Best Hot Tub Temperature for summer, winter, kids, pregnancy

Let’s talk about hot tub temperatures. What are the best hot tub temperatures for summer and winter, or for kids, pregnancy or those with health problems?

But just how hot are hot tubs and how hot should hot tubs be? Can the temperature be changed to accommodate different people or different times of the year?

The ideal hot tub temperature range favored by most owners is between 98ºF (36.5ºC) and 102ºF (39ºC). The maximum recommended hot tub temperature is 104ºF (40ºC) which is the hottest temperature that most manufacturers allow.

The exact ideal hot tub temperature depends on the age, health condition, season and personal preference of the users of course.

Whether you’re shaking off that busy day at the office, just finishing a workout or simply taking a “me” day, the hot tub awaits! A soak is a great way to reduce stress, relax your muscles and spend time with family and friends.

Table of Contents

• How hot should a hot tub be?
• Minimum temperature for a hot tub
• Perfect hot tub temperature for kids?
• Can you go in a hot tub when pregnant?
• What temperature should I keep my hot tub when not in use?
• Can people with health conditions use hot tubs?
• Hot Tub Maintenance Course
• Best Practices for Hot Tub Heaters
  • How to run a hot tub economically
  • Keeping Hot Tubs in Good Condition
  • To Drain or Not to Drain?
• Frequently asked questions

How hot should a hot tub be?

It is generally accepted that the hot tub temperature matters and the maximum hot tub temperature for safety is 104ºF (40ºC). To exceed 104 degrees may not be safe as determined by the consumer product safety commission.

Sitting in hot water raises your body temperature, particularly if it is above body temperature, which is 98.6ºF (37ºC).

Having an excessively high body temperature above 103ºF (39.5ºC) can cause serious heat related health risks such as:

• Cramps
• Rashes
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke

Because of these risks, most modern hot tubs can’t even be set to anything over 104ºF (40ºC). To further prevent experiencing these illnesses you should limit your time in a hot tub to 15-30 minutes per session.

Finding the ideal hot tub temperature is a matter of personal taste and often requires a compromise. For example, I prefer the temperature of my hot tub to be around 102ºF but my wife finds that too hot so she prefers it around 98ºF. So we meet in the middle and have it at 100ºF.

Minimum temperature for a hot tub

That hot, steamy water feels so good in cold weather, but what should you do on warm summer days?

Many hot tub users love to cool off in their tub during the hottest months of the year. Setting the hot tub’s heater to around 80ºF (26.5ºC) to 85ºF (29.5ºC) will offer a refreshing and relaxing summer soak, without the water feeling too cold. Plus, you can stay in the water for a much longer time!

Is there a minimum temperature for hot tub in summer? Some manufacturers will only allow the minimum temperature for a hot tub to be set to 80ºF (26.5ºC).

To keep the water cooler in your hot tub, try these tips:

• Prop the cover slightly open to prevent heat from building up, while still keeping the water covered.
• Run the jets to circulate the water and cool it down
• Clean filters frequently (once or twice each week) to maintain good water circulation.
• Use a hot tub cooling system to keep your water colder

You can also add ice! It’s a fun party trick and it’ll keep your tub’s temperature cooler.

Perfect hot tub temperature for kids?

Children are less tolerant of extreme temperatures than adults are. Kids aged 5 and up will be safer and much more comfortable in water that is no higher than 98ºF (36.5ºC). 

Kids should never soak for more than 15 minutes at a time, and children under 5 years old should not go in hot tubs at all. Webmd says that babies have thin skin which makes them more susceptible to overheating.

It should go without saying that children should always be constantly supervised by an adult when using hot tubs. Also, ideally, there should be a lock on the cover when it is not in use to prevent children from getting in without supervision.

Can you go in a hot tub when pregnant?

A safe hot tub temperature for pregnancy is not as high as they are normally.

When a pregnant woman’s body temperature rises above 102.2ºF (39ºC), the baby’s risk of birth defects can increase. This is why it’s also important for expecting mothers to speak with their Obstetrician before entering hot tubs.

Although little research has been done, the Mayo Clinic advises that hot tub use should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes for pregnant women as there is the potential for neural tube defects in unborn babies if the mother’s body temperature is raised too much.

What temperature should I keep my hot tub when not in use?

If you will not be using your hot tub for a number of days or more, perhaps when going on vacation, then you may wish to lower the temperature to save money on electricity.

But what temp to set hot tub on vacation? Normally you would not lower the hot tub temperature when not in use by more than 5 degrees.

You will have to remember to raise the temperature again in plenty of time before you use it again as it will take some time to reach the normal temperature again.

If it will only be a day or two between uses then, personally, I would just leave the temperature alone, particularly if you have a good cover to retain the heat.

Also read: Do you leave hot tubs on all the time?

Can people with health conditions use hot tubs?

Having a good soak can help many people with certain health issues, particularly joint or muscular problems.

However, older adults and people with health conditions should consult a physician before using a spa. Even if advised they can use one then they should avoid temperatures that are too high and staying in too long in a session.

Those with heart problems must be especially cautious as sudden immersion in hot tub water is likely to increase your heart rate which could cause you problems. These are the results of a study comparing immersion in a hot tub with exercise.

Hot Tub Maintenance Course

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Best Practices for Hot Tub Heaters

Heating a hot tub up to your desired temperature can take a few hours. That’s why some tubs have accompanying smart-phone apps. If you’re away from home, you can set the temperature ahead of time so your hot tub is warmed up and ready to go when you are!

How to run a hot tub economically

It may seem counterintuitive, but frequently changing settings on your hot tub heater does not save you money. Turning it down then up, or off then on, actually burns more energy and costs more than leaving it set at one temperature.

Changing temperature settings will also shorten the lifespan of your hot tub’s systems and heating element.

If you use your hot tub regularly (at least a few times each week):

• Keep the heater set at a constant temperature so the water stays warm
• Ensure the top and sides of your hot tub are insulated.

With these tips, your hot tub heating element won’t have to work nearly as hard.

Keeping Hot Tubs in Good Condition

Many hot tub users keep a second thermometer, separate from the heater’s gauge, so they can confirm safe temperatures and ensure the heating element is working correctly – such as one of these floating spa thermometers available on Amazon.

Detecting early warning signs of equipment malfunctions can help you prevent worst-case scenarios, like your heating element going out and your pipes freezing if you live in a cold area.

To Drain or Not to Drain?

Speaking of pipes freezing — what should you do if you plan on not using your hot tub for a while?

The simple answer is, drain the water in the winter!

If you plan on taking a short summer vacation, you can simply turn the heater off.

However, if you’re taking a longer vacation, or you’ll be away during the winter months, it’s best to drain the tub. This will ensure that your pipes don’t freeze and you don’t have any water chemical imbalances to worry about when you get home.

Frequently asked questions

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