There is a growing trend for some companies supplying hot tubs to advertise that their products can be adjusted by owners to have a water temperature above the agreed industry maximum temperature of 40oC. While this may provide an attraction to their would-be clients it is potentially harmful which has resulted in the BISHTA message ‘Above 40 is Dangerous’.
BISHTA aim is to ‘promote safe hot tub standards’, and their concerns have been shared with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Public Health England (PHE) and with Trading Standards representatives to provide feedback, especially for customers who may be more sensitive to higher water temperatures.
Hot tubs usually are restricted to a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. It’s considered that this is the maximum safe temperature although it’s not recommended to use the hot tub at this highest temperature. Excessive heating can cause many challenges and in some extreme cases, lead to heat exhaustion or even heart attack.
It is also important to consider hot tub use whilst pregnant and be aware that it can take less than 10 minutes to raise your core temperature to a level where it is deemed to be unsafe for the developing child/fetus. Unlike a bath that cools during use, a hot tub will maintain its operating temperature. Additionally, it is essential to note that people with heart conditions and high blood pressure are also at a higher risk and as always, should seek professional advice before using a hot tub. One final consideration is that small children are less able to regulate body temperature and hot tub use should be minimised and temperature adjusted accordingly.
All of the key industry documents show that water temperature should be limited to 40oC, including the European standard for domestic spas and hot tubs (BS EN 17125).
The HSE has a publication for hot tubs in business settings, and this is referred to as HSG 282 and hot tubs are defined as having a typical water temperature range of between 30 – 40oC.
Medical evidence from America as far back as the 1970’s showed that water immersion was potentially risky above 40oC, and this has been backed up by other research in the UK since that time. BISHTA states that the maximum temperature should never be above 40oC, and customers may prefer lower temperatures for bather comfort.
BISHTA believes that customers should always be able to make an informed choice about the products they purchase and does not endorse or support any companies who seek to provide options that could be potentially dangerous.
Chris Hayes (BISHTA Managing Director) Commented “BISHTA expects its members not only to provide products that meet industry standards but also to abide by its Code of Ethics. Our advice to consumers is to always seek further information (in writing) from the company supplying the hot tub regarding the maximum controllable temperature”. The retailer is your first contact, do not be put off if they state that you should contact the manufacturer. Some retailers are incorrectly telling their customers to contact the manufacturer if there’s a problem. However, the Consumer Rights Act puts the responsibility squarely at the door of the retailer.
For more details about BISHTA and its members, please visit the trade association’s website where you will find impartial advice about lots of subjects relating to hot tubs.
