Hydrotherapy spa tubs are increasingly popular due to their relaxing, stress-relieving, and blood circulation-promoting effects. Whether installed in homes or as part of fitness centers, hydrotherapy spa tubs have almost become a symbol of stress reduction in modern life.
Despite its many benefits, hydrotherapy spa tubs are not suitable for everyone. Ignoring one's physical condition and using them blindly may pose potential health risks to some individuals.
This article will analyze from a professional health perspective who should avoid using hydrotherapy spa tubs, why, and how to safely enjoy a spa experience.
What is a Hydrotherapy Spa Tub?
A hydrotherapy spa tub is a device that combines hot water soaking with water massage. It typically provides muscle relaxation and stress reduction through jets of bubbles, water jets, and a constant temperature heating system.
The Main Functions of This Type of Tub Include:
• Promoting blood circulation: Hot water dilates blood vessels and accelerates metabolism.
• Relaxing muscles and joints: Water pressure massage relieves aches and tension.
• Improving sleep and reducing stress: Temperature stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing relaxation.
However, precisely because of these physiological responses, some individuals may not be able to tolerate the heat stress or blood flow changes caused by a hydrotherapy spa tub. Therefore, understanding contraindications is extremely important.
Why are some people unsuitable for using a hydrotherapy spa tub?
While hydrotherapy spa tubs have a soothing effect, their mechanism involves the stimulation of the heat, pressure, and circulatory system.
For individuals with specific health conditions, these stimuli may exacerbate existing conditions or trigger adverse reactions. Below, we will explain the reasons for contraindications in detail from the perspective of different health conditions.
Can patients with cardiovascular disease use a hydrotherapy spa tub?
For patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure, the use of a hydrotherapy spa tub requires special caution.
The reasons are as follows:
1. Hot Water Can Increase the Burden on the Heart
The temperature of a hydrotherapy spa tub is usually between 36°C and 40°C. Soaking in hot water causes vasodilation, leading to fluctuations in blood pressure. For individuals with heart failure, the heart may not be able to effectively regulate blood flow, resulting in arrhythmia or chest tightness.
2. Water Pressure on the Circulatory System
The strong water flow during a massage can put pressure on peripheral blood vessels, potentially causing a sudden spike in blood pressure. This poses a potential danger for individuals with coronary heart disease or hypertension.
3. Dizziness Upon Standing Up
Standing up from a hydrotherapy spa tub can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or even fainting. This risk is especially high for individuals with low blood pressure.
LOVIA SPA Recommendations:
If you have cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor before using a hydrotherapy spa tub. If approved, limit the time (to no more than 15 minutes) and maintain a moderate water temperature (not exceeding 37°C).
Can Pregnant Women Use a Hydrotherapy Spa Tub?
Many expectant mothers hope to relieve back pain or swelling using a hydrotherapy spa tub, but there are potential risks associated with its use during pregnancy.
1. High Temperatures May Affect Fetal Development
In early pregnancy (especially the first 12 weeks), fetal organs are still developing. If the mother's body temperature remains elevated, it may increase the risk of neural tube defects.
2. Blood Pressure Fluctuations Leading to Fainting or Insufficient Blood Supply
Prolonged soaking in hot water can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, nausea, or even fainting, which is unsafe for both pregnant women and fetuses.
3. Increased Risk of Infection
If the hydrotherapy spa tub is not properly cleaned, bacteria can easily grow. Pregnant women have relatively lower immunity, making them more susceptible to urinary or reproductive system infections.
LOVIA SPA Recommendations:
Pregnant women should avoid using high-temperature hydrotherapy spa tubs. If use is necessary, the water temperature should be kept below 35℃, the time should not exceed 10 minutes, and the equipment should be kept clean.
Is a Hydrotherapy Spa Tub Safe for Diabetics?
Diabetics are a group requiring special attention. Soaking in hot water may mask symptoms caused by changes in blood sugar, leading to potential dangers.
1. Reduced Heat Sensitivity, Increased Risk of Burns
Diabetics have decreased sensitivity in their nerve endings. If the hydrotherapy spa tub is too hot, burns may be difficult to detect.
2. Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Hot water may accelerate metabolism, temporarily lowering blood sugar. If the patient does not monitor their blood sugar beforehand, this may cause a hypoglycemic reaction.
3. Risk of Infection
Because diabetic patients have weaker skin repair capabilities, bacteria in the water can easily cause skin infections.
LOVIA SPA Recommends:
Diabetic patients who wish to use a hydrotherapy spa tub must test their blood sugar beforehand, control the water temperature to no higher than 37℃, and avoid direct contact between wounds or broken skin and the water jets.
Is a Hydrotherapy Spa Tub Suitable for People with Skin Diseases?
For people with skin diseases, a hydrotherapy spa tub may not be an ideal way to relax.
