What Not to Put in a Hot Tub? 10 Things to Avoid (Unless You Want a Bad Time)

So, you’ve got a hot tub. Congrats! It’s your personal relaxation zone, your backyard oasis. But before you dive in (metaphorically, of course), let’s talk about what not to put in it. Because trust us, some things just don’t belong. If you’re considering buying a new hot tub, you can browse a wide selection of hot tubs at Epic Hot Tubs.

Alcohol

Don’t Overdo the Drinks:

We get it, a cold adult beverage in warm waters sounds amazing. A couple of drinks? Totally fine. Turning your hot tub into a tequila bar? Not so much. Overdoing it with alcohol in a hot tub can lead to dehydration, dizziness, fainting, and generally poor decision-making. The biggest risk here? Passing out. In hot tub water. Not good. The combination of alcohol and the hot water can cause a dangerous blood pressure drop.

• Have only a drink or two.
• Keep a cooler on hand with some non-alcoholic beverages you can switch to.
• Hydrate with a cup of water between alcoholic drinks.

Diving

No Diving in Shallow Water:

Most hot tubs are not deep enough for diving. This should be self-explanatory, but apparently, it needs to be said. Broken necks are not a fun souvenir from a hot tub party. Stick to relaxing, not recreating the high dive. This is a crucial safety rule.

• Enter and exit the hot tub slowly and carefully using the steps or handrails.
• Use the hot tub for relaxation and gentle movement, not strenuous activity.

Bath Products

Avoid Soaps and Bath Products:

Soap, shampoo, bubble bath, body lotion, body oils – these are all big no-nos. They can wreak havoc on your hot tub’s Water Chemistry, creating a foamy mess that’s a pain to clean up and potentially causing costly damages to the equipment. Plus, nobody wants to soak in someone else’s bathwater (even if it’s their own). Keep the bubbles in the tub (your regular bathtub, that is). This also keeps the hot tub water clean.

• Shower before entering the hot tub to remove lotions, oils, and other products.
• Use hot tub-specific, quality chemicals if needed. For more information on maintaining balanced water chemistry, visit this guide on what chemicals do I need for a hot tub.

Extreme Heat

Don’t Overheat Yourself:

While a hot tub is great for relaxing sore muscles, spending plenty of time at dangerous heat levels is not a good idea. And while 104°F (40°C) might sound appealing, 100°F (38°C) is just as relaxing and much safer for longer soaks. Overheating can lead to dizziness, nausea, heat stroke, and other unpleasantness. The warmer the water temperature, the shorter your soak should be. Think of it as a quick dip, not a permanent residence. This is a very important hot tub safety tip.

• Start with shorter soaks of 15-20 minutes and gradually increase the time as you feel comfortable.
• Keep the water temperature between 100°F (38°C) and 102°F (39°C) for most soaks.
• Drink plenty of cold water to stay hydrated.

Medications

Check with Your Doctor About Medications:

This isn’t about judging your lifestyle choices; it’s about staying safe. Certain medications can interact negatively with the heat of a hot tub. These include:

• Diuretics: These medications increase urination, which can lead to dehydration in a hot tub.
• Antihypertensives (blood pressure medication): The heat can enhance the effects of these medications, causing a sudden blood pressure drop, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Tranquilizers and Antihistamines: These can increase drowsiness and sedation, making you more susceptible to fainting or falling asleep in the hot tub—again, a major drowning risk.
• Insulin: Heat can affect insulin absorption, potentially leading to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar.

Mixing these with alcohol (see #1) is a double whammy. The biggest risk here is loss of consciousness, which, in water, can be fatal. It’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any medications and are unsure about hot tub use. This is a crucial safety rule.

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any medications and are unsure about hot tub use.

Electricity

Keep Electrical Devices Away:

This should be obvious, but we’ll say it anyway: don’t bring electrical appliances (hair dryers, radios, toasters – yes, toasters) near or into the hot tub. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Leave the electronics inside. This is a significant safety hazard.

• Keep all electrical devices away from the hot tub area.
• Ensure that your hot tub is properly grounded and installed by a qualified electrician.

Glass

No Glass Near the Hot Tub:

Glass and hot tubs are a terrible combination. If a glass cup breaks, you’ll have tiny shards scattered throughout the tub, making it unusable and potentially dangerous. Stick to plastic or shatterproof containers for drinks. Nobody wants a foot full of glass during their relaxation time.

• Use plastic, acrylic, or other shatterproof drinkware around the hot tub.
• If glass breaks, immediately turn off the hot tub and carefully remove all visible shards. For smaller pieces, a pool skimmer can be effective. For more advanced setups, a pool vacuum with a cloth filter can help capture even the tiniest fragments. Drain and thoroughly rinse the hot tub before refilling with fresh water.

Pets

Don’t Let Pets in the Hot Tub:

While your furry friend might give you the puppy-dog eyes, hot tubs are not designed for pets. Their fur can clog filters, and they may ingest chemicals or overheat. Plus, let’s be honest, most pets probably wouldn’t enjoy it anyway. Leave them out of the tub and give them some extra pets instead.

• Keep pets away from the hot tub area.
• Use a secure spa cover to prevent accidental or unsupervised pet swims. Consider providing a shallow, hard plastic paddling pool filled with cold water nearby for your dog to enjoy on hot days. You can find high-quality hot tub covers at Epic Hot Tubs.

Unsupervised Kids

Always Supervise Children:

Children should always be supervised by an adult in or around a hot tub. The high water temperature can be dangerous for them, and they may not understand the safety rules. Plus, unsupervised kids in a hot tub can quickly turn into a splashy, noisy mess. Keep a close eye on them to ensure everyone stays safe and relaxed.

• Always supervise children closely when they are in or around a hot tub.
• Set clear safety guidelines and rules for children regarding hot tub use.

Worries

Leave Your Worries Behind:

While not a physical object, bringing your stress and worries into the hot tub defeats the whole purpose. Try to leave your troubles at the door (or at least on the deck). Focus on relaxing, enjoying the warm waters, and letting your cares melt away. This is your quality time to unwind, so make the most of it!

• Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques before entering the hot tub.
• Listen to relaxing music or enjoy the quiet.
• Focus on the sensations of the warm waters and the massage from the jets.

The Final Dive

If you experience issues with your hot tub water, you can learn about hot tub water testing or consider a hot tub water care service. For any hot tub repairs, you can find more information here. If you are considering hot tub financing, Epic Hot Tubs has options available. You can also find a range of spa chemicals.

We hope this guide has provided you with helpful tips on what not to put in your hot tub. Remember, a little common sense goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable soak. If you’re in the Raleigh area and ever need assistance with your hot tub, from water testing to repairs, the team at Epic Hot Tubs is here for you. We’re proud to serve our local community and help hot tub owners get the most out of their spas.

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About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.