A hot tub is a place to relax, an oasis to escape to for stress relief. But if used incorrectly, hot tubs can become dangerous. Having a safe hot tub temperature at all times is necessary for maintaining a comfortable and fun environment. Safety is our priority, so this blog will answer common questions like “how hot should a hot tub be?” and “what’s a safe hot tub temperature for pregnancy?”.
In this guide, we’ll share some general best practices for hot tub use, the safest temperature to set your hot tub at, and the risks of soaking in water that’s too hot. And remember: you can still have a fun time in your hot tub while adhering to safety guidelines!
How hot should a hot tub be?
While a big appeal of owning a hot tub is having hot water to soak in, you don’t need to max out your hot tub temperature for it to do its job. You can still have an amazing hot tub experience while having your temperature set to a lower level.
What’s a safe hot tub temperature for pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant, paying attention to the temperature of your hot tub is much more critical. Soaking in water above 102° can result in fetal damage, including brain damage or deformations, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and stick to the 100° maximum rule. There’s no point in risking your baby’s health when you can still enjoy your hot tub at a safe temperature. If you want to be extra safe, consider avoiding hot tubs altogether during the first trimester of pregnancy. You can always participate by putting your feet in, but be extra cautious about a full-body soak.
These are general guidelines. Consult your physician before using a hot tub.
What’s a safe hot tub temperature for children?
While hot tub temperatures should never exceed 104°, young children should enjoy hot tubs at a cooler level. Soaking in hot water can elevate heart rates and lower blood pressure, resulting in fainting or nausea. Children are more susceptible to vomiting, headaches, and dehydration.
To stay on the safe side, maintain a maximum temperature of 100° for young children, but pay close attention to them and have them take breaks or soak for shorter periods of time. You could also try starting at a lower temperature to see how they handle the heat.
These are general guidelines. Consult your physician before using a hot tub.
Safely enjoying your hot tub
Be smart about hot tub use and listen to your body while you’re soaking. If you’re feeling off, get out and take a break. Hot tubs are meant to be a place to relax, and by using them in a smart, safe way, they’ll remain that way.
Here are a few other questions we often get in regard to hot tub safety:
Can I consume alcohol while using my hot tub?
Yes, you can definitely enjoy a few alcoholic beverages while using your hot tub. It’s fun to host hot tub parties with friends and drinks or to host a date night, so definitely take advantage of that!
As with anything, remember to keep alcohol consumption in moderation. If the drinking gets too out of hand, it can become problematic.
It’s best to have people with you if you plan on drinking in your hot tub, but the bottom line is that if you’re feeling drowsy, it’s time to get out.
How long can I enjoy my hot tub?
If your hot tub’s water temperature is 100° or less, you should be safe to stay in for about half an hour. The lower the temperature, the longer it’s safe to stay in. In general, safe hot tub sessions are between 15-45 minutes.
To be extra cautious, you can ease yourself in and out of the hot tub slowly, giving your body time to adjust to the temperature change.
The closer you keep your hot tub to 98.6°, the typical body temperature, the longer you can stay in without experiencing the potential negative effects.
Does the hot tub temperature have to be hot?
No! In fact, in the summer months, it’s nice to use your hot tub to cool off. The temperature of your hot tub is truly up to you, so depending on your health and the time of year, it might make sense to decrease the temperature to make your hot tub experience more enjoyable. In the summer months, setting the temperature to 85° will feel refreshing since it’s below average body temperature.
Find a hot tub that works for your lifestyle
All in all, hot tubs are as safe as you make them. You can decide the temperature that works best for you and your family. By following these temperature guidelines and safety tips, you’ll be able to utilize your hot tub regularly and enjoy all of these great benefits:
- Stress relief and relaxation
- Pain relief
- Hydrotherapy
- Time with family
- Post-workout recovery
- Improved sleep quality
If you’re looking for a hot tub, we’re here to help. We care about our customers’ health and wellness and know that there are tons of health benefits to hot tub use that you can take advantage of while prioritizing safety. Reach out or visit our showrooms to learn more about how a hot tub can benefit your lifestyle.