Glossary
Hot tub
A small heated pool or spa. It brings drowning and drain-entrapment risks, so keep it covered, locked and fenced.
A hot tub, also called a spa, is a small pool of heated water. Its size can make it seem harmless, but it carries the same drowning risk as a pool for a young child, plus a higher risk of drain entrapment because people sit close to strong suction outlets.
Key safety steps:
- Cover and lock it. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says to always cover and lock hot tubs, spas and whirlpools right after using them.
- Fence it. The AAP says fences are needed for all pools, including hot tubs (AAP (opens in a new tab)).
- Know the shutoff. Pool Safely (opens in a new tab) says to find a spa's emergency vacuum shutoff before getting in, and never to use a spa with a loose, broken or missing drain cover.
- Supervise closely. Keep children away from drains and within arm's reach.
Outdoor spas were involved in about 4% of pool and spa drowning deaths of children under 15 in 2021-2023 (CPSC (opens in a new tab)). Ask your child's doctor about age and heat limits. See hot tub safety and drain entrapment.
What you can do today: check that your hot tub cover locks, and lock it every time you get out.