According to this report, lockdown in the UK caused hot tub sales to rise by 1000%. People who were unable to go abroad on holiday spent more time in their gardens and took to their tubs instead.
If you were one of these new hot tub users, you probably had a good idea what you’d use yours for. But did it occur to you there are things you shouldn’t do in a hot tub?
Here are six things you shouldn’t do in a hot tub, to ensure you don’t cause damage to your tub, yourself or your family.
Don’t drink alcohol in your hot tub
I know, I know, one of the most common images when people think of hot tubs is of people sipping champagne or cocktails or enjoying a Prosecco party.
But alcohol and hot tubs really don’t mix.
We’ve all heard the stories of rock stars drowning in swimming pools, haven’t we? The same thing happens in hot tubs when alcohol is involved.
After all, it’s too easy to get carried away and drink too much, but the combination of alcohol and warm water causes an intense drowsiness which can end up with you slipping under the water and… well, you get the picture.
Save your rock star impersonations for your mirror and hair brush.
Don’t drink out of a glass
While I’m on the subject of drinking, although I’m well aware if you’re a drinker, you’re going to ignore the above advice and drink alcohol in your hot tub anyway, at least make sure your drinking vessel isn’t made of glass.
I know drinking out of plastic isn’t the height of sophistication but it’s a lot safer than glass as you really don’t want to risk bits of shattered glass in your hot tub. Not only will you cut your feet or other parts of your body but you’ll have a huge job making sure you clean your hot tub and get rid of every last bit of broken glass.
Don’t use bubble bath in a hot tub
Of course it’s tempting to think of your hot tub as a big bath but although they are made for relaxation, don’t take it too far and pour your favourite bubble bath into your tub.
Your tub really won’t like it and you’ll need to drain your hot tub, clean the filters and the tub and then refill it. Can you really be bothered to do that? Even if you could be bothered, don’t do it, as it’s a sure way to ruin your hot tub.
Speaking of filters though, if you’re still in the process of buying a hot tub, make sure you go to a reputable hot tub retailer who can advise you on filtration systems and ensure you have one that’s easy to access and maintain.
Don’t get into a hot tub before having a shower
Yes, this piece of advice sounds odd. Why would you have a shower before getting into a hot tub? Because, just as I said above, a hot tub isn’t a bath. All that body lotion, make-up and deodorant, etc., will clog up your filter, so have a quick shower before getting into your hot tub.
Don’t mess around in a hot tub
Blimey, I do sound like a killjoy, don’t I? Don’t drink, don’t use bubble bath, don’t mess around, how boring!
But messing around in a hot tub is really dangerous. It’s easy to slip in a hot tub if you start jumping around in one, especially if the floor is uneven. So leave the jumping and diving for the swimming pool.
Don’t sit in a hot tub in an electrical storm
We all know water and electricity don’t mix, so although it may seem dramatic, exciting and even romantic to sit outside in a storm, unless you want to be electrocuted – and I’m guessing you don’t – watch the storm from the safety of inside your house.
You may be thinking there’s not much left to do after all these things you shouldn’t do in a hot tub but that’s not the case. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your hot tub safely and I’m sure you can think of many.
