Hot tubs are well-loved by people throughout the world, and for good reason. While hot tubs are wonderful for relaxation, they come with a multitude of health benefits. As a hot tub owner, you probably want to get the most out of your spa. You also know that it’s important to understand how to operate it. Understanding the benefits and the risks is key to ensuring you use it safely.

Improper and inefficient use of a hot tub can be hazardous. One of the most common problems owners have is uncertainty about how long they can safely soak. As healthy and beneficial as soaking can be, immersion for too long is risky, particularly when children are involved.

Feel free to contact us or visit our blog if you have any other questions about hot tub safety.

Temperature

The ideal amount of time that you can stay immersed depends on the temperature of your spa. Typically, you should not allow your water temperature to go above 102°F-104°F. If you only want your hot tub at a comfortable and warm point, then you might want to keep your temperature close to 98°F. Here’s a good rule of thumb: the higher the temperature, the shorter the recommended soak time.

The risks of staying in your hot tub too long include:

• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Overheating

Ideal Soak Time

A safe length of time to soak is generally 15-30 minutes a session. If you take a break in between soaking, you can get back in the water for another 15-30 minutes. However, several factors can come into play and impact how long you can safely stay in your hot tub.

• Personal Health. Pay attention to how your body feels. Your overall health will affect how long you can safely soak. If you have any health issues, consult with your primary care doctor beforehand. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous or uncomfortable, it is important to get out and minimize your soaking time.
• Weather. The temperature outside will affect how your body keeps its internal temperature stable.
• Children. While most adults can stay in the hot tub for 15-30 minutes safely at the recommended temperature, children are a very different story. Children, 5 + years, should not stay in a hot tub above 95°F for more than 5-10 minutes.

Buying a Hot Tub

Your safety depends on the quality-level of the spa you purchase. Your hot tub should not be able to exceed 104°F, which is the recognized standard by most manufacturers. Older hot tubs can reach higher temperatures, but that makes them significantly more hazardous. Old models are especially dangerous for families with young children. Make sure to choose a hot tub make and model that is easy to operate and thus control.

At Pool Tech Plus, we offer some of the best hot tubs and swim spas on the market. Visit our site today to find your perfect match!