Skip to Content

Is a Hot Tub Safe for Kids? (Best Safety Tips for Children)

Who doesn’t love soaking in warm or hot water in the evening or on a chilly day? But how young is too young for a hot tub, and are hot tubs safe for kids?

A hot tub is not recommended for kids under 5 years old due to their body temperature regulation capabilities being limited. For older children, adult supervision should always be present and water temperatures should ideally not exceed 100°F (38°C).

And the younger the child, the lower the water temperature should be.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned parents about some of the hazards associated with young children in a spa environment, such as ear infections or heat stroke.

But what are the real risks when it comes to having older children use a hot tub?

From drain covers to maximum temperatures and jump seats – we’ll look at all you need to know before letting your whole family take that plunge into relaxation.

Are hot tubs really safe for kids? Let’s find out.

Table of Contents:

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, keeping a clean filter, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.

Can Babies and Toddlers Get in a Hot Tub?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against hot tub use for infants and young children due to the danger of them overheating.

Babies and toddlers have delicate skin, which is more prone to burning than older children or adults. Furthermore, their internal systems are still developing and may not be able to regulate temperature as well as an adult’s system can.

It is best for parents to err on the side of caution when it comes to hot tub safety with young kids in mind.

To ensure your small children’s safety near a hot tub, there are several precautions you can take.

First off, never leave them unsupervised near a pool or spa – even if they know how to swim. Secondly, make sure the water temperature is not too hot.

By default, all newer hot tubs can’t go above 104°F (40°C). But that’s still too hot for kids. I have always set my hot tub to 98°F (36.67°C). That way I help ensure they don’t get overheated, and we can soak longer.

After all, the hotter the water the shorter the time you have to soak (safely).

This maximum temperature is especially important for babies and toddlers who cannot control their body temperatures as well as older children or adults can.

Despite the calming effects hot tubs may provide adults, it is critical to remember that infants and toddlers should not be allowed in due to potential safety risks. With proper supervision and following these tips, kids ages 5-10 can safely enjoy the benefits of a hot tub with their parents.

All that being said, I have gotten into the hot tubs I have owned with my kids when they were younger than 5. I just keep the hot tub water temperature at 98°F (36.67°C), limit their soak time, and only allow them to get in when I’m in with them.

And I’ve never had an issue.

Best Hot Tub Safety Tips for Kids Ages 5-10

When it comes to hot tubs, parents of children aged 5-10 should always prioritize safety.

It’s important to adhere to the guidelines set by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission when using a hot tub with children.

The best temperature for children ages 5-10 is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as anything higher can cause heat exhaustion or even death in some cases.

Additionally, all children should drink plenty of water while soaking in order to avoid dehydration.

Hot tub covers are also essential when it comes to keeping your kids safe from harm. Unsupervised use of a hot tub is never recommended and any small child who runs off without supervision could easily fall into the water if there isn’t an adequate cover over the surface area.

To ensure the safety of older children, it is best to limit their hot tub soaks to 15 minutes or less.

Finally, make sure you know what other hazards may exist within your particular hot tub before allowing your kids access to it.

Things like sharp edges or slippery surfaces need extra attention and caution taken when letting young ones play nearby or inside them unsupervised. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that everyone has fun while staying safe around the pool this summer season.

To ensure the safety of children in a hot tub, following some key tips is essential. Next, let’s explore the potential dangers that children may face when using a hot tub.

 
Key Takeaway: The best temperature for children ages 5-10 is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as anything higher can cause heat exhaustion or even death in some cases.

What Are the Main Hazards for Children in a Hot Tub?

Overheating

One of the main hazards associated with young children using a hot tub is overheating.

The spa temperature should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit as higher temperatures can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration. And for kids under age 10, even that is probably too hot.

I keep mine at 98°F (36.67°C).

Soak Times

It’s also important to make sure that children don’t stay in too long; they should get out after 10-15 minutes of soaking so their body temperature doesn’t become dangerously high.

Supervision

Another hazard when kids are around a hot tub is drowning, which is why constant supervision is necessary even if your child knows how to swim well.

Always keep a close watch on your child and have someone else present to observe if you need to leave the vicinity of the hot tub, even for just a brief moment. Until my older kids hit their mid-teens, they never got in without me.

And even now I don’t let them soak alone.

Also, ensure that your child understands basic safety rules such as no running near the hot tub and no pushing or dunking each other underwater.

