A hot tub provides so many physical and mental benefits, it’s no wonder that you would want one of your own. But like most new hot tub owners, you may be wondering just how hot the water should be. What is the thermal sweet spot where you experience the best relaxation and restoration without posing any dangers to your health?
As a general rule, you should always consult your health care provider before engaging in spa use. In the meantime, we at Juniper have compiled answers to some essential questions concerning hot tub temperatures. Refer to them in conversation with your doctor and other members of your household when it comes to usage and ownership.
How hot should a hot tub be in general?
Everyone has a different preference for their water temperature, but there are a few guidelines you should follow.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises that spa water should not be any hotter than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If you soak in waters at a higher temperature, you put yourself at risk of heatstroke and are more likely to become lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous.
In general, people tend to set their water to a temperature of about 100 degrees. If you’re not sure what temperature will work best for you, start at a milder temperature somewhere between 90 and 95 degrees, and soak for 15 minutes. If that feels comfortable, raise the temperature a few degrees the next time you soak. Repeat this process until you find the ideal temperature for you. You’ll be surprised how big a difference just a couple of degrees can make in your comfort level.
How long should a soak last?
The higher the water temperature in your hot tub, the less time you should spend in it. Otherwise, you’re more likely to experience the adverse health effects mentioned previously.
If you soak in 100-degree water, keep your spa soak between 15 and 20 minutes. If, at any point, you feel faint, nauseous, or unwell in any way, stop your soak immediately.
What should the water temperature be in winter?
One of the best things about hot tubs is that they are usable year-round, even when the ground is covered in snow. The critical thing to remember is that as the weather turns colder, you will, naturally, want to make your water warmer.
Can you see where this may pose a challenge to your health? If you keep dialing up the water temperature to compensate for the cold environment, it may creep past the CPSC-recommended 104-degree mark. So keep a keen eye on the control pad as you soak in winter, and the weather won’t trick you into a health hazard.
How hot should a hot tub be for kids?
Water temperature is even more important when you include children in hot tub use. Due to the high heat, children under the age of 5 shouldn’t use a hot tub. For children older than 5, set the water to a milder temperature (i.e., between 90 and 95 degrees), and limit their soak time to 15 minutes.
What temperature is best for adults with medical conditions?
As we mentioned earlier, you should always talk to your doctor before soaking in a hot tub. This is especially true if you are an adult with an underlying medical condition. Depending on your circumstances, it may serve you best to reduce the temperature, limit the duration of your soak, or, simply, refrain from using a hot tub.
Where can I get a high-quality hot tub in Wisconsin?
At Juniper, we pride ourselves on the quality of our spa products and the service through which we connect customers in the Appleton area to them. Contact us today, and our knowledgeable team will answer any other questions you may have about spa ownership and best practices.
