For most people, a hot tub is worth the money if you use it regularly—and don't mind spending the time and energy it takes to maintain it. A hot tub can be a fabulous luxury. However, an unused hot tub is an expensive waste of energy, and a poorly maintained one can pose health risks.
But hot tubs might not be safe for some people, including pregnant women and those with heart disease. And when they aren't cleaned well, they pose risks to even healthy people. Before you buy a hot tub for your backyard or step into those warm waters at the spa or gym, make sure you know a bit about their safety.
A portable hot tub really won't add value to your home. It's actually just considered a piece of personal property. However, a hot tub that's built into the ground, with nice landscaping around it, could add some value to your home.
You'll also need to cover the cost of water, heat, chemicals, bulbs and filters. Electricity costs for an above-ground hot tub are about $20 a month. In-ground hot tubs usually cost more than $30 a month to run. You'll also need to budget for chlorine, filters, ongoing maintenance and the occasional repair.
When shopping for hot tubs, many people will ask their dealers 'Can I use a hot tub every day? ' The short answer is that yes, it is safe to use your hot tub every day.
Burning Calories in a Hot Tub
A daily soak in your hot tub can help you lose weight, even if it's in an indirect way. If you weigh around 150 pounds, you can normally burn up to 17 calories or . 005 pounds of fat by simply submerging yourself in your hot tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
All hot tubs require regular maintenance to keep the water healthy and safe for bathers. You will need to choose what type of chemical to use based on your needs and skin sensitivity.
The basic level of hot tub water care (using bottled chemicals) costs around $20 per month to maintain your hot tub, however this depends on what water system that you choose. Upgrading your water care system may be initially more expensive but will save you money and maintenance time in the future.
Is a hot tub HIGH maintenance? Not really. It just requires a basic understanding of water chemistry and a simple schedule (which we'll dive into), but it's not expensive. All you really need is some chemicals and testing supplies which is about a $20/month investment.
A hot tub can last anywhere from 5-20 years or more. Cheaper hot tubs made with lower quality materials won't last long. If those hot tubs are not well maintained, they may not last more than 5 years. Quality hot tubs that receive excellent care can be enjoyed for as long as 20 or more years.
The price of new hot tubs usually range from about $5,000 to $8,000. On the lower end, entry-level hot tubs can start at as low as $3,000, and luxury flagship models can fetch over $16,000.
#1 Jetted Tubs
But according to the designers, jetted tubs are a thing of the past. These tubs are not just outdated, but many people are having plumbing and maintenance issues with them. The pumps cause too much foaming, and there are motor failings in many cases.
Do You Have to Shower After a Hot Tub? It is a good idea to shower or at least rinse your body after soaking in a hot tub, especially for people with sensitive skin. Chemicals and germs in the water may cling to your skin and hair, potentially creating rashes and irritation.
Another gross thing that may lurk in your hot tub is a microscopic germ called pseudomonas aeruginosa, which wriggles around in the warm water gleefully, too tiny for the naked eye to see. It often attaches itself to your bathing suit and gives you an extra tragic rash in the form of slightly red and itchy bumps.
If you're a healthy adult, it's safe to use your spa at 102°F for as long as you wish. If you're over 65, even if you're in good health, you should consult your doctor to determine what's right for you. In many cases, you'll get the green light to stay in the spa as long as you're comfortable and feeling well.
The average price of a hot tub can range from about $3,000 to $16,000 and more. While the initial cost can seem like sticker shock, it's important to zoom out and consider your long-term value and enjoyment in the tub that you select.
With average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months.
On average, you should aim to completely drain it about three to four times a year. Lucky for you, the time it takes to drain your hot tub is usually around an hour or so. One hour of time spent cleaning roughly four times a year is only four hours of your time to ensure that you are resting in a sanitary hot tub.
Your hot tub will need to be treated with a Sanitiser to control and prevent bacteria growth. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in a hot environment, so you must maintain an appropriate sanitiser level to ensure any bacteria in the water is killed.
For the most part, it's super easy to put water in a hot tub. All you need to do is hook up the hose, place the end into your spa's filter well to ensure the new water is filtered on the way in, turn on the spigot, and watch your spa fill up.
Regular hot tub shocking is inevitable to keep your water clean and safe for use. Dead skin and other elements like hair may end up dropping in the hot tub, leaving the tub in a mess. It is essential to shock the hot tub frequently – at least once every week.
Soaking in hot tubs can increase your risk for dehydration. The hot water is causing your body to use systems that take up more water than usual. Softub accessories include a floating drink holder. In addition, the hot water can mask some of the signs of dehydration, putting you at added risk.
Immersion in a hot tub for just 15 minutes about an hour-and-a-half before bedtime can ease the pain that interferes with comfortable positioning and restful sleep. A Great Bonus – Morning! Hot tubs help us sleep. They also help us wake.
Heat therapy does wonders for relief from the aches and pains associated with the common cold. The steam that is created by the hot water in your spa helps to loosen mucus and relieve congestion from your nose and chest.