Hot Tubs and Spas (Last Updated 05/19/2008)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is supporting voluntary standards activities related to hot tubs/spas. Staff is participating on the UL 1563 Standards Technical Panel (STP) to review and revise the requirements of UL 1563 Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment. The UL standard addresses the technical aspects of hot tub and spa construction, performance, and labeling as well as minimum requirements for consumer instruction materials. Included in the performance section are water temperature control tests under normal and abnormal conditions.
Hyperthermia, a condition of increased core body temperature, can cause birth defects in humans and animals. Hyperthermia may be caused by fever or by external heat, such as through the use of hot tubs/spas. Since some thermostats currently used in hot tubs/spas may not control water temperatures within a narrow range or provide accurate read-outs of water temperature, a pregnant woman using a hot tub/spa may be exposed to water temperatures that exceed recommended limits.
CPSC staff has requested that the UL STP consider revisions to the standard to address issues related to hyperthermia in pregnant or potentially pregnant women.
Additional Information
Safety Alerts:
Press Releases:
Voluntary Standard Activities:
UL STP 1563 Meeting, April 27, 2006
CPSC Staff Reports, Memoranda and Contracts:
CPSC Health Sciences Staff Assessment of the Final Technical Report, Risks of Hyperthermia Associated with Hot Tub or Spa Use by Pregnant Women, (June 2005) (Christina Chambers, Ph.D., M.P.H., under CPSC Contract No. CPSC-S-04-1343), and Staff Recommendations, January 2, 2008 (0698)
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
For further information concerning UL 1563, Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment, please contact Deborah Prince at deborah.r.prince@us.ul.com
Contact CPSC
For additional information or to comment, please contact cpsc-os@cpsc.gov
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