Keeping Kids Safe in a Hot Tub

Enjoying hot tub soaks as a family is a fantastic way to connect with loved ones, fun for kids, and effective relaxation at the end of the day. But if you have little ones, safety is always a concern. Check out this list below to make sure you’re taking all the necessary precautions this summer.

Keep your hot tubbing fun and above all SAFE.

 1. Enclose and/or cover your hot tub: Children who are too young to understand the dangers of water need barriers to accessing the tub when not in use, to prevent accidents. If your budget and space around the hot tub allows, consider surrounding it with a gate or fence. Putting up a fence with a self latching gate can ensure that your child cannot access the tub without your permission and supervision. Of course, at a minimum, you need a hot tub cover. Preferably lock-able, a cover will help trap heat/conserve energy as well as prevent curious kids from accessing the water. And make sure you explain to your kids that even if the tub is sturdily covered, playing on the tub cover is unsafe and not allowed.  

2. Stay vigilant with supervision: An accident can happen in a matter of seconds, so make sure that you keep your kids at arms’ length supervision while they’re in the tub. Also keep them from fully submerging in the water, regardless of their swimming skill.

3. Turn down the heat: The max water temperature if kids are soaking should be 35°C (95°F), and the safest duration for them is 5-10 minutes. Also remember to keep kids hydrated while in the tub, providing water in water bottles or safe plastic cups.  

4. Educate kids on responsible hot tub use: The usual precautions that apply to outdoor play should be emphasized here. You can place slip resistant mats around the hot tub and remember to provide towels. And take care to keep hair, clothing, fingers, etc. far enough from the tub drains to prevent entrapment. It’s a good idea to test your drains with a kitchen sponge for entrapment hazard, and remember to warn kids about this risk.  

With everyone on the same page about the dangers associated with carelessness in and around the tub, you’ll be ready to make summer memories with the family, with peace of mind for the safety of everyone soaking.