On a cool evening, nothing feels nicer than a steamy hot tub soak. While water temperature is largely a matter of preference, you may have wondered if cranking the hot tub to its maximum setting is a good idea. How hot is too hot? Is the same temperature okay for all bathers? Those are all great questions! So we put together this quick reference guide to help you know what the perfect temperature for your hot tub should be.

Hot Tub Temperature and Your Health

Did you know that sitting in your hot tub counts as mild exercise for your body? Sure, you’re just relaxing and laughing with your loved ones, but your body is getting a bit of a workout. Your heart rate speeds up and your blood pressure drops. To your body, it’s similar to the cardio workout you get when you take a walk. 

As you sit in the water, it raises your core temperature. This is where a lot of the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy come in. But if your body spends too long with your core temperature elevated, it can be dangerous. You could get dehydrated, have heat rash, cramps, or even heat stroke. New hot tubs come with a max temperature setting of 104°F these days, so you don’t have to worry about a temperature so hot it could harm you. 

Most people set their hot tub between 100°F and 102°. A healthy adult can safely bump the temperature up to 104°F, if that’s what feels best. But, remember this rule: the hotter the water, the shorter the soak. If your hot tub is at the maximum setting, limit your soak to 15-20 minutes. If you lower the temperature, you can probably soak for 30-45 minutes at a time — assuming that you’re a healthy adult. 

Exceptions to the Rule

Did you notice how often we said, “healthy adult”? That’s because some people are heat sensitive and might need to lower the temperature or limit their time in the water (or even abstain from hot-tubbing if that’s what their doctor recommends). Kids can’t handle the same heat as grown-ups. Their bodies just aren’t as capable of regulating their core temperature yet. So when you’re hot-tubbing with kids, follow these guidelines:

• 0-5 Years: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that kids younger than 5 should not use a hot tub.
• 5-12 Years: Kids can soak up to 15 minutes at a time if the water is between 98°F and 102°F. Also, it’s a good idea to have kids sit where part of their bodies are out of the water. This will keep their core temperature cooler for longer. And for safety, anyone using the spa should be tall enough that their head is out of the water when they’re standing on the bottom.
• 12 and up: Your older kids can enjoy somewhat longer soaks with you. Just make sure they stay hydrated. Also, keeping part of their torso above the water will keep their internal temperature lower for longer.

If you’re advancing in years and are not already a hot tub user, it’s a good idea to take precautions to determine how sensitive you are to the heat. Start with a shorter soak and then work up to longer soaks (or a hotter spa) once you see how your body responds. 

Health conditions are the other exception. Certain medications and health conditions can make you more heat-sensitive. You might need to lower the temperature or limit your hot tub use. If you have a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider before hot-tubbing.

Warm Weather Hot-Tubbing

Did you know your hot tub can be the perfect refreshing spot on a hot New Mexico day? Just turn the temperature down to 95°F or less. Because that’s lower than your body temperature, the water will feel cool and invigorating. Trust us, don’t miss using your hot tub, or maybe we should say cool tub, in the summer. It feels awesome!

If you follow these temperature guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy those warm waters with confidence! Do you have more questions about hot tub ownership? Read this to learn how to perfectly place your hot tub or check out our blog for more hot tub tips. Or, stop by to see our great selection of Master Spas® hot tubs in person and we’ll be happy to answer all your spa questions.