Hot Tub Safety Tips

Portable hot tubs and Jacuzzis are becoming a major fashion accessory, they are relaxing, affordable and best of all can be taken almost anywhere with you. People usually purchase a hot tub to relax and unwind. Hydrotherapy is an excellent natural pain & stress reliever. 

Of course you want to operate your tub safely. 

A lot of people like to use different temperatures of the hot tub, but to be safe; you should keep at a healthy heat and not overdo it. If you raise the temperature to a very high level, your skin can end up being damaged and potentially burnt. The general temperature that should be reserved is around 95-100 degrees.

Besides from burning your skin, having high temperatures can also cause a variety of other problems, particularly if you are suffering from aspects of high blood pressure. It has been medically stated, that constant high temperatures of heat and water can cause a dilation effect of the blood vessels.

With portable hot tubs you should also be careful not to trap your hands or fingers, while you are in the process of moving it around.

Hot tubs are a great way to relax, it has been said that spending 30 minutes a day in the hot tub will make you feel healthier and live longer. But do not take hot tubs for granted, just as with any other relaxation methods, you will have to take great care so you do not end up causing yourself injuries.

Chlorine for your spa

To keep water clean in most soft sided hot tubs, a diluted form of chlorine should be used. (Sodium Dichlor).
There isn't nearly as much water as a pool, so you shouldn't need as much. About a tablespoon or two of granular chlorine once per week is sufficient.

Dichlor has a neutral ph and is also stabilized. It is the perfect sanitizer for hot tubs. Some people may argue that the stabilizer builds up over time, but if you drain your spa on a regular schedule it should not be an issue.

Here are a few other options.

Calcium Hypochlorite:  Cal-Hypo as we call it in the industry is loaded with calcium and has a high hH. This may help if you fill your tub with soft water, and it adds the calcium. Continuous use however will raise your pH swiftly and your calcium levels as well and could cause scaling on your hot tub walls and your equipment, mainly heater elements.  As an emergency sanitizer or one time use, it probably wont hurt.  It just shouldnt be the chlorine you use all the time.  If you do use it, you should test your water frequently and adjust for ph levels that will increase!

Sodium Hypochlorite:  Better known as "Bleach. It too can be used in emergencies but also has an extremely high pH which over time will cause scaling and possible staining.  Using Sodium Hypochlorite requires watching your pH levels closely and correction will be required.   

Tri Chlor:  Typically used in tabletized chlorine for swimming pools, tri chlor has an extremely LOW pH and a very high available chlorine content.  It will bring down your pH and Total alkalinity quickly and should not be used for hot tubs.