're looking to purchase chemicals to keep yours clean and sanitary, reach out to Hot Tub Factory Outlet today.