Hot tubs can help to relieve aches and pains, reduce tension and anxiety. They can also be enjoyed by the entire family, whether used to relax or play. But when it comes to the temperature of a hot tub, the ideal setting will change from household to household or even person to person. So, how hot should your hot tub be? Here’s how to answer that question and why it’s so important to consider.
When dealing with hot temperatures, it’s crucial to understand that what is best for one person won’t necessarily be great for another. Considering things like age and health status can determine if certain adjustments will need to be made to your hot tub’s temperature settings. Typically, a hot tub will sit anywhere from 90 to 104 degrees. However, there are many reasons why you might need to shift to the lower end of this range. Here are some prime examples of that.
Where Safety Is Concerned:
It’s vital to remember that although the hot water is meant to be enjoyed in your hot tub, extreme temperatures can affect people differently. For someone with low or high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before using a hot tub to decide on a safe temperature. This really applies to any pre-existing medical issues. In which case, it’s recommended that you keep the hot tub at a lower temperature and stay in for shorter periods. By following the suggested precautions, you can help to minimize the likelihood of problems occurring.
Where Pregnancy Is Involved:
If you’re pregnant, you must be sure to talk to your doctor regarding a suitable water temperature for you and your baby. You will also need to make sure you don’t sit in warm water for extended periods. It is best to err on the side of caution when pregnancy and hot temperatures are involved. Although it might sound like the perfect way to relax and unwind, it’s essential to reduce time spent in warm waters.
Where Children Are Involved:
If you have children playing in your hot tub, you need to keep the temperature no higher than 95 degrees. Ideally, the hot tub needs to be cooler than this to ensure no one gets overheated. It is also recommended the length they spend sitting in a hot tub be limited to no more than 15 minutes at one time.
Where The Elderly Are Involved:
Touching on the idea of health concerns again, it’s essential to consult your doctor before buying or using a hot tub. Your physician might suggest that it’s more beneficial for you to relax and unwind in warm water rather than hot. It’s also a great idea to keep water close by to stay hydrated, regardless of the spa’s temperature.
With the Changing Seasons:
Many hot tub owners believe that the optimal temperature is between 100 and 102 degrees. While some people prefer this, others like to keep the water at the temperature of 98 degrees. So, when discussing the temperature of a hot tub based on relaxation and comfortability, the temperature is dependent entirely on the person’s preferences.
Although it’s certainly not required to change the temperature of your spa come wintertime, many spa owners choose to raise the temperature during the colder months. This works for people who enjoy a greater contrast between the water in their hot tub and the air surrounding them. However, other people prefer a more subtle difference.
Alternatively, if you reside in a warmer climate, it’s probably best to keep a lower hot tub temperature. Many individuals prefer to keep their hot tubs around 98 degrees since it is the same as their body temperature. However, it’s also recommended to set a lower temperature so that your experience is still relaxing and refreshing. A lot of people will keep theirs in the mid to low 90’s for this reason.
In the beginning, as a hot tub owner, it’s a good idea to test out various temperatures until you find one that’s most appropriate for you. Hot tubs are a perfect way to unwind and relax, so it’s important to find the right temperature for you and your specific needs or desires.
Based on age, health, and climate, your perfect hot tub temperature might differ from the person sitting next to you. If you’d like to know more about hot tubs, download our free hot tub buyer’s guide.