to ask if you let your children go in the hot tub/spa/jacuzzi when swimming?

[TrucksAndDinosaurs]

We live abroad and use the communal unheated pool with DS, aged 2. He wears a swim nappy and enjoys swimming. I used to dunk him briefly in the hot tub (which is not very hot, not even warm bath temp) periodically to keep him warm. He never stayed in longer than 3 minutes and no deeper than his waist or chest and always supervised. However, another resident kicked off about it yesterday. I know of the risks from insanitary hot pools, drowning and overheating which is why I used to pop him in quickly, supervised and wearing swim nappy. I think all pools contain pee and have chemicals in for that reason, adults are just as likely to pee as small children and if urine traces are apparent in water it is as likely to be a grown up with pelvic floor issues as a toddler.

I was wondering whether you take your children into the hot spa or whether you think they should be strictly for older children/people and if so, from what age and what the reasoning is for not allowing younger supervised children to use them at all?

I have stopped using the spa since the complainer had a go at me but I think the reasoning for an outright ban doesn't really stack up, and unfortunately, now I can't keep DS warm we can't really swim for long, if at all.

Article attached saying risks of hot tubs may be overstated, from LA Times GP.
articles.latimes.com/2004/jan/05/health/he-themd5

No I don't. There is normally a notice saying not for use by under ?? (Whatever age) I use the showers to warm up ds.

If there is no posted sign saying, 'No under-18s' or suchlike, then your child is free to go in. Supervised, as you said, and not for long, as you said. It's your call as a parent to let your children run the risks of hottubbing if there is no rule to the contrary. (I let mine in, too.)

You might want to post a sign that says 'No Grumpy Adults'.

My gym used to let children 12 and over into steam room and hot tubs, but they've just been taken over and the new company rules are over 16s only. I spoke to the manager about it (not complaining, just in conversation) and she says its because children struggle to regulate their body temps and so high temps can be dangerous. Dh is medical and nodded like it made sense to him so my dc will have to wait a few years til they can join us in hot tub and have to make do with swimming lengths to keep warm

I don't either. DD1 is 4yo and DD2 is 20mths. I have baby wetsuits (from Mothercare) to keep little one warm. Generally I don't stay in too long with the youngest for fear that she'll get cold, unless it's a heated environment like Center Parcs swimming paradise.

I think hot tubs/spa areas are a space for adults to escape the kids but, that said, I wouldn't grumble at the way you described using the hot tub if I was relaxing in there (without my kids!).

I think your neighbour was a bit OTT, but I also recommend the baby wetsuits if you can get them where you are .

I will take my ds in my parents hot tub when we next go to visit (he will be 6 months) we will just make sure it isn't too hot and we don't stay in for too long. Babies in our family often go in and they have all been fine.

I follow the "rules" of the establishment, but TBH have never seen one where they were allowed under eight.

TBH I think your logic re warming DC is flawed, the pool feels much colder after being in the hot tub surely?

Also I have some concerns about the chemicals in hot tubs - they seem much stronger than in the pool itself to me, to the extent that they make my eyes water. For that reason, I wouldn't put such a small child in, although I have no science as to whether that's right or not.

Basically though, hot tubs are for adult relaxation, so unless children are behaving like adults relaxing (quiet and still) I don't think they should be there.

My dd1 and ds are usually too busy elsewhere. Dd2 has really appreciated the jacuzzi at our local pool as she had a hip condition that caused bone and muscle pain and it really helped. We ended up getting a letter from her consultant to recommend it (when she was 6) and she got a wristband to let lifeguards know. It really helped. But this was for a medical condition, not to warm her up!

Center's Netherlands don't have age on them but they are not exactly know for h&s conscious there.
But every where else there is usually age limitations for health reasons.

Centerparcs

I certainly have done in the past, where there are no signs saying they can't. I am always very conscious of not letting him splash and annoy any adults there though.

Why are hot tubs for adult relaxation? Kids find them relaxing and fun, too! (I went in many a hot tub as a kid. But I didn't grow up in the UK.)

We never use it when other adults are in it. Usually we are the only people in the pool.