Having a swim spa at home can provide endless fun and relaxation for families. However, ensuring the safety of all users is paramount. 

While swim spas are designed to enhance your quality of life, they also come with inherent risks, particularly for young children, pets, and those unfamiliar with water safety. Drowning, slips, falls, and even chemical hazards are potential dangers that require proactive mitigation measures. The serene experience of a swim spa can quickly turn hazardous without the right precautions in place.

In this guide, we’ll explore essential swim spa safety tips that every family should know to enjoy their spa safely and responsibly. From setting up your spa area and maintaining water quality to educating children and managing emergencies, we’ll cover comprehensive safety practices to help create a secure environment. Our goal is to ensure that your swim spa remains a haven of enjoyment and relaxation, free from accidents and health risks.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently use your swim spa knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your loved ones. So, let’s dive into these safety tips and make sure your swim spa experience is as safe as it is enjoyable.

CREATING THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOUR SWIM SPA

Many factors go into creating the perfect space for your swim spa. Here are some tips to help you create the safest space for your family.

Selecting Location Of Your Swim Spa

The benefit of a swim spa is that you don’t have to have a large yard to be able to have one. We carry swim spas that vary in size from 12 feet to 18 feet. The Vita lineup for the swim spas also means that as long as we have access to the paneling on the swim spa, we can repair it onsite. 

Selecting a suitable spot for your swim spa is crucial. Ensure it’s away from electrical lines, and overhanging trees, and is easily accessible from your home. A flat, stable surface with proper drainage is ideal.

Providing Privacy Around Your Swim Spa

When it comes to living in the city, you don’t always have a hard that is private from your neighbour’s home. We live close to those around us and when we are enjoying time with our family in the swim spa, we may want to be a bit more protected. 

There are multiple ways that you can provide privacy around your swim spa and they include:

• Covana shades
• Greenery around your swim spa
• Pergola

ESSENTIAL SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR SWIM SPA

We have all heard the stories of children or pets falling into a pool and drowning. We want to ensure that you have these safety tips to avoid a tragedy like that. 

By ensuring safety for your family and those who may want to use your swim spa, create a secure and enjoyable environment that maximizes relaxation and peace of mind while minimizing risks and potential accidents.

Pool Alarms and Covers

To prevent accidents, consider installing a motion alarm that monitors the entire perimeter of the swim spa. This alarm will activate whenever movement is detected around the swim spa area. Additionally, a sturdy cover can prevent accidental falls and keep debris out of the water when the spa is not in use.

We also recommend purchasing a Covana Automated Cover to protect your swim spa. To access your swim spa, you will need to have the key to open it. This is a great protection for your hot tub to ensure that no one can get into it without your knowledge. 

Life Jackets and Floatation Devices

Provide life jackets or floatation devices for children and non-swimmers. These can offer an added layer of safety and give parents peace of mind. Swimming is an important life skill for any child or adult to learn. Having these life jackets and flotation devices available to those who use your swim spa will help to keep everyone safe. Just remember that for a life jacket to work properly, it needs to fit correctly and be put on correctly.

First Aid Kit Availability

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit near the swim spa area. Include bandages, antiseptics, scissors, and a CPR mask. Knowing where it is and how to use it can make a significant difference in an emergency.

You can even post a sign near your swim spa letting others know where the first aid kit is. This will help in the event of an emergency when emotions are on high.

Setting Ground Rules for Swim Spa Use

It’s essential to communicate the ground rules for using your swim spa to everyone who will be using it, including family members, friends, and guests. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can enjoy their time in the swim spa to the fullest. 

By setting these rules and ensuring everyone understands and agrees to them, you help create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Consider posting a visible list of the rules near the swim spa as a reminder. Regularly reviewing and reinforcing these guidelines with everyone helps maintain a positive and fun experience for all.

Supervision Requirements

Never leave children unattended in or around the swim spa. An adult should always be present to supervise and ensure everyone’s safety. It can only take a matter of seconds for something serious to happen so make sure that the adult that is present is not distracted by a phone or anything else.

No Diving Policies

Swim spas are not designed for diving. Establish a strict no-diving rule to prevent head injuries and other serious accidents.

Safe Entry and Exit Procedures

Teach everyone to enter and exit the swim spa safely, using designated steps or ladders. This helps prevent slips, falls, and injuries.

Educating Children About Swim Spa Safety

Swimming Lessons

Enroll your children in swimming lessons to help them become confident and safe swimmers. Knowing how to swim can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.

Teaching Basic Water Safety Rules

Teach your children basic water safety rules such as not running near the spa, never swimming alone, and avoiding rough play.

Role-Playing Emergency Scenarios

Practice emergency scenarios with your children so they know how to react if something goes wrong. Role-playing can make them more prepared and less likely to panic in real situations.

Maintaining Water Quality

Regular Water Testing

Test your swim spa water regularly to ensure it is clean and safe. Balanced water prevents skin irritation, eye problems, and bacterial infections.

If you are looking for help with your water maintenance, we offer a bi-weekly Water Maintenance Program. To learn more about the program, check out the blog post on it.

Proper Chemical Use and Storage

Use spa chemicals as directed and store them safely out of reach of children and pets. Proper chemical balance is essential for maintaining healthy water conditions.

We offer Spa School to anyone who would like to attend. This is a one-hour workshop that will teach you how to use your chemicals properly and help you understand chemicals. Please reach out to our office today at 403-203-0860 to ask about upcoming dates and times that we have available.

Emergency Preparedness

Creating an Emergency Action Plan

Have a clear plan in place for emergencies. This includes knowing the location of the first aid kit, how to perform CPR, and emergency contact numbers. Have this written down and in a place where everyone is going to know where it is. 

When an emergency happens, you can panic and having things in place beforehand will help.

Knowing CPR and First Aid

Take a CPR and first aid course to be prepared in case of emergencies. Quick, informed action can save lives.

Emergency Contact Information

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers near the swim spa. This should include local emergency services and the contact information of a trusted neighbor or family member.

Dealing with Specific Risks

Preventing Slips and Falls

Keep the area around the swim spa dry and free of obstacles to prevent slips and falls. Use non-slip mats or surfaces for added safety.

Managing Overheating and Dehydration

Keep an eye on anyone that is using the swim spa as you want to ensure that they stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after using your swim spa especially when it is hot outside.

Prioritizing safety in and around your swim spa ensures a fun and relaxing experience for the whole family. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and enjoy the many benefits of your swim spa with peace of mind.

Creating a safe swim spa environment doesn’t just protect your loved ones from accidents; it also enhances their overall experience. When everyone feels secure, they can fully enjoy the therapeutic benefits, exercise opportunities, and leisurely relaxation that a swim spa offers.

Remember, a little precaution goes a long way. By making safety a priority, you’re investing in countless hours of worry-free enjoyment. So take the time to implement these safety measures and ensure that your swim spa remains a haven of fun and relaxation for years to come.

Please reach out to one of our experts today to have a look at the hot tubs or swim spas that we have in stock. We would love to help you find the perfect match for you and your family. 

You can visit us at Bay 8 –  5700 Barlow Trail SE in Calgary.

Servicing all makes and models including Vita Spa, American Whirlpool, and Maax Spas.