Hot Tubs and Illness: Precautions to Take

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the possible beneficial uses of hot tubs when it comes to prevention and symptom treatment for certain common winter illnesses like the cold, flu or others. While using a hot tub can never be considered a cure or a medical treatment for any illness, the warmth and other elements of a given spa are often quite helpful as tangential benefits here – as long as you take the right precautions. At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we’re a proud licensed Bullfrog Spas dealer in Salt Lake City and around Utah, providing clients around the state with all their custom hot tub needs in one place (as well as quality swimming pool products). While part one of our series went over some common benefits of hot tubs in this area, today’s part two will run through some important precautions and considerations to keep in mind if using it for this purpose.

Maintaining Hygiene

If you’re using a hot tub while sick to help with symptoms, or if you’re simply using it during the winter when illness is more common, it’s extremely important to maintain proper hygiene. While the warm water of a spa can actually be beneficial for your immune system and may help fight off some illnesses, improper hygiene practices can quickly negate any positive effects. The two primary areas of hygiene to keep in mind when using a hot tub for illness symptoms and prevention:

1. Shower before use: Before entering the hot tub, it’s crucial to shower and wash off any bacteria or germs on your body. This is especially important if you’re already sick, as you don’t want to introduce any additional germs into the water that could potentially spread to others.
2. Cleaning the hot tub: Regularly cleaning and maintaining your hot tub is always important, but it’s especially crucial when using it for illness prevention or symptom treatment. This includes regularly sanitizing the water and surfaces of the spa, as well as keeping up with filter replacements.

Dehydration Concerns

While spending time in a hot tub can be relaxing and help soothe certain symptoms, it’s important to remember that the high temperatures can also lead to dehydration. This is because hot water causes the body to sweat more than usual, and sweating is one of the main ways our bodies lose water. To combat this, we recommend drinking plenty of fluids during and after using a hot tub – especially if you’re already sick and may be dehydrated. Additionally, limiting your time in the hot tub to 15-20 minutes can also help prevent dehydration.

Consulting with a Doctor

As mentioned, using a hot tub for illness prevention or treatment should never replace consulting with a medical professional. If you have any concerns about using a hot tub while sick, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first. They can advise you on whether or not it is safe for you to use a hot tub, as well as any precautions you should take based on your specific situation. While hot tubs can offer many potential benefits when it comes to preventing and treating certain winter illnesses, proper hygiene, dehydration concerns, and consulting with a doctor are critical for ensuring safety and effectiveness. At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we’re always happy to provide our clients with additional information and support when it comes to using their hot tubs for health purposes. Contact us today to learn more!