1. A lot of germs and pathogens survive in hot tubs. When you get in a hot tub, everything on your body ends up in the hot tub, too— including sweat, dirt, oil, grime, bodily fluids. A lot of this stuff is harmless, but a surprising number of people carry pathogens, or germs that cause disease.
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.
People with weakened immune systems and those who are over the age of 65 have a greater risk of infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can result in an infection called Pseudomonas folliculitis, or 'hot tub rash. ' An infection of the hair follicles, commonly seen in people who bathe in a contaminated spa or hot tub.
Pseudomonas and Legionella (which can cause Legionnaires' disease) are bacteria that can defy disinfectants and live in slimy areas of hot tubs, pools and water parks. These bacteria can enter the body through the skin, eyes or nose, Hlavsa explained.
Urine contains a nitrogen compound called urea. When urea is combined with chlorine, it breaks it down into a by-product called chloramine. Chloramine is harmful if it contacts the skin, via the hot tub water, or if it is inhaled, via the steam from the hot tub.
You can still transmit bacterial infections and viruses in large pools, even though the pathogens and fecal matter have more space to live. So if the same amount of germs are in a hot tub, the water is way more concentrated, and the risk of infection is even higher, experts say.
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.
HOT TUB FOR ARTHRITIS BENEFITS. The warm water and massaging jets of your Hot Spring ® spa can deliver wellness benefits that reach beyond relaxation. Hot tubbing can improve the quality of sleep, increase circulation, and manage pain – and research shows that making time for a daily soak can be good for arthritis.
Since the water in a hot tub is a higher temperature than your normal internal temperature, staying in a hot tub too long can cause you to overheat and experience symptoms like light-headedness, dizziness, or nausea.
Regular soaking in a hot tub may provide several health benefits, such as muscle relaxation, pain relief, and improved sleep. Some studies suggest a wider variety of health benefits, but more research is needed to determine the specifics of hot tub therapy with particular conditions.
Pulmonary fibrosis resulting from Hot Tub Lung can lead to lung failure (medically called “respiratory failure”), which is a life-threatening condition.
When we sweat, we lose electrolytes and some of these minerals in high concentrations, and this can lead to muscle cramps. If you're experiencing heat cramps, rest in a cool place and gently stretch your muscles.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a hot tub soak causes blood vessels to slightly dilate, thus lowering overall blood pressure. While it is not recommend for high blood pressure patients to constantly fluctuate between very cold water and warm water, there's nothing wrong with occasional or regular hot tub use.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you used a hot tub/spa in the last two weeks. People can get Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever when they breathe in small droplets of water (mist) that contain Legionella. Legionella is found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams.
Hot tubs have been associated with Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. All hot tubs—including display models—should be operated with proper disinfectant residuals and pH. Public hot tubs should use automatic feed and control systems for disinfectant and pH.
Hydrotherapy in a hot tub reduces inflammation from your muscles and eases soreness. Regular use of a hot tub can help you manage mild to severe inflammation caused by overuse. That means you'll experience less pain and enjoy better mobility.
The researchers found that a single hot water immersion caused a spike of interleukin — a marker of inflammation. Similarly, there was an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. The spike in NO is important because it causes blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure.
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.
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.
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.
Unless properly disinfected, hot tubs can harbor bacteria that can cause skin and other infections. High levels of chlorine or bromine used in hot tubs can irritate the skin, nose and respiratory system.
Chloramines build up in a hot tub when it is improperly treated. They happen when chlorine combines with ammonia (perspiration, oils and urine) that come into the hot tub with the bathers.
Yes, hot tubs are generally covered by homeowners insurance. If your insurance company has agreed to cover your home with your hot tub, you'll have liability coverage in case a guest gets hurt in or around the hot tub.