Relax in the perfect temps
The ideal hot tub temperature is both comfortable and safe.
Adults enjoy hot tubs set at 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Set the hot tub temperature lower for children and those with health conditions.
Along with the temperature, keep an eye on how long you use the tub.
Discovering the ideal hot tub temperature will help you get the most out of your relaxing soaks. Dialing in your hot tub to the right temperature isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about the health and wellness of those using the spa. Your ideal temperature will depend on a few factors like age, health status, and even the time of year.
How hot should a hot tub be? The answer is twofold because the right hot tub temperature is based partially on your personal preference and partially on science. Modern tubs are adjustable between around 90 degrees and up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, maximum, but you’ll also have to be mindful of the temperature to avoid hot tub health hazards.
When you’re setting the temperature for your hot tub, use a thermometer in the water to double-check the actual temperature rather than relying only on the thermostat on the unit. A floating thermometer is the easiest tool you can use to know the exact temperature of your water.
The reason why setting your hot tub to the right temperature is so important is because water that’s too hot can cause hyperthermia, which is when your body temperature is much higher than it should be. Normal body temperatures are 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit on average, while someone experiencing hyperthermia may register body temperatures of 104 degrees or higher.
Moreover, some groups are more susceptible to hyperthermia, like children and those over 65 years old. Serious cases of hyperthermia can be life-threatening or even lead to death. So although you got your hot tub so you can enjoy it and relax, make sure to set it to the right temperature for safety’s sake.
And while keeping your hot tub water at the right temperature is important, so is monitoring the amount of time you spend in the tub. Limit your hot tub time to 15 to 30 minutes. Your age, the water temperature, and your health status will all affect how long you can safely hang out in the spa.
Always stay on top of your maintenance tasks. If you find yourself forgetting to get them done, or if DIYing your own hot tub maintenance turns out to be too much for you to handle, call a hot tub installer near you and hand off the job to the pros.
Find the best hot tub temperature based on which group you fall into below.
If you’re a healthy adult, you’re likely to enjoy hot tub temperatures between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual temperature you like most will also depend on your personal preferences. So, if you’re not totally sure, you can start at around 98 degrees Fahrenheit and slowly increase the heat as needed.
Modern hot tubs don’t allow you to go past 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because water temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit can cause serious issues, including heat stroke, even in healthy adults, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The lower the water temperature, the longer you can enjoy the hot tub. As mentioned above, you should limit your time in the tub to between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the temperature. If you prefer water at or close to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you should stick to 15-minute soaks.
When it comes to kids, it’s less about which water temperatures they like and more about keeping them safe. Supervise children at all times when they’re using the hot tub. Note that children under five years or younger shouldn’t use the hot tub at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you’re planning on letting your kids use the hot tub, set the water to a lower temperature. Instead of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for most adults, consider keeping your hot tub set around 95 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit if there are kids.
Kids should sit on the cooling steps rather than sitting fully submerged in the water and limit their time in the hot tub to 10 to 15 minutes at a time. If you set the hot tub to a maximum of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, kids should only spend five minutes in the water, according to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.
A hot tub session might sound like the perfect way to unwind, but you should consult with your doctor first if you’re pregnant. In particular, the CDC notes that pregnant women need to take extra care during the first trimester to avoid overheating their bodies.
If you’re in your second or third trimester and get the green light from your doctor to enjoy your hot tub, the CPSC notes you should keep the temperatures at 100 degrees or lower. Limit your soaks to 10 minutes or less. However, your doctor may recommend more restrictive limits, so be sure to follow their advice.
Speaking broadly, you might play it safe and consider skipping the hot tub altogether.
Consult a doctor if you’re over 65 and want to soak in the hot tub. There are many health-related hot tub benefits, like easing your muscular pain and increasing blood circulation, but if you’re not careful, a simple hot tub session can lead to hyperthermia.
It’s a good idea to set your spa to lower temperatures, like 100 degrees or lower, and limit your hot tub time to 15 minutes.
Other precautions you can take include installing safety rails, having someone nearby you can call out to if you need assistance, and making sure you have assistance to get in and out of the tub if you need it.
The CPSC notes that if you have health conditions, you should get your doctor’s approval before going hot tubbing. This includes heart disease, circulatory issues, diabetes, blood pressure issues, and more. If you’re unsure, call your doctor first.
If you have a health condition and get the OK from your doctor, keep the water at 100 degrees or lower and only soak in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes.
While some people use their hot tub for fun, others may rely on it for hydrotherapy. Some of the potential benefits of hydrotherapy include increased blood circulation, easing arthritis symptoms, relieving sore muscles, stress reduction, and more.
And while you may think that hotter is better for hydrotherapy, that’s not the case. In fact, you don’t need a specific temperature to get the benefits of hydrotherapy. Instead, find the best temperature for you based on your age and whether you have health conditions that affect your ability to use hot tubs.
The best hot tub temperature may range around 95 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 97 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. It’s pretty typical for people to set their hot tubs around 2 to 4 degrees higher during the winter to compensate for the chilly air.
And in the summer, you’ll need to keep an eye on whether the sun shines on your hot tub. If so, the sun will heat the water, so account for that by setting your hot tub at a lower temperature.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while hot tubbing:
Complete maintenance tasks regularly, like cleaning filters and draining the tub.
Check your water levels weekly and add chemicals as needed.
Stay hydrated while soaking and avoid alcoholic drinks.
Always check with your doctor, as they may recommend skipping the hot tub, depending on your health conditions and medications.
If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, or the like, get out of the hot tub and cool down.
