Hot Tub Safety: Two Truths & a Lie

Rich Anderson — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:54:47

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives and communities in various ways, including what people have turned to for leisure and recreational activities. Because many had to cancel vacation plans and limit their activities, people explored new ways to enjoy time spent at home. Buying hot tubs and swimming pools to transform their living spaces into private oases became a popular option.

Hot tub sales have seen a significant increase since the pandemic, as they are a more feasible alternative to swimming pools. Hot tubs are more affordable, take up less property space and have relatively lower maintenance requirements – but this does not mean they don’t have the same safety concerns.

The Importance of Hot Tub Safety

Although they are smaller and require less maintenance than swimming pools, hot tubs have significant safety concerns that should never be ignored or neglected.

Proper maintenance including cleaning, water balance checks, inspections and servicing, as well as following safety guidelines and regulations, can help keep those using the hot tub safe while also extending the lifespan of its components.

In honor of the International Code Council’s Building Safety Month campaign, here we address the importance of hot tub maintenance and what you need to know to ensure it remains safe for you, your friends and your family.

Truth #1: Your Hot Tub/Spa Needs to Be Up to Code

Hot tubs and spas have codes that address their safety requirements and maintenance. The 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC) is a comprehensive code that is coordinated with requirements from other International Codes® (I-Codes) and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA).

This ISPSC sets the minimum safety requirements for hot tub installation, operation and safety. It covers areas such as:

Proper recirculation rates
Proper chemical applications
Ideal pH levels
Importance of skimmers
Suction outlet fitting assembly requirements
UL listed portable spa exemptions
Safety glazing in accordance with hazardous locations
Electrical requirements

Work with your local building department to ensure you are implementing applicable and up-to-date codes, standards and regulations for your hot tub. They will be able to assist with obtaining any required permits and may be able to help find a reputable contractor.

Most states don’t have, or require, a pool and/or hot tub contractor license. However, regardless of licensing requirements, obtaining a permit can ensure that the contractor includes the plumbing, mechanical and electrical items on the permit.

PHTA also has contractor certifications, which may be a good way for property owners to ensure that the contractor they are using understands the codes and standards that govern the installation and maintenance of hot tubs.

Truth #2: It is Important to Stay in a Safe Temperature Range

Even though you may be tempted to crank up the heat in your hot tub, staying within the recommended temperature range can both prevent the risk of pathogens and pollutants and reduce the risk of burning or dehydration.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the safest temperature range for a hot tub is between 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature should never exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maintaining this safe temperature range, combined with proper maintenance and periodic water testing, can help prevent the growth of pathogens. The elevated temperatures create an unlivable environment for many microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses.

The higher temperatures can also help enhance the effectiveness of sanitation measures. For example, if the hot tub water is treated with chlorine, the sanitation process would be accelerated at a higher temperature, allowing for more efficient removal of pathogens in the water.

The higher temperatures can also affect sanitation and chemicals being applied to the water. For example, if the hot tub water is treated with chlorine, that chlorine could be converted to chloramine faster, requiring additional chlorine to be added.

Chlorine acts as an oxidizer, attacking contaminants and destroying them. While the chlorine is working, the chemical reaction will produce chloramines. These chloramines are what can give hot tub water a smell. Chloramines are a type of combined chlorine that form in water and then off gas into the air above the water. These chloramines can build up in the hot tub water, adversely affecting the air quality surrounding the hot tub location.

Furthermore, most spa and hot tub manufacturers recommend bromine, not chlorine, when operating with higher temperatures. Bromine won’t dissipate as quickly at the higher temperatures, and the pH level will have a greater effect on the chlorine than temperature.

The Lie: You Can Go Chemical-Free

Chemicals are necessary in hot tubs to kill harmful bacteria and maintain safe water levels. Common chemicals that are used to treat hot tubs and spas are:

Chlorine is used to kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms to maintain clean and safe water conditions.
Hot Tub Shock is used to kill contaminants and restore water clarity by oxidizing and breaking down unwanted substances.
Alkalinity Increaser is used to raise the total alkalinity of the water.
pH Increaser and Decreaser is used to adjust the pH level of the water. The ideal pH range for a hot tub is typically between 7.2 and 7.8.
Calcium Hardness Increaser isused when the calcium level is too low. Maintaining proper calcium hardness levels helps prevent the water from becoming corrosive.
Line Flush Cleaner is used to remove built-up residue, oils and contaminants from plumbing lines to prevent potential clogs or blockages.

When using these chemicals, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local health regulations regarding the use and dosage in hot tubs. Improper use of chemicals can lead to imbalanced water chemistry, skin irritation or other health issues.

Chemicals should also be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in a separate location from an equipment room. Chemicals can potentially reduce the lifespan of hot tub equipment due to the adverse air quality condition created when storing them.

Creating a Safe Home Environment

If you are considering purchasing a hot tub, or if you already have one, it is essential that you ensure it is maintained correctly. By educating yourself and following applicable safety measures, you can create a relaxing and enjoyable environment at home while safeguarding the health and well-being of yourself and others.

The Code Council has several resources and tools available to help maintain a safe home environment that can be found on the Building Safety Month website.

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