Hot Tubs and Viruses (COVID-19): What You Need to Know
The coronavirus pandemic has brought new uncertainties into our lives. The world is changing by the minute, and the news is constantly buzzing. For the sake of our mental and physical health, it’s crucial to find some calm during this storm.
Hot tubs can still bring us much needed R & R today. Although there are precautions you should be mindful of, you can continue your hot tub lifestyle. In light of COVID-19, we want to make sure you have the right knowledge to look after yourself and to educate those around you. Keep reading for important facts and information regarding hot tubs and viruses.
Hot Tubs & COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that people can contract COVID-19 from pools, hot tubs or spas, or water playgrounds. In fact, with proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (with chlorine or bromine), hot tubs should kill the virus that causes COVID-19.
So, how exactly do you carry out proper maintenance and disinfection? To do this properly, ask these three questions:
How Do I Choose the Right Spa Chemicals for My Hot Tub?
It’s important to know the kinds of chemicals and the proper amounts to use to ensure you have clean water. Chlorine and bromine are the most commonly used disinfectants to remove.
Either chemical will kill bacteria and the COVID-19 virus.
How Do I Measure pH Levels?
Without balanced pH levels, your hot tub water won’t have the right total alkalinity (TA) levels, which it could lead to equipment damage .
You can measure your hot tub’s pH levels by using testing strips, which can be purchased at any pool and spa supplies shop. On a pH scale, lower numbers are more acidic, and higher numbers are more basic. The water in your hot tub should be between pH levels of 7.2 and 7.8.
How Often Should You Change Hot Tub Water?
Many people assume that once you add your chlorine and bromine and the pH level is looking good, the deed is done. But maintenance takes one more step. As with any quality product or service, consistency is a key to maintenance. That’s why we recommend that hot tub water be changed every 4-6 months.
Generally, you can just drain the water out of your hot tub, then refill it with a hose. But the method can vary with the design of your particular type of hot tub.
Hot Tubs for Ailments
Hot tubs are more than just places to soak; they’ve also been known to provide a variety of health benefits that may be advantageous for those battling physical and mental ailments. There are several benefits you can enjoy from soaking in a steam hot tub:
1. Receiving Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is one of the most commonly known benefits of soaking in a hot tub. It’s the practice of using mechanical and thermal effects to help treat a variety of ailments, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Arthritis
- Rheumatic complaints
2. Relief from Cold or Flu Symptoms
If you’re fighting a cold, you might hope that immersing yourself in hot water will destroy the virus. Sadly, this is not the case. We have to ask this: What temperature kills the cold virus? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), temperatures of 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit are enough to kill most viruses. This range exceeds the maximum temperature for hot tubs, which is 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
But are spas still good for colds? Yes! When your face feels 10 pounds heavier because of an annoying stuffy nose, why not soak in a steamy tub to find some relief for a while? A hot tub session not only alleviates your congestion but also can elevate your body temperature, helping you slow down cold and flu viruses spreading through your body.
3. Post Work-Out Relief
Especially during these times of isolation, many people are diving into physical activities to help pass time and build a strong immune system. Exercise often causes body soreness, and hot tubs are a great way to loosen muscle tissues. They may also reduce muscle spasms.
You can find hot tubs that come with personalized therapy systems to help bring the healing that your body needs. The Jetpak Therapy System, for example, is specifically designed for your lower back, spine, neck, and shoulders, providing a variety of massage types and customized jet placements.
Can you get sick from a hot tub?
With these physical and mental benefits of using hot tubs, you might be wondering, can you get sick from a hot tub? It depends. If you have pre-existing conditions and/or don’t take care of your tub, there is a possibility of getting ill. So, it’s important to be mindful of your body, follow physician recommendations, and keep your hot tub water clean.
Here are some general health and safety cautions:
- Keep water temperatures at or below 104 degrees to minimize risk of heat stress and get out of the hot tub if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
- Pregnant women and young children should limit their exposure to just a few minutes at a time, since they are more likely to get heat stress and/or dehydration.
- Do not use your hot tub if the outlet opening does not have a cover screen. The suction from this outlet can trap hair and body parts and lead to dangerous circumstances.
- If you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, you should not use a hot tub. Either one can cause accidents and/or heat stress.
3 Hot Tub Myths
In our internet world, there are many myths and misconceptions being spread about hot tubs. We want to take this chance to debunk some hot tub myths, which could help you gain a much-deserved haven and sense of normalcy during this stressful time.
Myth 1: Hot Tubs Are Hard to Maintain
Hot tubs are a lot smaller than pools and take less time to maintain. Easy water care systems like our EOS O3™ minimize the work involved in maintaining a clean and healthy hot tub . It provides a system that’s twice as effective at oxidizing impurities as competing systems, without leaving excess ozone gas behind.
You just need to add your chlorine or bromine and clean the filters every few weeks. Also, change out your water every 4-6 months. The benefits certainly outweigh the cleaning time!
Myth 2: Hot Tubs Are Unsanitary
This one is just crazy, if maintained correctly. The filtration pump combined with proper water balance and chemical use, helps keep hot tub water clean.
Myth 3: Chlorine or Bromine Makes Your Eyes Burn
If you experience a burning eye sensation, this may mean that your hot tub pH levels are imbalanced. Lower pH levels are acidic and may be the reason for this irritation.
Take a Dip with Care
It’s crucial to find wellness activities during this time, and hot tubs can be the perfect option. With the right maintenance, you can soak in your hot tub to help pass the time and relieve stress and anxiety. Better yet, it’ll make staying at home a bit more bearable for you and your loved ones.
