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.
Hot Tub Pros
A hot tub can be used to relax, entertain and even help with physical therapy. When properly set up and maintained, a hot tub is an investment that you can appreciate for years.
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.
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.
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.
"The average bather has about a tenth of a gram of feces in his gluteal fold, which is a nice way of saying butt crack. [With five people soaking,] you have a tablespoon of poop in the hot tub," he says.
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.
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.
Experts say the hot water in your tub causes your blood vessels to open, which in turn, lowers your blood pressure. The warmth of the water also helps encourage your blood to flow more easily, allowing better circulation throughout your body.
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 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.
Modern manufacturers advertise the cost to run their hot tubs at about one dollar per day, with $50 per month at the high end. The energy cost of a hot tub varies based mainly on the heater, which usually draws between 1,500 watts or 6,000 watts. The pump is another prime energy user at 1,500 watts.
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.
Pulmonary fibrosis resulting from Hot Tub Lung can lead to lung failure (medically called “respiratory failure”), which is a life-threatening condition.
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.
If you continue to use your tub, the inflammation persists and worsens, and can cause lasting fatigue, weight loss and other more serious side effects. “A lot of doctors don't ask if a person with these symptoms has been using a hot tub, and people become very sick,” Rose says.
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 hot water and massaging action of the hot tub jets can be an effective way to help relax and soothe tight, tense muscles. This can help ease aches and pains. A hot tub soak before exercising may also reduce the risk of injury.
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.
How a Hot Tub Affects Your Home's Value. Although you cannot consider your hot tub as an asset or an investment that increases your home's value, Helling says it's not a deal-breaker. Therefore, he generally considers a hot tub a neutral factor in valuation.
#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.
Skin infections are the most common infections spread through hot tubs and spas." According to the CDC, "hot tub rash" is a common side effect of hanging out in a dirty hot tub.
If your hot tub smells funky, there may be some bacteria lurking in the water—even if it looks clear and clean. Trust your nose and use your test strips to diagnose the problem. If your hot tub has a musty odor, this is a sign that there isn't enough sanitizer in the water.