Finally, check regularly that your hot tub cover fits securely over its frame so small kids cannot access it unsupervised while adults aren’t looking; otherwise they could fall into the warm water and potentially drown before anyone notices what has happened.

Improper chemical levels

Hot tubs can be a great source of relaxation and fun for children, but improper chemical levels can lead to some serious health risks.

Skin irritation is one of the most common issues that can arise from a hot tub with incorrect chemical levels.

If the hot tub isn’t well-chlorinated, it can cause an unpleasant odor and even skin infections.

Hot tub danger is real when it comes to children, so it’s important to make sure that the chemical levels are correct before allowing them to use it.

If there is too much chlorine in the water, it can cause skin irritation and other health issues. On the other hand, if there isn’t enough chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants can build up in the water and cause skin infections.

To ensure your child’s safety, make sure your hot tub has little odor and that its chemical levels are properly balanced.

Parents need to be aware of the risks connected with hot tubs and implement suitable safety precautions when permitting their children to utilize them. To further understand the risks involved, it’s also necessary to consider how often kids drown in hot tubs.

 
Key Takeaway: One of the main hazards associated with young children using a hot tub is overheating. Higher temperatures can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration.

How Often Do Kids Drown in Hot Tubs?

Hot tubs and pools are a great way to cool off on hot summer days, but they can also be incredibly dangerous for children. The CDC states that drowning is the top cause of unintentional fatalities in toddlers aged 1-4, with approximately one thousand fatalities each year.

Though the exact rate of kids drowning in hot tubs is unclear, experts agree that it remains a serious risk.

Hot tubs are much smaller than swimming pools and can heat up quickly, making them especially hazardous for small children who may not understand how to stay safe or get out if they become too warm.

Additionally, since hot tubs often don’t have barriers like fences around them like a swimming pool does, it’s easier for young kids to wander into them unsupervised – even when an adult is nearby.

The best way to prevent your child from becoming a statistic is by taking safety precautions seriously whenever you’re using a hot tub or pool with your family.

The CDC recommends always having an adult supervising any time a child is near water – even if you think they know how to swim – and never leaving a child unattended while in or around the water of any kind.

It’s also important that adults remain within arm’s reach at all times so that they can respond quickly if something does happen.

If you own a hot tub at home, make sure it has appropriate safety features such as non-slip surfaces and secure lids or covers over open areas where little ones could potentially fall through without warning signs posted about potential dangers (such as scalding temperatures).

Also, consider investing in floatation devices like life jackets or water wings so that everyone knows what to do if someone falls into the water unexpectedly – particularly younger children who may not be strong swimmers yet.

Finally, take advantage of resources available online such as CPR classes which teach basic lifesaving techniques that could save someone’s life should an accident occur while playing near water sources such as hot tubs and pools.

With these tips in mind – plus constant supervision – parents can ensure their families enjoy their time spent cooling off safely during those steamy summer months.

It is essential to be mindful that hot tubs can present risks, and should not be treated casually. To ensure the safety of your children, it is imperative to be aware of the most effective guidelines for their use in hot tubs.

 
Key Takeaway: To ensure children’s safety, it is imperative to take appropriate precautions and monitor them while they are around the hot tub. Invest in floatation devices and learn basic lifesaving techniques such as CPR, then parents can have peace of mind that their family is enjoying the summer safely.

What Are the Best Safety Rules for Kids in Hot Tubs?

The most essential guideline is to keep the water temperature at no higher than 98°F in order to avoid overheating and dehydration for kids ages 10 and under.

This will help prevent overheating and potential dehydration in young children.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that your child is tall enough so that their head is completely out of the water when they stand up in the hot tub. After all, a hot tub is a large body of water, and most have a sunken area in the middle. And with the jets on, it can be hard to see where your feet should go.

This helps them stay safe from drowning or slipping under the surface of the water unnoticed.

Drinking adequate amounts of liquids while soaking in a hot tub can be beneficial to avoid dehydration, particularly when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.

Water or Gatorade are much preferred over things like soda.

Youngsters should not remain in a hot tub for more than twenty minutes; this allows them to chill off before getting out again and avoids potential dangers such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Finally, it’s important for parents and guardians supervising children in hot tubs to keep an eye on them at all times.

Making sure kids understand these rules ahead of time can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience with minimal risk involved.

