As a hot tub owner, it’s important you’re aware of what hot tub rash is, how to effectively prevent it, as well as the necessary hot tub rash treatment should it occur.

With this in mind, we’ve pulled together a guide filled with tips on balancing hot tub chemicals, as well as insights on personal care measures. We’ll highlight that by investing time into hot tub maintenance, you’ll be able to ensure enjoyable and worry-free dips in your tub time and time again.

What is hot tub rash?

First things first, let’s dive into exactly what hot tub rash is, and what it might look like on your skin.

Hot tub rash is a type of skin irritation that may occur after submerging yourself in hot tub water. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including inadequate entretien du spa resulting in elevated chemical levels, as well as issues with rapidly multiplying bacteria.

It’s also important to note that if you have sensitive skin or you spend prolonged periods of time in your tub, you may be more susceptible to developing a rash.

What causes hot tub rash?

Firstly, let’s discuss the role of chlorine in hot tub rashes. Chlorine is essential when it comes to combatting germs and bacteria in your tub, but it can also be extremely drying on your skin. So, if chlorine levels are elevated, irritation is likely to occur.

Typically, you’ll want your chlorine levels to sit between 3 and 5 parts per million, with the optimal level being 3 PPM. You want to avoid elevated levels due to the risk of irritation, but also ensure levels don’t dip too low, as this will give bacteria the chance to multiply.

Bromine is another chemical that can cause skin irritation, and like chlorine, elevated levels can lead to contact dermatitis. So, it’s vital you use test strips to ensure the chemicals in your tub remain at stable levels. Doing so will allow you to maintain hot tub water that is both safe and kind to your skin.

What does hot tub rash look like?

The appearance of a hot tub rash depends on a few different factors, including the rash’s specific cause, its severity, and whether it appears in conjunction with something else (such as an allergic reaction).

If the rash has been caused by chemical irritants (such as chlore ou brome), it will typically present as the following:

  • Itchiness and dry skin
  • Redness, scaliness, or cracked skin
  • Burning or stinging
  • Blisters or sores

Symptoms of a hot tub rash that has been caused by bacteria (medically referred to as pseudomonas folliculitis) typically causes itchy red bumps on the skin too. These can resemble sparse or dense pimples and can appear on any area of the body. Symptoms may include:

  • Itchiness and red bumps
  • White-headed pustules
  • Tenderness or burning of the affected area
  • Crusted sores and swelling

How to treat hot tub rash

So, now that you’re aware of what hot tub rash is and what it looks like, let’s look at exactly how you should go about treating it.

Firstly, it goes without saying that you’ll need to avoid your hot tub until your rash has cleared completely, giving it a chance to heal without coming into contact with irritants again.

For rashes caused by chlorine and bromine, medical experts typically recommend corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone, as these help promote healing whilst having a soothing effect. Although sometimes creams aren’t necessary, and your rash can clear with some simple at-home remedies. These might include:

  1. Keeping the area clean and comfortable: this will help with any itching as well as ensure secondary irritation doesn’t occur. You can wash the area with a mild soap, then pat it dry and use a lightweight fragrance-free moisturiser.
  2. Trying a saltwater compress: this can be done several times a day to soothe pain and promote healing.All you’ll need to do is combine two cups of water with a teaspoon of salt, then use a clean washcloth to apply the solution to the rash.

If your rash is particularly uncomfortable, severe in appearance, or doesn’t clear up after a week or so, it’s always best to contact a healthcare professional for advice and prompt treatment. Many hot tub rashes will clear naturally with simple at-home remedies, but if you’re at all concerned, it’s important to seek further advice.

How to prevent hot tub rash

Next, it’s time to dive into how you can prevent hot tub rash from occurring in the first place. Below, we’ll outline two tried and tested methods for ensuring your skin remains comfortable and rash-free:

1. Practice effective hot tub maintenance

As mentioned, tub maintenance is an essential part of being a hot tub owner. You need to ensure the chemical levels in your tub remain balanced, and that you stick to a thorough, regular cleaning schedule.

When it comes to hot tub pH levels, your water should be kept between 7.2 and 7.6 pH, with an alkalinity level of 125-155 PPM. Again, you’ll need to regularly test your hot tub water using test strips, ensuring that your chosen sanitiser remains at the correct level.

You should also get into the habit of regularly cleaning your hot tub, making sure it stays free from dirt and debris. If too much bacteria is present, it may also be time to choquez votre spa. This involves temporarily using a larger quantity of your chosen chemical to eradicate any remaining bacteria.

2. Personal care measures

Personal care is also key when it comes to avoiding hot tub rash. For instance, showering before and after using a chlorinated tub can be a hugely beneficial preventative. This is because showering reduces the amount of bacteria in your tub and also removes any lingering bacteria on your skin.

Hydration of the skin is also key, so you should use a lightweight, hypoallergenic moisturiser after showering. This way, any natural oils that have been stripped away will be quickly replenished. Finally, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of washing your bathing suit and towels frequently too.

Find your ideal hot tub with Platinum Spas

If you’ve got a rash from your home tub, hopefully, you’re now feeling confident that you can treat it and avoid any future issues. With the above tips, you’ll be able to ensure an enjoyable and most importantly safe dip in your tub every time.

And if you’re yet to buy your first tub, or you’re hoping to swap out an old tub for a newer model sometime in the near future, why not dive into the Platinum Spa range today?

We’ve got an impressive range of spa as well as spas de nage that boast the latest technology. So, all you’ll need to do is get in touch with one of our experts, or book a visit to your nearest hot tub showroom!

And don’t forget to visit our hot tub owners’ hub for plenty more advice on how you should run and look after your tub.

Sarah Watkins
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