In the colder months, many people close up their swimming pools. That doesn’t mean all the water fun has to come to an end. Hot tubs and Jacuzzis are a great way to relax without diving into frigid water. This guide to avoiding hot tub accidents offers some great tips on avoiding slips and falls.

DIY Guide to Avoiding Hot Tub Accidents

First and foremost, let’s talk about slipping. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slipping on wet floors is one of the most common household hazards.

A nice hot soak can leave you a bit disoriented when you step out into the cool air. This is when a dangerous fall can occur. This is why it is also important to be responsible when it comes to alcohol and water safety.

Not only that, more than 40 people die by drowning every hour across the world. Oftentimes, they end up in the water as a result of slipping on wet floors.

Lighting Can Save the Day

We’ve written about lighting for the holidays in the past, but the fact is that properly installed lighting can be a life safer. It’s easy to stumble and fall on the way from the hot tub to your home, or vice versa. Instead, it’s always better to have the path properly lit.

Dry Off Before Walking on Wet Surfaces 

Now that you’ve handled your lighting situation, the next logical step is taking care of yourself. To this end, it’s important to dry off yourself and the floor in order to prevent slipping. The goal is to eliminate excess water. Certain surfaces, like tiles, can become extremely slick once wet.

Before you head out to the hot tub, be sure to bring some extra towels. These can help to dry the wet floor before any potentially hazardous foot traffic starts!

Additionally, don’t forget the value of footwear. Water shoes, or even flip flops can provide a bit of extra traction on wet surfaces. Plus, they’re easy to slip on and off. It’s an easy way to avoid a potential falling hazard. You can read all about the benefits of swim shoes in our dedicated blog post.

Always Hold Onto the Railing

As one last common-sense fall prevention note, be sure to always use the safety rails when entering and exiting the hot tub. No matter how sure-footed you may think you are, all it takes is a momentary slip to spell disaster.

While stepping onto the edge of the seat or step of the hot tub as you exit, your foot can slip or stumble. Installing a handrail is especially helpful for the elderly, children and anyone with special needs. 

Slime and Bacteria

When it comes to avoiding hot tub accidents, don’t underestimate the role that bacteria and slime can play. After all, hot water can be a breeding ground for infections. While you’re enjoying a relaxing soak, your body can be exposed to a wide assortment of harmful waterborne infections and diseases, including E. Coli and more.

Beyond this, water that isn’t properly maintained can begin to develop algae. Aside from looking gross, this slick slime can easily lead to slipping and falling. To make matters worse, certain slippery films and slimes can seem to be invisible to the naked eye. This is a safety hazard that should absolutely be taken seriously.

To prevent this, it is extremely important to keep your pools and hot tubs clean. This includes regular skimming and filtering, but also means carefully balancing the chemicals and pH level of the water on a regular basis.