Alexander Hotels & Utopia Spas
Health & Safety Policy
Sauna User Guide
How to use the sauna safely:
- Allow the body to return to normal temperature if you have been exercising
- Undress and place belongings in a locker - swimwear must be worn at all times to reduce the risk of infections and burning
- Remove any metal in the form of watches and jewellery as they may become very hot in the sauna
- Remove make up and enjoy a warm, cleansing shower
- Enter the sauna cabin and sit or lie on a towel on a bench at a height that is comfortable
- Relax for 8 - 10 minutes in the dry heat - this will raise the body temperature and the perspiration will cleanse the pores of the skin
- Before becoming too uncomfortable, leave the sauna and immediately take a cold shower to close the pores. Be aware that sudden extreme changes in temperature induced by cold showers can cause shock
- Return to the sauna for a further 5 - 10 minutes. If you are feeling any discomfort, leave straight away. Do not exceed 20 - 30 minutes - too much exposure can result in nausea, dizziness, and fainting
- When you are ready to complete the sauna take a final cold shower and wrap yourself in a towel
- Relax for 15 - 20 minutes, or until the body temperature has returned to near normal then take a warm shower before dressing
- Whilst using the sauna always drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic)
- If at any time in the sauna you start to feel ill or uncomfortable, leave the sauna immediately, use the emergency red cord next to the sauna door, or use the phone in the changing room to contact a member of staff or seek medical advice if necessary
Be aware that:
- A sauna operates at a temperature of 85 - 100ºC
- The warmest part of a sauna is diagonally opposite the stove. The higher benches are the warmest
- The sauna controls should only be adjusted by an authorised person
- Contact lenses and glasses should not be worn in the sauna
- Care should be taken when adding water to the stove
- The sauna is intended to be dry heat, it should not be so dry that it is uncomfortable to nose and throat
Do not use the sauna or steam room if you are:
- Pregnant or could be pregnant - the sauna/steam room should be avoided throughout the pregnancy since the rising of the internal core body temperature could result in ill effects
- Suffer from heart disease, circulatory problems, high or low blood pressure, any condition which may affect your reaction to heat, or any condition which makes you unsure of the advisability of using saunas. For the steam rooms, this also includes kidney disease and diabetes
Hot tub users guide
- Allow the body to return to a normal temperature if you have been exercising
- Undress and place belongings in a locker, swimwear must be worn at all times
- Remove any metal in the form of watches and jewellery as the chemicals can cause discolouring to certain metals
- Remove make up and enjoy a warm, cleansing shower
- Take great care when entering and exiting the hot tub as the surface area may be slippery
- When you are comfortable press the button on the wall at the side of the hot tub to activate the bubbles
- A safe soaking time should not exceed 15 minutes. If you are feeling discomfort, leave straight away
- Take a cool shower before entering any of the other facilities
- Whilst using the hot tub always drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic)
- If at any time you start to feel ill, sleepy, or uncomfortable, leave the hot tub immediately. Use the green emergency button next to the hot tub, or use the phone at the top of the spa stairs, to contact a member of staff or seek medical advice if necessary
- Do not sit directly over the hot tub outlet
- Do not put your head under the water as hair may get caught in the inlets
- Do not dive into the hot tub
Be aware that:
- A hot tub operates at a temperature of around 37oc
- The area around the hot tub is wet and caution must be taken when entering and leaving the area
- Chemicals are used in the spa and may discolour some metals please remove these before entering
Do not use the hot tub if you are:
- Pregnant or could be pregnant - the Jacuzzi should be avoided throughout the pregnancy since the rising of the internal core body temperature could result in ill effects
- Suffer from heart disease, circulatory problems, high or low blood pressure, any condition which may affect your reaction to heat, or any condition which makes you unsure of the advisability of using the hot tub
- Are suffering from skin diseases, sores, or wounds
- Are suffering from an illness which causes you the inability to perspire
- Have had a heavy meal or alcohol within 1 ½ hours
- Are taking anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, tranquillisers, aspirin, or any other medication whatsoever which makes you unsure as to the advisability of using the hot tub
- If you are unsure then it is always best to consult your doctor or physician