1. Risk of Bacterial Growth
If the hydrotherapy spa tub is not thoroughly disinfected, bacteria in the water can easily invade broken skin, causing infection or inflammation.
2. Hot Water Irritation of the Skin
Hot water can dry out the skin and damage the stratum corneum. For patients with eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, it can worsen itching and peeling.
3. Irritation from Chemical Additives
Some spa systems add aromatherapy or bubble solutions, which may irritate the skin and cause allergies.
LOVIA SPA Recommends:
Those with skin conditions should avoid using the hydrotherapy spa tub, especially during periods of active symptoms. If you must use it, choose a pure water environment free of added fragrances or chemicals.
Is the Hydrotherapy Spa Tub Suitable for the Elderly?
The elderly also need to exercise caution. While the hydrotherapy spa tub can relieve joint pain, the risks should not be ignored.
1. Rapid Changes in Blood Pressure, Risk of Dizziness and Falls
Soaking in hot water accelerates blood circulation; if the elderly get up too quickly, it can easily lead to low blood pressure or dizziness.
2. Decreased Cardiopulmonary Function
The pressure and temperature of the water may increase the burden on the heart, especially for the elderly with a history of heart disease.
3. Risk of Drowning Due to Mobility Difficulties
The entrance and exit of the hydrotherapy spa tub are high; without handrails, the elderly may have difficulty entering and exiting, posing a risk of slipping.
LOVIA SPA Recommendations:
Elderly individuals should use the hydrotherapy spa tub under the supervision of a family member, controlling soaking time and temperature, and choosing equipment with a non-slip design.
Can people who have undergone surgery or whose wounds have not yet healed use a hydrotherapy spa tub?
—The answer is no.
1. Extremely high risk of infection
The hydrotherapy spa tub has a complex circulation system. If disinfection is not thorough, bacteria can easily invade open wounds, leading to infection.
2. Hot water affects healing
Heat stimulation may cause capillary dilation, delaying wound closure or causing redness and swelling.
3. Water flow impact may damage tissue
The high water pressure of the hydrotherapy spa tub nozzle can cause mechanical stimulation to tissues that have not yet healed, hindering recovery.
LOVIA SPA Recommends:
Avoid any form of hydrotherapy spa tub use for at least two weeks after surgery, until a doctor confirms that the wound has completely healed.
Can people with weakened immune systems use a hydrotherapy spa tub?
People with weakened immune systems (such as chemotherapy patients, patients with chronic diseases, etc.) are not suitable for using public or shared home hydrotherapy spa tubs.
1. Increased Risk of Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Hot water environments are breeding grounds for microorganisms, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mold, which can easily lead to skin or respiratory infections.
2. Risk of Cross-Infection
Sharing a hydrotherapy spa tub with others, even after cleaning, cannot completely eliminate the risk of infection.
LOVIA SPA Recommends:
Those with weakened immune systems should avoid using the hydrotherapy spa tub, or only use personal equipment and perform regular deep disinfection.
Can Children Use Hydrotherapy Spa Tubs?
Many parents believe that hydrotherapy spa tubs can help children relax, but there are actually risks associated with children using them.
1. Poor Thermoregulation
Children have a weaker ability to adapt to temperature changes. Excessively hot water may cause their body temperature to rise too quickly, leading to dehydration or fainting.
2. Excessive Water Pressure
Strong water flow may affect children's still-developing muscles and joints.
3. Safety Risks
Children are prone to slipping or being swept into the nozzles in the hydrotherapy spa tub. They should always be supervised by an adult.
LOVIA SPA Recommends:
Children under 12 years old should not use the hydrotherapy spa tub independently. When using it, the water temperature should not exceed 35℃, and the soaking time should be shortened.
How to use the hydrotherapy spa tub scientifically and safely?
For healthy individuals, the hydrotherapy spa tub remains an ideal choice for relaxation. As long as you master the correct methods, you can enjoy it safely.
1. Control Water Temperature and Time
The optimal temperature is 36℃ to 38℃, and each soak should not exceed 20 minutes.
2. Maintain Hygiene and Cleanliness
Regularly change the circulating water and disinfect the nozzles and pipes with a professional cleaning agent.
3. Avoid Use After Meals or Alcohol Consumption
Using a full stomach or after drinking alcohol can increase the burden on the heart and easily lead to dizziness or nausea.
4. Drink Water Before Soaking and Rest Afterwards
Hot water environments can easily lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water before and after use and ensure good ventilation.
Does LOVIA SPA sell directly to end customers or only through distributors?
LOVIA SPA supports both direct and indirect sales. We supply to Distributors, Wholesalers, and also welcome retail Buyers who wish to Buy directly from our Factory. Buying direct means you get lower Prices and better after-sales support. Our flexible distribution strategy allows us to serve different markets efficiently — from small resellers to global importers.
Contact us to discuss cooperation terms, customized branding, or Distributor Discounts.
