Everyone loves a hot tub, and while they are not inherently dangerous, there are some aspects of tubs that may not be kid-friendly. Follow these steps to make your spa family-safe instead of a source of stress.
Keep the Cover On
The mere presence of a body of water alone is dangerous to young children who cannot swim, and drowning is just as easy in a tub as it is in a pool. Covers are made to be strapped down, so if you have children use those straps for safety’s sake.
Put Up a Gate
If your kids are too young to understand that they shouldn’t be near the hot tub, you may want to put up a self-latching gate that will keep them out no matter what. There are times – such as when you are adding necessary chemicals to the water – when you need the cover off, and a gate can ensure safety even when your spa isn’t lidded.
Don’t Let Children Under 5 In
Because of their inability to regulate their body temperatures the way adults can, children under 5 and especially infants should be kept free of the hot tub. They are susceptible to severe side effects from heat, such as quickening of the heartbeat, drowsiness, and in some circumstances even death. Don’t risk it when you could just keep them out.
Keep Kids Off the Cover
The cover not only shouldn’t support any extra weight if you can help it (unless you buy one specially made to support weight), it can be slippery and dangerous as well. It can even break if children are large enough, which could put them in danger of falling and definitely isn’t good for the cover.
Help Them Understand the Danger
Most kids are pretty good about listening when their parents and role models explain danger. If your kids can understand that they shouldn’t accept candy from strangers, then they can understand that a hot tub without grownup supervision could be very dangerous. Talk to them so that they will know.
Happy Tubbing!
Ethel Elliott
