Owning a hot tub can be a fun and rewarding experience for homeowners. When they have a large number of guests frequently, it may be a good idea to take some precautions and spell out some rules for guests. This is especially helpful for younger family members, such as teen-agers and their friends who might like to enjoy the hot tub as well. Coming up with safety rules that everyone can live with is an important part of being a hot tub owner and a good host.

Like all water-based amenities, it is important for parents to explain the rules of hot tubs and spas to their teens and make sure that the rules are followed. Some rules for teens might include:

  • Follow specific time limits.
  • No glass objects allowed in the spa.
  • Only X number of people can soak at a time.
  • Be careful when entering and exiting the water.
  • Shower before getting in and after getting out of spa.
  • Bathing suits only.

Some parents may be more comfortable using spa panels with controlled access. Since younger users may not understand the importance of a controlled water temperature, a lock on the spa panel might be a good idea. Another option is to disallow spa use unless there is an adult present. It is also important for teens to understand the use of hot tub chemicals and to remind them that they are in the water. Regardless of the rules set, teens and their guests should know how to turn off the machine in case of an emergency, and where to turn for help in case there is a problem.

By setting some safety guidelines, teens and their parents can all be assured that the hot tub is used responsibly and is a nice way to relax with friends.