When Is It Safe for My Grandchildren to Use a Hot Tub or Spa?
When Is It Safe for My Grandchildren to Use a Hot Tub or Spa?You’ve probably heard that small children should not use hot tubs or spas because they are less able than adults to dissipate the heat. If you have a hot tub or spa or are visiting a resort with such facilities, you may be wondering whether it is safe to allow your grandchildren to get in.Answer: The best answer is to follow the advice of your grandchildren’s doctor. Neither the American Association of Pediatrics nor the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued specific guidelines for hot tub or spa use by children. Here are some general guidelines, but consult a doctor for specific information: • 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 temperature has been carefully checked. • Most hot tubs are preset to reach 104 degrees, but 102 is a safer setting. • Recommendations for time limits for childr