Product safety tips

Personal spas

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), drowning is the most significant hazard from spas and hot tubs. Since 1980, the CPSC has reported more than 700 deaths in spas and hot tubs. Roughly one-third of those cases involved children under the age of five.

Under normal operating conditions, pipes leading from a spa's drain or into the spa's pumps draw water from the pool creating suction. Pipes and pumps may be found on the floor or lower portion of the tub or basin. If an obstruction blocks the drain leading into this pipe, the amount of suction increases as the pump draws water past the obstruction. Hair entanglement and body entrapment can occur and result in drowning. To reduce this risk, spas that bear the UL Listing Mark are required to have two suction openings or drains for each pump, lessening the amount of suction at each opening. Suction fittings are tested by UL engineering staff to determine a person could pull away from the drain opening with less than five pounds of force.

Important safety instructions

• Never operate a spa if suction fittings are broken or missing.
• Spa heat can cause hyperthermia and unconsciousness. Keep the water temperature at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Immediately leave the spa if you become uncomfortable or sleepy.
• Never use a spa while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drug and alcohol use in conjunction with spa heat can cause unconsciousness.
• Know where the cutoff switch for your pump is so you can turn it off in an emergency.
• Attach a locked spa cover after each use.
• Never soak in a spa alone.
• Supervise children at all times.
• To prevent electrocution, never place any electric appliance within five feet of the spa.
• Pregnant women should consult their physicians before using spas.