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Why a Stand Alone Hot
Tub?
The first year we went to Florida I really wanted
a Jacuzzi to soak in after the long days in the parks.
We specifically asked people for this feature and
lots of people emailed us back with villas that had private pools and spa's.
Not knowing any better, we booked one.
When we got to the villa, there was definitely a
separate bit of the pool connected to the main pool with seats and pretty little waterfall into the main
pool. It even blew bubbles.
Thing is, it was the same temperature as the pool
- not a hot tub like I was expecting.
We complained to the management company that the
spa was broken, but it turns out it is supposed to be like that! Because of the
chemicals in the pool, any spa which is connected to the pool cannot be heated
above a certain temperature or it starts forming chlorine clouds or something
similar!!!!!!!
So - when you are looking through villa web
sites, look at the picture of the pool. If it is connected by a pretty
little waterfall, it will be at the same temperature as the main pool. If you
want something hotter, it has to be a separate pool or tub.
For our house we have bought a separate hot tub
which can be heated up a lot more and will do the job I wanted all those years
ago. Sitting up in a hot tub is a much better way to drink bubbly anyway
:-)
Because Hot Tubs cost less to heat to the higher
temperature (there is not as much water to heat) we even throw it in for free
for our guests to use. Please just put the lid on when you are finished to
keep the heat in and follow the simple rules:
Hot Tub Rules :
- Children should
never be left alone in the hot tub. Children are more susceptible
to overheating than adults. Parents should not let their children stay in
hot tubs for more than five minutes at a time. Toddlers and infants are
particularly susceptible to over-heating and should not be permitted in the
hot tub. Parental supervision is a “must” at all times. Most hot tub
accidents involving children occur when they are unsupervised, or while
their supervisors are momentarily distracted. If you are not using the hot
tub yourself please leave the lid on as this will keep the temperature up
and protect your children.
- Please do not tamper with the fixtures and
fittings of the hot tub. This includes the filters and adding any of
your own chemicals (like bubble bath!!!) If you have any problems what so
ever please call the management company. If we have to pay for the tub to be
cleaned out (and the pool because the bubble bath over flowed into the pool)
then we deduct this from your damage deposit.
- The water temperature in the hot tub should
never exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Temperatures between 37 & 40 degrees
Celsius are considered safe for healthy adults. Lower temperatures are
recommended for young children.
- Pregnant women should exercise caution and
consult their doctor before using the hot tub as temperatures. As a general
rule, pregnant women should not stay in a hot tub for longer than ten
minutes – or less if they start to feel uncomfortable. Excessive heat and
lengthy soaks should be avoided. Make sure to lower the temperature to below
38.9o C or 102o F. Have another adult around to help you in and out. If you
feel dizzy or faint or have a rapid pulse, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain
or tingling in the feet or hands, you should get out immediately - slowly!!
- Usually there is a rule that says "The use of
drugs, alcohol or medication before or during use of the hot tub is
forbidden." This is because excessive drinking during hot tub use can cause
drowsiness which could lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in
drowning. So you are not encouraged to get into the hot tub drunk but please
feel free to enjoy a PLASTIC glass of something sparking or a beer.
What's the point of a hot tub otherwise!!
- People with a history of Heart Disease, low
or high blood pressure, Diabetes or circulatory system problems should
consult their doctor before using the hot tub.
- If you have open wounds or other skin
problems please do not use the hot tub. I guess you know what your
condition can handle.
- Observe a reasonable time limit when using
your hot tub. Normally the recommendation is for about 20 minutes because
long exposures at higher temperatures can cause higher than normal body
temperature which may induce dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, fainting,
reduced awareness and an inability to exit the hot tub. Always exit the hot
tub slowly and carefully by the steps
- Do not allow diving or jumping into the hot
tub.
- Do not allow diving or jumping OFF the hot
tub into the pool - really folks, very dangerous.
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