A soak in a hot tub could be just the thing to relax you after a long day. The warm, bubbly water also eases aches and pains from conditions like arthritis, low back pain, and fibromyalgia. But hot tubs might not be safe for some people, including pregnant women and those with heart disease. And when they aren’t cleaned well, they pose risks to even healthy people. Before you buy a hot tub for your backyard or step into those warm waters at the spa or gym, make sure you know a bit about their safety. Health Benefits Warm water soothes your body for a few reasons. The heat widens blood vessels, which sends nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Warm water also brings down swelling and loosens tight muscles. And the water’s buoyancy takes weight off painful joints. A dip in the hot tub might also help your mental state. Research shows they can promote relaxation and ease stress. Hot Tub Risks These warm water whirlpools can pose some risks if you’re not careful. Infections Between 2015 and 2019, outbreaks from treated pools and hot tubs resulted in at least 3,646 cases of illness, 286 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths in the U.S. — data reported by 36 states. When hot tubs aren’t cleaned…

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