Tips for Hot Weather Hot Tubbing

Today’s weather forecast of 86 degrees made me think about safe soaking tips for hot weather. If you are like most Northwesterners, you’re not accustomed to hot summer days. Follow these tips for a summer of safe soaking and relaxation in your hot tub:

· Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water before and after soaking.

· Avoid drinking alcohol before and during a soak. Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause drowsiness. Too much alcohol and you might run the risk of drowning by falling asleep and slipping in to the water.

· Cool down before you heat up. After exercising, wait until you’ve stopped sweating and your pulse returns to normal before getting into your hot tub.

· Enter and exit your hot tub slowly. Ease in gradually. Exit carefully. A sudden change in posture and temperature can cause dizziness.

· Monitor the water temperature. The maximum recommended safe temperature for a hot tub is 104°. Soaking time at this temperature should not exceed 20 minutes. For summer, try 102° or even 100° in order to feel refreshed not enervated by the heat. Kids whose sweat glands have not yet developed usually prefer lower temperatures in the summer.

· Check with your doctor if you are taking medication or have a health condition that may be affected by extreme heat.

· Never leave children alone in the tub. Always lock the cover when not in use. New Washington state Health Department regulations require a child-proof barrier for your hot tub. Covers that meet ASTM standards meet the Health Department code, but must be locked when not in use for full compliance. All of our covers meet ASTM standards which say the cover must support the weight of a young child and meet the safety performance requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards.

Safe soaking will add value to your hot tubbing experience. Enjoy the sun!

Don’t forget your sunscreen.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.