Hot Tub Safety Tips For Families With Children and Pets

Hot tubs are a great source of relaxation and fun, but safety should always come first for families with children and pets.

It’s essential to be aware of potential risks and take precautions to ensure everyone—both two-legged and four-legged family members—stays safe. Below are some vital hot tub safety tips for families with children and pets.

1. Supervise at All Times

One of the most important safety measures for both children and pets is constant supervision. Kids may not fully understand the dangers that come with hot tubs, and pets can be just as curious. Never leave children or pets unattended around the hot tub. Always have an adult present to keep an eye on everyone, especially when the hot tub is in use.

2. Set Age and Height Restrictions

It’s crucial to establish clear rules about who is allowed in the hot tub and when. Children under five years old should generally avoid hot tubs altogether, as their smaller bodies are more vulnerable to overheating. You can also set height restrictions, ensuring that any child entering the hot tub can stand comfortably with their head above water.

3. Monitor Water Temperature

Children’s bodies can overheat more quickly than adults, so it’s essential to monitor the water temperature closely. Experts recommend keeping the water at a maximum of 100°F (38°C) when children are using the hot tub. Lowering the temperature can reduce the risk of overheating or heatstroke. Make sure your hot tub is equipped with an accurate thermostat, and check it regularly.

4. Limit Time in the Hot Tub

Even at a lower temperature, it’s important to limit the amount of time that children spend in the hot tub. For young children, keeping hot tub sessions to around 10–15 minutes can prevent overheating. After that, encourage kids to take a break and cool down. As for pets, they shouldn’t be in the hot tub at all. It’s not safe for their health, as they can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans.

5. Secure the Hot Tub with a Cover

When the hot tub is not in use, always keep it securely covered. Invest in a high-quality, lockable cover to prevent unsupervised access. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure that children or pets don’t accidentally fall into the water.

6. Establish a “No Rough Play” Rule

Hot tubs can be slippery, and rough play like jumping, splashing, or running around the edges increases the risk of accidents. Establish a strict rule about no roughhousing in or near the hot tub. This keeps both children and pets from getting injured by slipping or falling into the water.

7. Be Mindful of Chemicals

Hot tubs require various chemicals to maintain clean and balanced water, but these can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with skin. Always store chemicals in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children and pets. After treating the water, wait until the chemicals have fully dissolved before allowing anyone back into the hot tub to prevent skin irritations or chemical burns.

8. Teach Safety Early

Educate your children on the dos and don’ts of hot tub safety from a young age. Make sure they understand why they shouldn’t touch the control panel, play rough, or get in without permission. For pets, barriers like gates or fences can help keep them away from the hot tub area when it’s not in use.

Make Your Hot Tub Environment Safe and Fun

By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure that your hot tub remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone in your family. These small steps make a big difference in reducing risks.

At Bachmanns Pool & Spa, we’re here to help you create the safest and most enjoyable hot tub experience for your entire family, including children and pets!