What are the Pros and Cons of Hot Tub Ownership?

 

For thousands of years hot tubs have been used for recreation purposes. However, before you dip your toes in, (does that qualify as a “dad joke?”) you should know the pros and cons of owning one. And note, everyone is different. So, let’s explore the Pros and Cons of Hot Tub Ownership.

Pros

Soak Away Your Stress

Traditionally, warm water has been used as a relaxant to relieve stress and to unwind after a long day at work. In fact, if you don’t have access to a hot tub, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that you relax in a hot tub – or even in a simple hot tub – to relieve anxiety and get a better, deeper sleep. Researchers at the National Center for Aquatic and Sports Medicine at Washington State University believe that this is due to the fact that immersion in warm water helps stabilize subsystems of the autonomic nervous system.

Reduced Pain and Inflammation

The warmth of the water and buoyancy in a hot tub have several benefits for people with multiple injuries and conditions, including back pain and arthritis. For example, the Arthritis Foundation says that heat helps reduce inflammation and swelling by improving circulation, while water helps reduce gravitational pressure on aching limbs and joints.

Year-Round Use

Unlike swimming pools, which are generally not used during the winter months, a hot tub can be used all year round. There is nothing more relaxing than lying in a hot tub under the fresh air of a recent snowfall. Amidst the warm temperatures under a bright summer sky, hot tubs are still used in the summer. Due to its small size, a hot tub can be heated much more easily to be ready for use all year round.

Relaxation

Having a hot tub just steps away from the back door can add a relaxing element to your home. You can go home after work and let the tension of the day subside in a wet, bubbly outdoor bath. Hot tubs can have remarkable healing powers as hot water can help release tension and relax tense muscles. For family members with chronic illness or injury, they are a good option that responds well to heat. A hot tub is a great way to relax and unwind every day.

Entertainment

Your family will not only enjoy a hot tub, but also your friends and neighbors. It is a perfect way to enjoy your outdoor living space by installing a hot tub that is large enough for a handful of people. For a party you need to have a barbecue and then invite everyone to get changed and dive under the stars. Children have fun with hot tubs, I know mine certainly treat it as if it is a swimming pool! We have inflatables, the lot! Lots of fun for sure!

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Better Recovery from Sport-related Injuries and Muscle Problems

Soaking in a hot tub after exercise helps to relax the muscle tissue in case of muscle ache or tension. Cleanse tense muscles while sitting in the hot tub for better performance. A hot tub will also help you when you recover from a sports injury. Immersion in hot water promotes healing, which begins three to four days after the first injury. It can help reduce muscle crumps, improve circulation and ease pain.

 

Cons

Increased Risk of Heat Stress

An article published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2009 analyzed data from 80,000 hot tub accidents between 1990 and 2007 and concluded that 10 percent of hot tub-related health problems and deaths were due to excessive heat exposure. Test the temperature scale before entering a hot tub.

Never enter the room if the temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the temperature, you should get out if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or uncomfortable. Each person reacts differently to heat, so acceptable times of use of the hot tub may vary from person to person. In general, however, infants, pregnant women and people who have been drinking alcohol should avoid hot tubs or limit their exposure to a few minutes at a time.

Maintenance Cost

The initial cost of a hot tub will leave some buyers shocked at the stickers. Brand new hot tubs easily cost thousands of dollars depending on size and equipment. Buying used products can save you money, but you may run into problems that are not covered by a warranty. Other costs to keep an eye on are the daily amounts of chemicals needed to clean the water and the energy required to keep the water at a high temperature. Owning a hot tub certainly involves costs that must be weighed before purchasing.

As I’ve explained in this blog many times, building your own DIY Hot Tub is nowhere near as expensive as some people think.

Potential Problems for the Circulatory System

Hot tubs stimulate the circulation. While this may be helpful for some people, it carries risks for people with pre-existing health problems with the circulatory system. The American Heart Association recommends that you do not use hot tubs if your doctor has advised you to stop exercising because both have similar effects on your circulation. Similarly, people with blood pressure problems should not fall into a cold pool after relaxing in a hot tub, or vice versa. This will increase your blood pressure.

Attract Insects

Some naughty creatures may come with maintenance, which can make your outdoor area less entertaining. Installing some kind of sprinkler system will make the environment more attractive for backyard inhabitants, such as mosquitoes. In a hot tub facility, rodents like mice can find a new home, which may be more of a nuisance to deal with. While this is not a problem and can be avoided by using repellent plants in your environment and applying gel and repellent inserts to your facility – creating a comfortable area in any garden usually ensures that you get rid of unwanted insects or rodents.

I’ve had my share of “visitors” living close to fields. Not a huge issue as long as you don’t mind removing the off out of the control room now and then.

Potential Infection Risks

Badly maintained hot tubs are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Never use a hot tub if you have an open wound, and never let any more fizzy water enter your eyes or mouth. If you notice strong odors when leaving the pool, you should not go into the water either, because a well maintained hot tub should be odorless.

Final Thoughts

Hot tubs are a perfect addition to any home and can be a good selling point unless you decide to take your hot tub with you when you move. Taking a bath in a hot tub is a great way to feel better physically and have a relaxation room that you can use all year round. Be sure to consider the total weight of the hot tub and maintenance costs. Before adding a hot tub to your outdoor living area plan for these pros and cons.

Can I Help You?

If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch using the form below.

Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Today, I've helped over 1000 DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi