When Should You Not Use the Hot Tub

There are various benefits to hot tub use in aiding your health, stress level and overall well being. Despite all the amazing benefits of hot tub use, there are several types of people that should not use a hot tub or should be careful while using the spa. So how do you know if you are one of those people? Read on.

If you are pregnant - According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. ACOG also recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F. If you still want to use the hot tub when pregnant, you are advised to limit your time to five minutes or less, and make sure your body temperature never reaches above 102º F.

If you have high blood pressure - People with hard-to-control hypertension (high blood pressure) may experience worsening blood pressure in response to heat exposure from a hot tub. In addition, many blood pressure medications interfere with the normal response of the body to heat exposure. Those with high blood pressure should talk to their doctor before any hot tub use.

If you have low blood pressure – Blood vessels in the skin dilate when a person is immersed in a hot tub and that can cause the blood pressure to fall. For those with already low blood pressure to begin with, this could be life threatening if the person passed out while using the hot tub. Please talk with your doctor before using the hot tub if you have any blood pressure issues.

If you are dehydrated – Hot tub use can be a problem in people who have blood vessel blockages to the brain and the heart. The body lacks enough water to fill the blood vessels. Low fluid volume means lower blood pressure. A dehydrated person feels weak and dizzy especially when standing. Hot tubs can cause dehydration since they raise your body temperature and help you sweat to release toxins. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after using a hot tub.

If you are taking certain medications - There are a number of medications that can affect the body’s normal response to heat either by inhibiting sweating or by otherwise interfering with the normal physiology. For example, some medications used for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or the use of stimulant medications for conditions like ADD or excessive sleeping also increases the health risks from heat exposure. If you are on any of these medications, please speak with your doctor before using a hot tub or spa.

If you are under the age of 5 - As the MayoClinic.com reports, very young children should generally not use hot tubs as they do pose potential health risks. They recommend that you not allow your child to use a hot tub until he is tall enough to stand in the middle of the tub with his head above water. Using this rule of thumb may make deciding whether your child is ready a bit less of a guessing game.

In order to make hot tub use a safe and relaxing experience, remember to keep your spa water temperature no higher than 104°F and be sure to accurately monitor the temperature. Higher temperatures can place undue strain on the cardiovascular system. Also, limit your stay to no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. As you are exiting, cool down gradually after use and avoid going rapidly from a hot to a cold environment.

You should also try to drink 2 to 4 glasses of water after each session to re-hydrate your body. Also, never go into the hot tub if you are ill, and if you find yourself feeling unwell while in a hot tub, head for the door.
Hot tubs are a great addition to your home and have many health benefits. Use the tips above to use the hot tub or spa safely and without issue. Spas And Stuff offers a great selection of hot tubs and accessories with low prices and free shipping.

Does Someone Want To Buy Katherine Heigl a New Hot Tub?

Knocked Up actress Katherine Heigl and her husband’s hot tub got them in a little trouble this past Monday. Word is a neighbor called the police about loud noises coming from their hot tub. The police came out to investigate and decided no crime was committed. So was their spa on the fritz or were the two of them having a little too much “fun” that night? It turns out the complaint was about the sound coming from the hot tub. Investigators showed up and found no crime to be committed.

The hot tub won this battle but will there be more in the future?

Hot tubs are normally relatively quiet and go unnoticed by neighbors, save a few laughs from the general direction. . Hot tubs relax people and encourage social gatherings and great time together. In rare instances this can cause unwanted noise if too much alcohol or too many people are involved.

So how do you make sure you’re on the right side of the hot tub noise equation? Our best rule of thumb is to invite your neighbors over for a soak every once in a while so they begin to see the hot tub as an enjoyable and much needed staple in your backyard.

perezhilton.com/2010-10-13-katherine-heigl-and-josh-kelley-have-issues-with-neighbor-over-hot-tub-noise

And if anyone knows Katherine Heigl, tell her to visit www.spasandstuff.com for her next hot tub if hers (or she) is being too loud.

Hot Tubs and Spas Need Accessories

Congratulations! You are either thinking of purchasing a hot tub or have purchased a spa and would like to know more about the associated accessories. Many people are satisfied with their hot tub alone, yet are pleased to find how much they can expand on their spa experience by purchasing some 'extras'.

Consider the following hot tub accessories:

- Spa umbrellas will help keep the sun, debris, and light rain out of your hot tub enjoyment. Have you ever noticed some people propping an umbrella on the beach? Some people enjoy the beach, yet do not like the sun beating down on them all day. The same sentiment is shared in regards to a spa umbrella; a person may want to relax in their tub, yet desire a break from the sun. A spa umbrella will help!

- Hot tubs require some maintenance to ensure optimal health and aesthetic pleasure. A spa vacuum is a quick and easy way to maintain your hot tub. Spa vacuums are light, portable, and easy to use on a daily basis!

- A spa or hot tub needs to rest on a solid, even base for proper usage. A spa pad is an affordable option as an alternative to pouring concrete. Spa pads come in separated pieces, so you can form them in any shape desired. More padding can be added to increase the breadth of the desired, padded area and to ensure a non-slip area is secured around your tub.

- Hot tubs are for big and little kids. Spa steps can be situated at the threshold of your hot tub to ensure a safe entry and exit into the spa. Spa steps can be added and taken away, so there is no aesthetic displeasure associated with their presence. Their purpose can be for practical purposes only.

- One practical oversight may be placement of towels. Drying off some before exiting the hot tub can facilitate safety and help users brace for outside temperatures. Hot tub towel racks offer a place to hang towels as well as come with a hand rail to help with entering and exiting your spa.

