The top 10 things you should NEVER do in a hot tub

Whether you have a traditional hot tub or a portable Softub, it’s probably one of your favorite things. Like, I’d-spend-all-my-free-time-in-here-if-I-could favorite. We get it. And at Pettis, we work hard to make sure you can enjoy every minute in your spa with our FREE water care testing, service and more.
And on this blog, we usually tell you about all the fun things you can do in your hot tub. But today, we’re here to tell you about all things you shouldn’t. Because a big part of enjoying your hot tub is staying safe.
So – the top 10 things you should never, ever do in a hot tub.

1. Don’t drink alcohol, and don’t use drugs. And that includes prescriptions – check with your doctor first. Alcohol and some drugs can make you drowsy, and when combined with the heat from your hot tub can make you dizzy or worse. Okay, we know most everyone likes to relax with an adult beverage while taking their evening soak, but please check in with yourself often and don’t overindulge. The heat intensifies the effects of alcohol and we want you to stay safe.
2. Have a boo boo? Skip the spa. If you have an open sore, a rash or any kind of infection, don’t use the hot tub. Yes, if your spa water is properly maintained it has sanitizers. But please. Wait until you’re healed before hopping back in.
3. Don’t use bubble bath. It may seem like a no-brainer, but, well, you’d be surprised. Yes, it will make a lot of bubbles. It will also mean you’ll need to completely drain your hot tub, clean the filters and the spa shell, and then refill your spa with fresh water.
4. Don’t leave your kids alone. Ever. You wouldn’t leave them unsupervised if they were in a pool, and you shouldn’t leave them unsupervised in a spa, either. The danger of drowning is the same, plus you need to make sure they don’t become overheated.
5. Don’t goof around. Sorry – but leave the horseplay out of the hot tub. Someone will slip and fall – in the tub or out of it – and be seriously hurt.
6. One of the fun things about a hot tub is that you can use it all year long, even in winter or in the rain. But if it’s storming – don’t. Lightning and water don’t mix, you know.
7. Sure, that cheap chlorine may say “for pools and hot tubs” on the label, but don’t fall for it. Use only quality chemicals formulated for hot tubs to care for your spa.
8. Keep the glass away from your hot tub. Just like you would with your pool, keep the glass away from your hot tub to keep yourself and others safe.
9. Don’t wash your swimsuit in soap before you soak. Simply rinsing it in water is enough, and that will help keep your spa water from sudsing.
10. Hot and sweaty? Have oil or lotion on your skin? Take a shower before you hit the hot tub. Your filter and your spa water will love you. Trust us.