Children love hot tubs just as much as swimming pools, but they are not as friendly to your little kids. While hot tubs are good for social gatherings and family and friends reunions, a children’s party is impossible.
So before you let them join, you must consider how their young bodies can handle the warm temperature, plus the risks of drowning.
To avoid these risks, you must know the right age at which they can be responsible when going into a hot tub. This article will guide you through all that, so tune in until the end.
What Is Age Appropriate for Hot Tub?
Children at the minimum age of 5 can enjoy a hot tub. Younger children and toddlers may not have properly matured the thermoregulation mechanisms that enable them to keep an acceptable body temperature when immersed in hot water.
With thinner skin that only thickens with maturity, a small child can rapidly overheat and experience dehydration. Despite the minimum age requirement, there are various other measures that children above the age of 5 should take before any hot tub use.
Why Is There An Age Limit On Hot Tubs?
Age limits in hot tubs are imposed on hot tubs because of the following conditions.
Danger Of Drowning
It is critical to recognize that drowning is among the major reasons for death in young children who use a hot tub. This is the reason adult supervision is essential near any body of water. Hot tubs also have various elements that can increase the likelihood of drowning and should be acknowledged by any adult present.
Despite advancements in hot tub construction, there is still a chance that long hair or body parts will be dragged into the drain.
Water Temperature
The maximum hot tub water temperature of most hot tubs is 40 ° Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot for little ones. It is frequently too hot for grownups as well. If youngsters use the hot tub, the temperature should be adjusted to 36 degrees Celsius or 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Children must not stay for over five minutes before exiting and cooling down.
Dehydration
Children who use a hot tub must stay hydrated. They could be more prone to dehydration than adults. Dehydration can result in heatstroke, fainting, or even death. If a youngster becomes dizzy, lethargic, or sick, they should be evacuated from the hot tub immediately.
Height
Since drowning is a genuine risk for children, they should not enter until they are tall and old enough to stand just on the bottom with their heads above water. It will enable them to maintain their heads above water even when no other assistance is available.
Safety Reminders For Using Hot Tubs
When using a hot tub with a kid 5 and above or near the spa, it is important to learn these hot tub safety tips to ensure that everyone’s safety is not at risk.
- Keep an eye out for flushed skin and lethargic or drowsy behavior that may indicate heat stroke, and make sure children drink lots of water.
- Have emergency rescue equipment, such as a log pole and life rings, when you use a hot tub.
- Prepare for an emergency at all times. Understand the internal workings of the spa tub so that you’ll know how to turn it off in an emergency.
- Always ensure a young child is supervised and swimming with someone to keep them safe.
- As the current safety regulations require, ensure that the hot tub has a dual drain cover prior to any hot tub use.
- Keep the hot tub covered and build fences around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about how old to go in hot tub.
What Temperature Hot Tub Is Safe For Baby?
If your children intend to them, the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance recommends lowering the temperature to 98 or 95 degrees to ensure hot tub safety.
Can 8 Month Old Go In Hot Tub?
Infants and toddlers below age two should not be allowed in a hot tub since their thin skin makes them more prone to overheating. Furthermore, because children have little control over their body processes, hot tubs become unclean immediately after ‘accidents’ occur.
What Do The Professionals Think About Allowing Kids In Hot Tubs?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Mayo Clinic do not prohibit kids to use a hot tub within certain boundaries. Hot tubs are not recommended for babies and toddlers, and older kids should not spend more than 20 minutes in them at a time.
Conclusion
Although you may find spending time with your children in the hot tubs enjoyable, you must consider the risks it might pose to their health and safety. A responsible adult should accompany children the age of 5 and above. Make sure to limit their hot tub exposure and be alert for any changes in their behavior. Follow the information presented above to ensure you can enjoy a warm and enjoyable hot tub experience with your children.