Are hot tubs good for families?

Yes, hot tubs can be a great addition to any family’s backyard.

I’ve owned 4 hot tubs over the past 18 years, and 3 of those were after I became a dad. Not only can hot tubs provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for families to bond, but the warm water also offers various health advantages such as:

  • reduced joint stress
  • improved cardiovascular exercise
  • enhanced sleep quality
  • decreased stress levels in both adults and children

The hydrotherapy of the water reduces stress on joints and muscles while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout.

Hot tubs are renowned for their capacity to boost sleep quality and lower stress levels in adults and kids alike. With proper maintenance, safety precautions, and supervision when necessary, hot tubs can be a wonderful asset for any family looking to enjoy some quality time together.

So a hot tub can be a great way for family members to connect.

Can Hot Tubs Cause Ear Infections?

Hot tubs can be a great way to relax and unwind, but they can also be a source of danger.

One of the potential risks associated with hot tubs is an ear infection. Full body immersion in hot tub water can cause bacteria to enter the ear canal, leading to an infection.

The most common type of ear infection caused by hot tubs is swimmer’s ear, which is an inflammation of the outer ear canal caused by bacterial infection.

This type of infection is usually caused by water that has been contaminated with bacteria from bodily functions such as sweat or urine. The warm temperature of the water in a hot tub can also increase the risk of developing swimmer’s ear.

In order to reduce your risk of developing an ear infection from a hot tub, it’s important to take certain precautions.

Make sure that you shower before entering the hot tub and avoid submerging your head completely in the water. It’s also important to keep your ears dry after exiting the hot tub and use a towel or cotton swabs to remove any excess water from your ears.

Additionally, it’s important to keep your hot tub clean and free from bacteria by regularly changing out the water and cleaning it with chlorine or other disinfectants.

If you do develop an ear infection after using a hot tub, it’s important to seek medical attention right away as this type of infection can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.

Overall, while there are some risks associated with using a hot tub, these risks can be minimized by taking certain precautions such as showering before entering the hot tub and keeping your ears dry afterward.

If you do develop an ear infection after using a hot tub, make sure to seek medical attention right away for proper treatment and care.

Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/swimmers-ear

Are Hot Tub Suction Drains a Danger for Children?

In short, out of all the potential dangers in a hot tub, suction drains are low on the list of risks. But they can still pose a danger.

Hot tub suction drains are typically located at the bottom of the spa. These suction drains can create a powerful suction force that can trap small objects, such as toys, and even people. This is especially true for children who may not be aware of the danger posed by these drains.

Long hair can also become trapped in these drains, leading to serious injury or even drowning if not addressed quickly.

Typically your hot tub will have a wire mesh filter or cover over the suction drains. But if yours is damaged or missing, it’s crucial that you order a replacement.

This will help prevent objects from becoming trapped in the drain and reduce the risk of injury or drowning. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on children when they’re in or near a hot tub so you can intervene if necessary.

Finally, it’s important to educate children about the dangers posed by hot tub suction drains so they know what to look out for and how to stay safe when using a hot tub.

Make sure they understand that long hair should be tied back and away from the drain and that toys that don’t float should never be taken into the hot tub with them.

Conclusion

Ultimately, hot tubs can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family if safety precautions are taken.

However, it is important to remember that safety should always come first when considering are hot tubs safe for kids. Following basic safety rules such as setting maximum temperature limits, installing drain covers or jump seats in the spa, and keeping young children out of reach will help ensure your child’s health and well-being while using a hot tub.

Discover how to keep your kids safe in the hot tub and get expert tips on family travel, parenting, and relationship advice. Make sure you have all the information you need for a successful and enjoyable experience with your loved ones!

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, keeping a clean filter, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.


Sources:

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/hot-tub-user-information.html

Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/art-20044936?pg=2 and https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20044438

Consumer Products Safety Commission – https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/210.pdf

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance – https://www.phta.org/safety/public-safety/hot-tub-safety/


While I am a father of 3 and have owned 4 hot tubs and let all of my kids use our hot tubs responsibly since 2008, I am not a medical professional. As such, my article, despite being well-intentioned and well-researched, should not be construed as medical advice. If you need medical advice, always consult your doctor or a medical professional in your area.


Kids in Hot Tub by Michael Korcuska is licensed under CC2.0 and was cropped, edited, and had a text overlay added.

Jeff Campbell