Hot Tub and High Blood Pressure: Navigating the Waters

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Hot tubs, known for their relaxation and therapeutic benefits, are popular around the world. However, for those living with high blood pressure, the question arises: How do hot tubs affect their condition? This article explores the impact of hot tub use on individuals with high blood pressure, offering insights and safety tips.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It’s a vital sign of health, with normal levels being crucial for the longevity and quality of life. High blood pressure, however, signifies that the heart is working harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels, which can be detrimental over time. Managing blood pressure is essential for preventing complications and maintaining overall health.

The Appeal of Hot Tubs

Hot tubs are sought after for their ability to provide relaxation, soothe muscle tension, and serve as a social hub for friends and family. The combination of hot water and jets makes for a relaxing experience, believed to also offer health benefits like improved sleep and reduced stress. But for those with high blood pressure, it’s important to understand how these warm waters affect their condition.

How Hot Tubs Affect Blood Pressure

Does Hot Tub Raise or Lower Blood Pressure?

Entering a hot tub causes the blood vessels to dilate, a process known as vasodilation, which can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure. The heart rate may increase as the heart works to pump blood through the expanded vascular system. For most people, this process is not harmful and contributes to the feeling of relaxation. However, the effect on those with high blood pressure can be more complex and requires a deeper look.

Is Hot Tub Good for High Blood Pressure?

For individuals with well-managed hypertension, using a hot tub might not pose significant risks and could potentially offer the general benefits of relaxation and stress reduction. However, the situation is different for those with uncontrolled or poorly managed high blood pressure. The sudden changes in heart rate and blood pressure caused by hot tub use can strain the cardiovascular system, presenting potential risks. If you have hypertension, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using a hot tub.

Risks and Considerations

The use of hot tubs by individuals with high blood pressure should come with caution. The risks include the potential for a sudden spike in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, and an increased heart rate. Symptoms like these should not be ignored, as they could indicate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Safety first: always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating hot tubs into your routine if you have hypertension.

Safe Practices for Hot Tub Use

For those cleared by their doctors to use hot tubs, certain precautions can help minimize risks:

  • Limit Soaking Time: Keep hot tub sessions short (no more than 10-15 minutes).
  • Monitor Water Temperature: Avoid excessively hot water; a temperature setting around 100°F (37.8°C) is considered safe.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after hot tub use to prevent dehydration.
  • Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration and blood pressure fluctuations.

Alternatives to Hot Tub Use

For relaxation and muscle relief without the potential risks associated with hot tubs, consider alternative methods such as gentle yoga, meditation, or warm (not hot) baths. These alternatives can provide stress relief and relaxation benefits without significantly affecting blood pressure.

While hot tubs offer numerous relaxation and health benefits, individuals with high blood pressure should proceed with caution. Understanding how hot tubs affect blood pressure is important for making informed decisions about their use. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that hot tub use is safe for your specific health condition, and follow recommended guidelines to enjoy the warm, soothing waters without compromising your health.

Hot Tubs at Toronto Pool Supplies

Toronto Pool Supplies has everything you need, from high-quality defoaming agents to water testing kits so that you can enjoy your hot tub again, free of foam.

Also, we are excited to announce that we are now an official dealer of SkyBlue Hot Tubs, the top hot tub brand in Canada! Explore the full range of hot tub models on our website, make your purchase online, and enjoy delivery anywhere in Canada—all from the comfort of your home.

How Often Should You Change Hot Tub Water?

How can you assess the purity of your hot tub water, and when should it be changed? Should you wait until the water becomes cloudy, green, or develops slippery formations, or is it better to follow a set maintenance schedule? Even if the water appears visually clean and transparent, does it still need to be drained? Our experts at Toronto Pool Supplies are here to answer these questions, providing professional guidance on every aspect of hot tub maintenance.

How Often Should You Change the Hot Tub Water?

With proper maintenance, it is recommended to change the water in your hot tub every 3 to 4 months. By this time, the water is saturated with invisible (at first) solid particles, minerals and other contaminants clogging the filter. This can cause the hot tub water to become cloudy and potentially harmful to health. 

This water change schedule should take into account the effectiveness of your hot tub’s filtration system, which may include a UV sterilizer, an ozonizer, and a filter cartridge.

