Sauna Bath

Hot tubs are large manufactured basins or small pools of heated water used for massage, hydrotherapy, soaking, and relaxation. Most hot tubs have jets for massage. Usually, hot tubs are placed outside on decks, with shelter for protection from the elements and privacy.

There are two different types of hot tubs. Wooden soaking tubs and one-piece plastic tubs, which are usually referred to as spas. Hot tubs are heated using an electric or a natural gas heater, however they can also be heated using solar hot water systems and submersible wood-fired heaters. Hot tubs are also found at natural hot springs. If one is found there, the water may be dangerously hot and must be mixed with cool water for safe soaking.

Sanitization of the water is important in hot tubs. Many organisms live in warm, wet environments, so maintaining hot tubs water chemistry is necessary for proper sanitization and preventing damage to the hot tub.

The top 25 manufacturers of hot tubs of the 130 or so in North America each produce an excess of 10,000 spas yearly. Often, hot tubs are confused with Jacuzzis. There is no difference as both have jets for massage or relaxation purposes. Jacuzzi is a brand name of hot tubs. In a colloquial sense, a hot tub is without jets, while a Jacuzzi is with jets. In this sense, a hot tub is any tub or basin that is full of hot water. However, in the industry, a Jacuzzi and a hot tub are the same, and the definitions are moot.

A home spa has many benefits. The soothing hot water relaxes sore muscles after extraneous exercise, eases tension which can result in high blood pressure, ulcers, heart disease, and other stress related problems, it can be beneficial to people suffering from bursitis, arthritis, and other joint, bone or muscle ailments, increases blood flow through arteries and veins, and for relaxation exercises and mediation techniques.

Generally, hot tubs only produce positive results, unless you use them for which they are not intended. If you set the temperature too high on the hot tub, you risk heat exhaustion and brain damage. Children and pregnant women should not enter a hot tub for health reasons. Children who do are at risk for brain damage, and there have been thousands of accidental drownings in hot tubs. Pregnant women are advised against soaking in hot tubs. The hot water can damage the foetus and could result in miscarriage.

Heat from the hot tub accelerates the effects of alcohol, so consuming alcoholic beverages is strongly discouraged.

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