Think you know everything there is to know about your hot tub? Think again! You might be doing stuff that could do more harm than good.

Here are some things that you should not do when using your hot tub:

Dont Overheat Your Hot Tub (And Dont Stay In There For Too Long!

Soaking in the warm, relaxing waters of your hot tub is great, but did you know that spending too much time in hot water can cause more harm than good?

Warmth causes your blood vessels to dilate. This is why water temperatures of around 37-38 degrees is considered therapeutic for stiff muscles and joints. But too much of a good thing can be harmful. Soaking in temperatures of around 39-40 degrees for too long can lead to drowsiness, disorientation and even heat stress.

As a precaution, dont soak in hot water for longer than 15 minutes, especially if youve got heart disease and other cardiac problems. Those with conditions like diabetes, should be careful when using a hot tub, too, as they are at risk for burns and skin damage.

Thankfully, most hot tubs are now equipped with a max temperature setting of 40 degrees celsius (104 F), so you can check and regulate the hot tub's temperature right before climbing in.

Don't imbibe and soak

Contrary to what you see in movies and commercials, it's not okay to drink alcohol while soaking in your hot tub.

Consuming alcohol can cause dizziness, impaired senses and loss of consciousness if you're not careful. Poor motor function caused by one too many drinks can also lead to slips, falls and other injuries, so for your safety, skip the alcohol when soaking in your hot tub.

Don't leave the kids alone!

Rule of thumb: never leave kids unattended in any body of water - hot tubs included. Hot tubs are generally safe for kids to play and splash around, but as a precaution, always keep an eye on your youngsters as theyre at high risk for injury and drowning. It would be good to establish some house rules for a fun and safe experience.

In addition, make sure that you limit their time in the hot tub. Children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, arent really good at regulating their bodys thermostats yet and are at risk for heat stress. Make sure that kids younger than 5 years old limit their stay to no more than 10 minutes at a time.

Don't use a hot tub if you've got cuts, wounds or sores

Got an open wound, sore or infectious skin problem? Better skip the hot tub until you're completely healed. Hot tubs have the ideal temperature and moisture levels to breed microorganisms and spread infection. Not only are you making your condition worse, youre also putting other people at risk. Consult your doctor before taking a dip in your hot tub if you've got a skin problem.

Remember these four donts when soaking in your hot tub for a fun and safe experience for everyone!