The Hidden Dangers of Hot Tubs.

With more than five million hot tubs already in use in our country, and additional quantities being purchased every day, that means that more and more Americans are using these manufactured water containers. The pros of owning and using a hot tub are well-known. They include beneficial relaxation, hydrotherapy and massage. But the cons surrounding these pools of heated, jet-circulated water aren't as obvious. In fact, there are five hidden dangers of hot tubs you need to be aware of.

Hot tubs are commonly fiberglass containers designed to hold water for an extended period of time. They are available in assorted sizes that accommodate one to four people at a time. Hot tubs can be installed inside your home, or outside in the elements, with the latter generally being the case. And, these pools of water are heated either by electric or natural gas. Some hot tubs are actually heated with firewood.

While soaking in a hot tub can help relieve muscle aches and pains and wash away the stress of the day, it can also cause injury and even death if you're not careful. For example, hot water is obviously a necessary part of the effectiveness of a hot tub. But if the the water temperature isn't monitored, and the water becomes extremely hot- that means it rises above 110ºF- the heat can cause sleepiness. This, in turn, can lead to accidental drowning. That's probably no surprise. Drowning is the number one cause of injury and death associated with using a hot tub. However, raising your body temperature to a high level can also cause heat stroke, heart attack, skin burns and even brain damage. The hot water can especially affect persons who suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure. Because, when we climb into a hot tub, the heated water causes our blood vessels to dilate. In turn, our blood pressure descends. Leave the hot water, and a person's blood vessels- especially a person who suffers from heart problems or high blood pressure- may not constrict fast enough. The result? Their blood pressure can drop even lower and they can pass out.