The three-stage maintenance process involves mechanical cleaning as the first step—to remove dirt and residue. An ozonizer oxidizes the water and eliminates pathogenic bacteria. The final step is to treat the water with specialized chemical agents. They help with disinfection, ensure water clarity, and maintain an optimal pH balance.

If a hot tub’s water has become cloudy, an unpleasant odor has appeared, or the water has turned green, then it must be drained immediately. 

Factors Influencing the Frequency of Water Changes in Your Hot Tub 

If you’d like to know how often you should change the hot tub water, take into consideration the following factors:

  • Location of the Hot Tub: Environmental conditions can affect water quality.
  • Hot Tub Capacity and Size: Larger tubs may require less frequent changes.
  • Filtration System Quality and Features: Advanced systems can extend intervals between water changes.
  • Frequency of Filter Cartridge Cleaning: Regular maintenance helps prolong water freshness.
  • Adherence to Maintenance Schedule: Following recommended procedures impacts water quality.
  • Hot Tub Usage: More frequent use may require more frequent water changes

How to Determine When It’s Time to Change the Water in Your Hot Tub

When using a hot tub, it is recommended to regularly check the level of chemical balance: pH, chlorine, alkalinity and others. If they deviate from the norm, the water may become unsafe for use, even if it looks clean.

You can also assess the water quality by its appearance. If the water becomes cloudy, develops an unpleasant odor, or shows floating particles, it’s time for a replacement. This may indicate bacterial growth or the buildup of organic matter.

Furthermore, if adding chemicals such as chlorine does not lead to proper water balance, this may mean that the water is saturated with pollutants and the chemicals can no longer neutralize them. 

Hot tub filters should be cleaned and replaced regularly. If the filters become dirty more quickly than usual, it may also indicate that the water needs to be changed.

Pay close attention to the hot tub manufacturer’s instructions. They typically offer guidance on how often to change the water, tailored to the specifics of the equipment and the chemical composition of the water.

Bonus Tips for Extending the Time Between Water Changes

Maintain Optimal Chemical Balance

Maintaining the proper pH and hardness levels of the water not only makes your water more pleasant to soak in, it allows your sanitizer and filter to work more effectively, preventing water pollution and contamination.

Shower Before Using Hot Tub

Minimizing oily impurities and dirt on your body is one of the best ways to extend the life of your hot tub’s water. Make sure to thoroughly clean with soap and water before entering the hot tub. Additionally, keep your head and hair out of the water to reduce contamination from shampoo and oil.

Shock Treatment

Even though you showered thoroughly before using a hot tub, performing a shock treatment immediately after use is a good way to extend the life of your water. The frequency of shock treatments should be adjusted based on the duration of use and the number of users.

Install an Ozonator

Anything that helps kill bacteria or remove contaminants from the hot tub water will improve the quality of your water and extend the time between water changes. Installing an ozone generator is an effective way to reduce your reliance on bromine and chlorine. 

Use Coagulants

Coagulants, including specialized products like “Crystal Water Three in One,” enhance filtration quality by increasing the size of impurities. They work by coagulating suspended particles into larger clusters that are easier for the filter to capture. Regular use of coagulants can help delay the need for a water change, as they assist the filter in effectively maintaining water purity and reducing turbidity.

Prevent Debris and Pollutants 

Protecting your hot tub from debris and pollutants is imperative to prevent water contamination and keep the water clean, especially if it’s located outdoors. It is recommended to use a tight cover when the hot tub is not in use. This prevents leaves, branches and other debris from getting into the water.

It is also recommended to:

  • keep the area around the hot tub clean.
  • keep filters and skimmers clean to prevent dirt from accumulating.
  • manually collect debris and particles from the surface of the water

These recommendations and tips will help extend the time between water changes and significantly reduce dirt and debris in your hot tub, ensuring a more comfortable and safer use.

Hot Tubs at Toronto Pool Supplies

Toronto Pool Supplies has everything you need, from high-quality defoaming agents to water testing kits so that you can enjoy your hot tub again, free of foam.

Also, we are excited to announce that we are now an official dealer of SkyBlue Hot Tubs, the top hot tub brand in Canada! Explore the full range of hot tub models on our website, make your purchase online, and enjoy delivery anywhere in Canada—all from the comfort of your home.