Are Hot Tubs Dangerous?

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By Wyatt Fleming

Many people love to enjoy a nice soak in the hot tub. Hot tubs are such a popular thing that many hotels have them installed so that guests can relax during their stay. There is concern, though, because some risks have come up about the use of hot tubs. So, is there a better alternative? Or are hot tubs not really that dangerous?

Benefits


Hot tubs, sometimes called Jacuzzis, are a common tool used to help beat stress and relax. The warm, bubbly water helps to massage muscles and take tension right out. In addition, a soak in the hot tub will help to increase blood flow and stimulate the body to release tension in the joints and muscles. It can also help to reduce inflammation. There is no doubt that soaking in a hot tub can be a great way to wind down after a stressful way.

Risks


As mentioned, though, a soak in the hot tub does not come without risks. The high temperatures of the water in a hot tub can lead to health risks. There are certain groups of people who should especially beware about using a hot tub. In fact, everyone, no matter what your health status, needs to be careful when using a hot tub.

Due to the fact that soaking in a hot tub can increase blood flow, open veins and raise blood pressure. People who have low or high blood pressure should avoid hot tubs altogether because the risk of passing out is too high. It can be very dangerous and even pose a drowning risk.

a jacuzzi is an effective way to treat many stress-related conditions. Image source: saunabanyaspa.blogspot.com
a jacuzzi is an effective way to treat many stress-related conditions. Image source: saunabanyaspa.blogspot.com

Hot tubs have also proven to be a risk for those with kidney problems, pregnant women and anyone with any heart related condition. This is also due to the high temps and the effect that it has upon the body and blood flow.

Prolonged use of a hot tub has been linked to problems with fainting, miscarriages and infertility. So, everyone is at risk with prolonged use. Some people have to just avoid a hot tub completely and everyone else needs to use it with care because the dilated blood vessels and high temperatures can be risky for even the healthiest person.

Alternatives


Since relaxation is usually the main reason that people use a hot tub, a nice alternative for people with health conditions or who simply do not like the risk of hot tubs is a shiatsu massage chair. Using a massage chair lets you get that relaxation that you seek out when you soak in a hot tub. A massage chair will relieve tension and make your whole body feel good.

There are many different massage chair options. You can actually find a massage chair in almost every budget range. Shiatsu massage chairs offer a deep tissue massage that really gets into your muscles and gets tension out. You also have the option of chairs that not only massage but also provide heat, so you can get those two aspects that are the same as a hot tub.

Massage chairs are a much better options than a hot tub for many people when it comes to trying to find a way to relax and get rid of stress. You will be just as relaxed when you get out of the massage chair as you would when you get out of the hot tub.

So, to answer the questions from earlier. Hot tubs are risky for many people and there is a better alternative. You can choose a massage chair that will give you the same benefits without the risk.

Comments

Amy Appleton 2 years ago

There are many more benefits than risks. This article seems pretty biased. Didn't even mention hydrotherapy.

Wyatt Fleming profile image

Wyatt Fleming Hub Author 2 years ago

You're right, this article does read a bit biased... while that was not my intention, I will admit that I own both a jacuzzi and a massage chair, and in my opinion the massage chair is better (even though I love both, and relaxing in the jacuzzi is one of my favorite ways to spend a cool fall evening!)... but you are correct of course, that is just my opinion. :)

I did not mention hydrotherapy because I have never tried it, and I therefore have no personal experience to draw upon... though I hear that hydrotherapy is quite lovely and effective! Perhaps you should write a hub on your experiences with hydrotherapy, Amy, and then post the link here so I can read it! :D

jgw899 profile image

jgw899 2 years ago

You gotta be careful when using a hot tub. Here http://hubpages.com/hub/Choosehottubsdirect-Recomm is an article regarding hot tub safety.

Casey Ollson 22 months ago

Hot tubs are only dangerous if you aren't careful, like anything. Do not stay in a hot tub for more than 20minutes at a time if you are not experienced with them. Wyatt, nevertheless your hub is informative.

Wyatt Fleming profile image

Wyatt Fleming Hub Author 22 months ago

True, Casey. Everything in moderation, right? Thanks for commenting and for providing a counterpoint :)

Karen Reader 21 months ago

I only go in for 15mins a night, and I ever have any problems. It actually relieves my stress and improves my health.

Kath Evans 21 months ago

I was taking my cozzy to my sons tommorro amd one of my friends who is 80 said they can be dangerous I just thought it was funny, and thought she had gone funny, withher age so I will only stop in 20 mins, been in it before and lived to tell the tale, soif I survive after saturday, I will let you know. Kath evans or A,K, AS MY NEICE CALLS ME

Wyatt Fleming profile image

Wyatt Fleming Hub Author 20 months ago

Glad to hear your jacuzzi is working out so well for you, Karen!

And Kath - thank you for stopping by!

kubth profile image

kubth 20 months ago

Sound advice in places, if a little scaremongering in its delivery!

Wyatt Fleming profile image

Wyatt Fleming Hub Author 19 months ago

kubth -

Yes, the "scaremongering" issue has been brought up before, and unfortunately that was not my intention. I regret the tone my piece apparently comes off with. Though honestly, what better way to get people to pay attention to one's Hubs than to "scare" them?

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