To break up the monotony of quarantine and reduce stress, you might consider taking a dip in a hot tub. But is it safe?
The good news is, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has said that the coronavirus can not survive in a spa. The chemicals found in most hot tubs make it impossible for the virus to survive in properly treated water. However, there are still a few safety precautions to take to avoid contracting COVID-19 from a spa.
Can COVID-19 be Spread in a Hot Tub?
According to the CDC, “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (i.e. chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” In other words, the chlorine and bromine found in most spas make it impossible for the virus to live, which makes hot tubs safe for use.
However, while you can’t contract the coronavirus from a spa, you can still get the disease by sharing the hot tub with someone who has the virus. The CDC has stated that COVID-19 is an airborne transmitted disease, meaning that infected persons can spread the disease by coughing, sneezing, or talking near another person. So, while the virus can’t live in chlorinated or brominated water, you can still catch COVID-19 by sharing a hot tub with an infected individual.
Safety Measures for Using a Spa
While most public facilities have been closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, private spa owners can still enjoy a dip in their spa. Following the safety measures listed below can help ensure you don’t contract or spread coronavirus in your spa.
- Maintain proper temperature. It’s important to keep your hot tub at the right temperature as bacteria can grow rapidly in hot water. The higher the temperature, the more chlorine you’re using, and the higher the chance the virus can survive on spa surfaces.
- Ensure water is properly sanitized. Spa water must be properly treated and sanitized to make sure the virus can’t survive. You’ll want to ensure that chlorine or bromine levels are between 3.0 and 3.5 to be safe.
- Practice social distancing. The state of Washington has banned both public and private gatherings. This does not apply to members of a single household or residential living unit. However, while using your spa, stay six feet away from people to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
How Aqua Rec is Keeping You Safe
There’s nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers. We want to ensure that you’re still able to find your perfect hot tub and have the resources available to keep you and your family safe during this crisis. Currently, all Aqua Rec products can be picked up at our Tacoma location or delivered for a small fee directly to your home.
Should you have any questions regarding coronavirus and your spa, contact us right away! We’re always happy to hear from you.