Spas and Children

The following article in blue text is condensed from a Richard White column
in the July, 2010 issue of Florida Community Association Journal. It is concerned with the use of association hot tubs, jacuzzis, or spas, whatever you want to call them, ...and little kids.

Our board voted on this same issue on January 28, 2010 with the following: "A motion was made that children under 12 must have adult supervision if they use the Jacuzzi." No medical research was referenced before this motion was passed (not unanimously).
Here is the Richard White edited version in blue font.....

Q. Our past and present boards have debated the idea to restrict the minimum age for the use of our spa. Much to the chagrin of our full-time residents, it is not unusual to see small children frolicking in our spas that are set to 104 degrees. Many suggestions have been made to increase the age to what seems to be the norm in our area, 16 years minimum. At our last board meeting, they voted unanimously to raise the minimum age to 10 years old. Our bylaws give the board the right to amend the Rules and Regulations as they see fit. Do you have any insight on the board's right to impose this age restriction, and do you know if its common around condominium communities in Florida to restrict the age limit for use of the spas? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. P.A. , Jacksonville Beach

A. Yes you have a right to be concerned. The source for my answer comes from the National Swimming Pool Foundation (http://nspf.org) and their Pool-Spa Operators Handbook and Florida Statute 524. It refers to a person's body core temperature and a spa's temperature of 104 degrees should be limited to no more than 15 minutes for a 'normal person'. A condition called hyperthermia can result if these figures are exceeded.
A person should be aware of their own body's reaction to the heat, and it may require less time to reach the maximim core heat. Some people with high blood pressure , or under the influence of alcohol, or taking certain perscription drugs, or older persons in poor health, and pregnant women must use extreme caution when using the spa. It further says that children must be supervised and monitored for their body core temperature. I would suggest that you call the county health department or the department that inspects pools and spas and talk with them. I further suggest that the policy approved by the board requires that children be fully monitored by their parents, and their time be limited much below the 15 minutes. I would further suggest that children be required to sit still and not play in the spa.

Our board feels that adult supervision is only required for children 11 years and younger, despite the warnings listed above. The Florida Statutes list a minimum age requirement, but allow communities to set their own age standards. I think this topic should be revisited by our Board of Directors, to set a safer standard for the children visiting our park. If they refuse to do so, all our residents who have grandchildren coming to visit should be made aware of the dangers of young children, as well as compromised adults soaking in our 104 degree hot tub/spa for long periods of time. This information should be distributed by the board, or our manager and published in the Outlook or on our webpage, for all residents to reference.