Eating and Drinking in a Hot Tub

Hot tub spas are great additions to a home. They provide entertainment and relaxation; many people also associate the two with eating and drinking. Hot tub owners believe eating and drinking adds to the enjoyment of the experience.

Is it a good idea to eat and drink in your hot tub spa? That question is mostly up to the individual, but here are a few considerations:

- Combining alcohol and bodies of water is never the best of ideas. For many, entertaining and alcohol are closely related, but it is very important to be cautious. Alcohol has an effect on motor functions, and surfaces around hot tubs can be slippery. A spa pad can add traction to the ground and facilitate balance and safety.

- It won't ruin your hot tub if food lands in the water, but sharing a spa with others warrants some consideration of others. It may be best to purchase patio furniture along with an outdoor hot tub and eat off of the tables rather than directly in the spa.

- Staying in the hot tub for long periods can make a person feel hydrated and can lower blood sugar levels. It is a good idea to keep cold drinks on hand as well as whole foods to compensate for any change in body chemistry.

Spa and Hot Tub Use in Pregnancy

The following information about hot tub use and pregnancy was taken from reputable sources throughout the Web, but it is suggested to consult a doctor before using a spa during pregnancy.

Hot tub users get used to their spa - very quickly. It soon becomes a luxury most do not want to lose, but some scenarios may warrant more caution than others such as pregnancy. The following post addresses safe spa usage during pregnancy.

- Hot tubs increase a users core temperature. Hyperthermia or abnormally, raised body temperature, is a major concern for pregnant women. Some sources suggest a body temperature exceeding 101F is a cause of emergency when pregnant within the first trimester.

- In addition, baths as well as hot tubs and spas, should be approached with caution. It is suggested by sources that pregnant women never let their body temperature exceed 102.2F.

- Most hot tubs are programmed to heat water to a temperature hovering around 104F, studies indicate it only takes less than twenty minutes of continuous spa usage to raise one's temperature to about 102F. Raised body temperature can be curbed by leaving the upper body out of the hot tub rather than being submerged from the neck down.

As hot tub suppliers, we suggest the following in the event of hot tub use during pregnancy:

- Program the spa never to exceed temperatures of 100F.
- Limit the continuous time in the hot tub. Do not exceed ten minutes at one time.
- Closely monitor hot tub temperatures
- Listen to your body - if you feel uncomfortable or begin to sweat, get out of the spa

Outdoor Hot Tub and Spa Electrical Safety Considerations

Outdoor hot tubs and spas are wonderful products, but they do require electrical current to run. Besides the obvious, hazardous implications of mixing water and electricity, there are other safety precautions to consider when enjoying your spa.

Around the hot tub

- Think about installing outlets with covers that protect connected plugs
- Do not touch any electrical appliance around the spa or hot tub while your body is still wet
- Do not place cords or plugs in close proximity to your tub as well as damp pipes and puddles.
- Do not try to be a hot tub repairman (unless that is your profession of course). Make sure a licensed, electrical professional addresses any repairs or electrical concerns.


Electrical appliances

- Do not leave any tools or appliances running unattended or left for small children to find
- Do not move around with appliances while they are plugged in and turned on
- Check for cracked or broken wires because they can quickly become hazardous
- Do not carry appliances or tools by their cords.


Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

A ground fault is an unintentional, electrical path existing between an electrical current's source and a grounded surface. Currents sometimes "leak", enabling electricity to escape to the ground. If a person's body approaches the leak, it can facilitate its connection to the ground, in turn providing shocks, burns, and electrocutions.

GFCIs were created to circumvent such hazards from occurring. A GFCI continuously monitors a home's wiring system, and finds sources losing current (or leaking). When a GFCI senses a disparity in regular electrical currents, it cuts the power to that specific circuit. A GFCI can be the difference between something feeling like a "static shock" and a painful electrocution.

Lifeguarding Your Hot Tub

The image of a tanned, zinc-nosed lifeguard keeping a vigilante watch over your hot tub seems pretty silly. But the need for safety cannot be ignored. Those who own a multi-person hot tub need to establish safety just as those who own small-sized hot tubs.

Hot Tub Safety Tip 1 – Keep Watch

Regardless of a user’s profile (they can be a ten-year-old music prodigy or your thirty-year-old son that still lives in the basement!), make sure those using the hot tub are supervised. Most people think of children in regards to water safety; ‘Adults’ are not immune to accidents – they need supervision too.

Hot Tub Safety Tip 2 – Limit or Ban Drinking

We want our hot tub customers to enjoy themselves in their own fashion, but encourage them to drink responsibly when using their tubs. Being in a hot tub for some time can make a person feel dizzy or become lightheaded. Those symptoms, in conjunction with drinking, may not mix well with safety.

Hot Tub Safety Tip 3 – Be Cognizant of the Tub’s Structure

All hot tubs are not created equally. For instance, a Free Spirit hot tub may differ in shape in comparison to a BellaGrande hot tub. Make users aware of the location of drains, jets, filters, and other elements of your hot tub.

Hot Tub Safety Tip 4 – Respect Mother Nature

We know – the chances of getting hit by lightning are slim to none. Well, we would rather see you win the lottery, so we encourage you to please stay out of the hot tub before, during, and immediately after a storm.

Hot Tub Safety Tip 5 – Be Prepared

Keep a first-aid kit somewhere close to your hot tub. In addition, knowing CPR would not be a bad thing. It is best to seek certification, but we will provide a link below to a WebMD article addressing CPR and rescue breathing.

Dealing with Emergencies – Rescue Breathing and CPR – Source: WebMD