Posts Tagged ‘home spas’

Hot Tub Temperatures And Your Health

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

After a hard day of work, its always nice to soak in a hot tub to eliminate stress and relax your tired, aching body. But before you dip into the hot water, check it first. Make sure your hot tub is set at the right temperature. The wrong temperature can be hazardous.

This hot tub health warning comes from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) which explains that high water temperatures can endanger your health. For this reason, it recommends 104 degrees Fahrenheit as the maximum temperature of a hot tub.

Experts agree that the use of higher temperature water can have healing effects on the body. Such hot water treatments and baths are used around the world. In Japan, temperatures in these baths can reach more than 115 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in most countries, including the U.S., these temperatures are regulated. This is because experts agree that high temperatures are linked to problems with health such as heat stroke.

Because of this warning, most hot tub manufacturers have installed controls on their products so that temperatures cannot go above and beyond the recommended level. The CPSC has indicated that if the water temperature goes too far beyond a persons regular body temperature, it can make them feel drowsy. This drowsiness can result in unconsciousness and then drowning.

The risk of drowning increases with the consumption of alcoholic beverages before soaking or while in a hot tub. So far this year, 10 deaths have been reported, three of which occurred with the use of alcohol in a hot tub with a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

For those who are pregnant, extremely hot temperatures should also be avoided since they can cause damage to the fetus. Those with heart problems and hypertension are also at risk. Since heat raises the blood pressure, individuals can be at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes, often resulting in death. Because obesity is often linked with high blood pressure, overweight individuals should also avoid excessive hot tub temperatures.

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Hot Tub Energy Conservation

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Spending time relaxing in a hot tub can help ease the tension in your stressed body but it has adverse affect on your electric bill. If you do not know how to conserve energy properly, these devices can strain your pocketbook when they are using electricity to heat the water. To enjoy your hot tub without overspending on energy, here are some simple suggestions:

First of all, make sure you are equipped with a good spa cover. This will prevent water from quickly evaporating and helps conserve energy The cover will prevent heat from rising and prevents up to 85 percent of the total heat loss in your hot tub if it is properly fitted to your device. Make sure you use a hot tub cover when it is not in use.

Replace any old spa covers by throwing it away and getting a newer model to reduce heat leaks that often occur at the spa shell rim or at the hinge-fold. A higher quality cover will offer you several advantages. It lasts longer, saves energy, is more resistant to water absorption and helps the aesthetics of your spa.

Keep the area surrounding your hot tub private and also cut down wind exposure with a block of some sort. This will not only help you maintain privacy but also helps reduce heat loss. Effective windbreaks include the following: shrubs, spa enclosures and fencing. Use a coverall if that is your preference.

Most hot tubs have a high temperature limit of 104 F. To cut heating expenses, why not set it at 102F or lower? This will reduce your overall energy consumption since more energy is needed to heat the hot tub with each additional degree. Lowering pool temperature also reduces the number of chemicals needed to clean the hot tub.

To save additional dollars, turn down the thermostat if you plan to be away on vacation. If you intend to be gone for more than a week, set the thermostat to the lowest level or turn it off completely. However, be cautious because you should always use some heat during the winter months in order to prevent freezing damage to your pipes and plumbing.

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