Hot tubs and home spas generally look welcoming, not ominous. But without proper precautions, hot tubs can be potentially dangerous, with more than 800 hot tub-related deaths reported since 1990, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. What makes these deaths particularly lamentable is that virtually all were preventable. If you have a hot tub, take a few minutes to make sure that it is as safe as it can be.

 

As an adult, you're probably not worried about drowning in four feet of water. But for a small child, four feet might as well be the deep end of a swimming pool. To avoid tragic accidents, make sure that your hot tub has a lockable cover, and that the cover is always on when the hot tub isn't in use.

Your hot tub's drain(s) can be a hazard. The suction they create is capable of holding even a strong adult in place, which can be serious if that person's head is underwater when it happens.This was more of a hazard in older hot tubs, which had a single drain, often with a relatively flat cover. But even the drains in newer hot tubs can be dangerous if their covers are damaged or removed. To be safe, make sure your hot tub has dual drains (you can add a drain to older hot tubs) with safety covers that are properly installed and intact.

Soaking for too long in water over 110 degrees Fahrenheit can cause heat stroke. Since 1987, home spas have included temperature controls that prevent them from going above 104 degrees, but it's worth spending a few bucks on a spa thermometer to make sure the temperature control is functioning properly. 

Finally, make sure you use your head when you use your hot tub. Sitting too long in the hot tub--particularly if you are drinking alcohol--can lead to fainting, which obviously can lead to drowning. Hot tub drains, even if properly covered, can suck in hair and cause it to become entangled, so don't allow children to swim underwater in hot tubs. And young children should never be allowed around a hot tub without adult supervision.

 

http://www.cpsc.gov, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Whirlpools