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Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Dangerous? (Only if you . . . )

Inflatable hot tubs are much more convenient than regular hot tubs, considering the low price tag, and how easy they are to move. But given how relatively flimsy they are compared to regular hot tubs, are inflatable hot tubs dangerous?

No. Inflatable hot tubs are no more dangerous than other types of hot tubs. With improper care or caution, as with regular hot tubs, potential hazards can include slipping, dehydration, and hot tub rashes from improperly sanitized water.

Of course, those aren’t the only safety concerns with hot tubs. And there are a few things that make inflatable hot tubs potentially more dangerous. Keep on reading to find out everything about inflatable hot tubs.

Just keep reading to know it all. 

How safe are inflatable hot tubs?

Like regular hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs can be dangerous as they cause severe heat-related illnesses.

The owner has the responsibility for regular maintenance and security around the hot tubs. There is always a chance someone slips and hurts themselves while getting in or out of the hot tub. If the area around the hot tub is wet, there is a greater chance for this occurrence.

Injury getting in or out

Unlike more permanent hot tubs, inflatable hot tubs get placed in a variety of places, from driveways to patios, and even on the grass in the yard. As a result, the surrounding areas aren’t always designed with safety in mind when getting in or out of the hot tub.

The walls of an inflatable hot tub aren’t really designed to support your weight like the side of a regular hot tub. They aren’t flimsy, but it would be easy to roll off the side in or out of the hot tub.

So make sure that you have a convenient and safe way to get in and out of the hot tub. This will ensure you don’t fall while getting in and out.

Purchasing nonslip steps is an even better option if you are nervous about falling. I got these plastic steps on Amazon that were dirt cheap and work great! Well over 1,000 near 5-star reviews don’t lie!

Just click that link to see the current price on Amazon.

Safe temps and soak time

There is always the risk of being burned from a hot tub, even an inflatable one. The maximum temperature an inflatable hot tub can reach is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the industry standard, and anything past this will most certainly cause a burn or injury.

Try spending a maximum amount of time, around twenty to twenty-five minutes, in your hot tub at one time.

Of course, different people like different temperatures. And the lower the temp, the longer you can safely soak. Check out my recent article for exact safe soak times at a variety of temperatures.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Hot tub rash

Another possible health risk is a hot tub rash that causes inflammation of your hair follicles.

It causes a red, itchy rash and blisters to form on your skin. This is caused by a bacteria that is in the hot tub water. If you have the rash, it will go away on its own, but avoid going in a hot tub while you have it. This will only aggravate it.

However, overall these are all common health risks that you can get in both a normal or inflatable hot tub. Don’t let these dissuade you from getting the relaxation you deserve!

Can an inflatable hot tub give you an electric shock?

Yes, just like a regular hot tub, an inflatable hot tub could give you an electric shock. However, that’s extremely unlikely and something would have to be seriously wrong.

Inflatable hot tubs don’t get hard-wired as many portable hot tubs do. Instead, they get plugged into an electrical outlet. So always make sure the cord is in perfect condition. Don’t use an extension cord, and make sure the outlet is grounded and has a GFCI breaker in it.

Additionally, if you are in a hot tub during a lightning storm (CAUTION: NEVER DO THAT), then lightning could potentially zap your hot tub, and you inside it.

Ultimately, whether or not an inflatable hot tub is a good move is one of the top 23 things you must know before you buy your first hot tub. If you’re still in that research phase, whether you’ve decided on an inflatable hot tub or not, you must check out my recent article.

I get into everything you need to know including the best time of year to buy, and how to save a boatload. Just click that link to read it on my site.

Are our inflatable hot tubs secure for kids and pets?

While inflatable hot tubs are secure, there is still some information you must know.

First, every inflatable hot tub manufacturer recommends that no child under five years old should go in a hot tub. Inflatable hot tubs can be dangerous for young children because their skin is sensitive and they can also overheat very quickly.

That being said, I set mine to 98° F year-round, and my toddler and I enjoy soaking regularly together.

Overheating of the hot tub can lead to other pressing issues such as dizziness, fainting, vomiting, or even heat stroke.

For children over five, here are some basic rules to ensure they are safe.

  • First, if the child cannot stand above water on their own, or are not tall enough, then a life vest or water wings are recommended
  • Second, they should always get in the hot tub with adult supervision only.
  • Third, up until age eleven, children should only stay a maximum of five minutes in a hot tub if it’s set to 104° F
  • Fourth, children must not play with the water filter.
  • And finally, no swimming during a thunderstorm (this goes for everyone)

Following these rules will help keep your children safe, but always remember to watch them.

For pets, the biggest issue is with their claws tearing the walls of the hot tub. In most cases, pets will avoid actually getting into the water. But always keep it covered when not in use.

For pet claws, the best scenario is to simply make sure they can’t get to it. Obviously that’s easier with cats than dogs.

If you are wondering if you can place your inflatable hot tub on a deck, read this recent article.

How hot do inflatable hot tubs get?

Most of the inflatable hot tubs are designed to function correctly in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, the maximum temperature of a hot tub, inflatable or not, is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is based on a recommendation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Anything past this temperature is dangerous and can cause harm.

That being said, inflatable hot tubs will almost never reach 104° F in winter. That’s even truer in places that drop below 40° F consistently during winter. In those cases, you’ll be lucky if your inflatable hot tub reaches 98° F.

If you want to use your inflatable hot tub during the winters, consider sheltering it from the weather. A garage makes a great location for winter. Just open the garage door to let the cool breeze in, but the hot tub will maintain temperature much better.

If you’re still on the fence about inflatable hot tubs and aren’t sure if you want to buy one, read this recent article. I get into all the pros and cons and break down the best ones on the market.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

What is the best (and safest) inflatable hot tub?

One of the best and safest hot tubs is the Intex PureSpa Plus 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub Spa with Bubble Jets and Built-in Heater Pump.

This hot tub comes with 170 water jets!

Besides, it has an in-built hard water treatment system that makes the water gentler on your skin. It also boasts a quick set up time of twenty minutes, meaning you can get in the water quicker!

The hot tub also fits up to six people at a time.

Finally, the hot tub comes with an insulated cover, a heater, multicolored LED lights, two filter cartridges, two headrests, a thermal ground cloth, an inflation hose, a carry bag, and a floating chlorine dispenser.

The bottom line is that it’s incredibly safe! The hot tub can support and cushion people’s body weight. Of course, always be careful not to run while nearby the hot tub. The surface area near the hot tub can be wet.

Final Thoughts

Like regular hot tubs, there are some possible health hazards with using an inflatable hot tub.

There is always a chance someone slips and hurts themselves while getting in or out of the hot tub. Additionally, you could get burned from the hot tub if you make the temperature too hot. Besides, inflatable hot tubs are dangerous as there is also the possibility of passing out from the heat.

There are chances of getting shocked, but don’t let that scare you off. This can happen mainly because of poor wiring, which is rare in a case for an inflatable hot tub.

While inflatable and standard hot tubs do pose certain health risks, they are worth the relaxation and good memories made. They are perfect for children, but any child under five should not be allowed in a hot tub. 


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Respite from Regularity by Vanity Mirror is licensed under Cc2.0

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Jeff Campbell