Abstract:
Hot tubs are a common source of relaxation and recreation. While recommendations exist for tub temperatures and guidelines regarding their use by children and adults with potential risk factors, these are commonly ignored. Environmental factors such as solar gain may dramatically alter tub temperatures well beyond those set by the regulating thermostat, as tubs have no cooling mechanisms. This article describes a situation involving a hot tub with tragic consequences, referencing the underlying physiology and describing means of prevention of such adverse consequences.