USE OF HOT TUBS

Hello. Just a quick question. I have lived here since 2002. Recently, I have noticed a high volume of children under the age of 12 in the hot tubs, playing with floats, etc. Many of these children are not even kindergarten age! I thought the hot tub was for adult use only. I am not speaking of teenage children.....these are little kids, and they are using it as a kiddie pool.

I'm honestly not aware whether the spa's are for adults only.

What gave you that impression?

Sign at the main pool states no one under the age of 14 can use pool or spa unless accompanied by an adult. Sign at the stand alone spa states that no one under age of 14 can use the spa unless supervised by an adult. All of the complexes I have either lived in or have visited do not allow children under the age of 14 to use the spas without supervision. Many have separate kiddie pools that require adult supervision. It's my opinion that spas are not kiddie pools even when supervised by an adult. I use the spa for relaxation and spa therapy and believe its use should be for adults only or anyone over the age of 14. This may be a sore subject with parents thinking there is nothing wrong of having their kids use the spas as kiddie pools.

If you talk to pediatrician you are likely to hear that infants and toddlers should not use a hot tub at all due to the risk of overheating or dehydration. Older children can be allowed in for short periods of time if the water temperature is 102deg or below. Lower body mass of a child (therefore lower thermall mass) simply does not allow them to controll their body temperature well enough. So from health point there should be a limit. And as a parent I think of a hot spa as a relaxing or maybe even a romantic place rather than a playground. But I do not think we need another sign saying hot tubs are for persons older than 14 - common sense should do fine.

pfastenko wrote:If you talk to pediatrician you are likely to hear that infants and toddlers should not use a hot tub at all due to the risk of overheating or dehydration. Older children can be allowed in for short periods of time if the water temperature is 102deg or below. Lower body mass of a child (therefore lower thermall mass) simply does not allow them to controll their body temperature well enough. So from health point there should be a limit. And as a parent I think of a hot spa as a relaxing or maybe even a romantic place rather than a playground. But I do not think we need another sign saying hot tubs are for persons older than 14 - common sense should do fine.

thanks for the info!