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.
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.
Five people in a hot tub will contribute about a tablespoon of faeces to the water from residue on the skin and body. The average bather has about a tenth of a gram of faeces in his gluteal fold - or buttocks. That means five people equates to a whole tablespoon of human waste in the hot tub.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Limit Chlorine Exposure
Pair that with the heat of a hot tub (which encourages yeast growth) and you have a dangerous environment. When this happens, you can become more susceptible to pH imbalance that leads to infection. This doesn't mean you must avoid pool time, but stay aware and take frequent breaks.
Orthostatic hypotension happens when blood pressure decreases after standing up or sitting down. When you combine this with the low blood pressure caused by the hot tub, this can explain why a person in a hot tub might feel dizzy.
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.
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.
'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,' said Gerba. That means with five people, 'you have a tablespoon of poop in the hot tub'.
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.