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How Long Should You Be in a Hot Tub? (7 Crucial Factors)

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Hot Tub Health Tips, Hot Tub Operational Tips

Without a doubt, soaking in a hot tub after a hard day is one of life’s most relaxing pastimes. But how long is too long, and how long should you be in a hot tub?

At 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a hot tub soak should be kept to 15 minutes. But the lower the temperature, the longer the soak time can be (up to 30 minutes). But how much water and/or alcohol has been consumed can affect that.

The above is just the tip of the iceberg, so there’s a lot more to know.

In this article, we’ll look at all the factors and I’ll give you specific times at specific temperatures. After all, yours might be set lower than 104° (mine is).

Let’s get going.

how long in hot tub lg

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, keeping a clean filter, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.

How long can you stay in a hot tub at 100 degrees?

On average, it will be safe to stay in a hot tub at 100 degrees for up to twenty minutes.

But the time you can spend in a hot tub can also be impacted by whether you are pregnant, dehydrated, how deep you’re submerged, the ambient air temperature, water temperature, age, and alcohol consumption.

It’s important to be mindful of these factors because staying in a hot tub longer than the recommended time can lead to nausea, dizziness, and dehydration!

Let’s find out more.

Age

The elderly and young children need to exercise caution with the temperature and soak times. The concern with the elderly is that they are more susceptible to infections in the water. And the effects of the infection can be severe.

But a healthy adult can safely have a longer soak than a teen or someone elderly.

Other concerns relate to heart conditions and high blood pressure. And because they are not as strong as they used to be, there’s also the risk that they could fall.

And when it comes to kids, never let them use the hot tub unsupervised. I do not allow my kids to be in water that is 104° F (40° C).

If you allow your kids to use it at that temperature, it’s good to know that the Association of Pool and Spa professionals say that kids under the age of twelve should not soak longer than five minutes.

Some experts also advise that kids below the age of 5 should not be allowed to use the hot tub.

The preferred temperature for my hot tub is 98° F (36.67° C), and at this temp, I allow my kids 15 minutes of soak time with an adult.

Pregnancy

At or above a temperature of 102° F (38.88° C), pregnant women should avoid hot tub use.

It is recommended that they should never let their body temp rise above 102.2º F and only soak for about 10 minutes even when the temp is lower than that.

Can you use a hot tub in the summer?

That’s the theme of a recent article I published. In it, I shared the ideal temp you should set for your hot tub during summer and how to cool down your hot tub. But I also shared how to cool down your hot tub when the weather starts to get brutally hot.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What are the risks of soaking too long in a hot tub?

On average, spending more than thirty minutes in a hot tub is not advisable. This is because the longer one spends in the water, especially at really high temperatures, the higher the risk of dehydration.

Relaxing in hot water or warm water is incredibly enjoyable and may have health benefits. But like most things in life, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.

15 to 30 minutes is the ideal range for hot tub sessions. If you often stay in the hot tub for a longer time than is recommended, you’re exposing yourself to negative side effects such as:

  • Headache
  • Hyperthermia (overheating)
  • Dehydration
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Dry skin

Earlier, we looked at some of the factors that impact how long you could stay in a hot tub. You want to keep this in mind, at all times.

If you’re having a drink while in the hot tub or if it’s the first trimester of your pregnancy, be doubly mindful of the time you’re spending.

How long should you stay in a hot tub at 104 degrees?

The general recommendation is to limit a hot tub soak at 104 degrees Fahrenheit to 15 minutes. However, even that long may be too long if not enough water has been consumed or if alcohol is being consumed.

I would recommend that at 104 degrees, you stay for no longer than 15 minutes. If you are pregnant, you also want to keep the time a lot shorter than fifteen minutes and check with your doctor first.

But many people just get out or sit on the perimeter for a bit and then get back in a short while later.

The rule of thumb is that the higher the temperature, the shorter the time one should spend in a hot tub. It makes sense, right? If you want to stay in the hot tub for a longer time, I suggest you set it to between 95-100° F.

So, what should be temp be in a hot tub?

Check out a recent article of mine. In it, I shared what temperature a hot tub should be set at and the maximum safe temperature for a hot tub. But I also shared what temperature is too cold for a hot tub.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Why can you only spend 15 minutes in a hot tub?

15 minutes is the recommended soak time at 104 degrees. This is to limit the probability of falling victim to overexposure and/or dehydration. However, lower water temps can extend soak times to up to 30 minutes.

This recommendation applies only when the temperature of the water is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You could spend more time if the temperature is lower than 104 degrees.

If you’re concerned about whether it’s safe to stay in a hot tub for a long time, check out a recent article I published.

I explained in detail what happens when you stay in a hot tub for too long and the factors that impact how long you can stay in a hot tub. But I also revealed if a hot tub can kill you.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What is the lowest temp for a hot tub?

The below table shows the ideal time to soak in a hot tub at different temperatures.

Hot Tub Temperature Max Soak Time
95° F 25 minutes
97° F 20 minutes
99° F 15 Minutes
101° F 15 Minutes
103° F 10 minutes

Theoretically, the lowest temperature for a hot tub could be set to a range in the 50s. However, unless the ambient temperature is exceedingly cold, it’s highly unlikely that the temperature would be in that range or even close to it.

As you know from experience, the temperature of any substance does not operate in a vacuum.

If one were to place hot tea in a freezer, we know that in a short time, it would become cold. In a similar vein, the temperature of your hot tub is greatly impacted by the weather.

If the weather is very hot, it would not hit the 50s. And here in Texas where I live, if it’s 110° F degrees in July, I can set my hot tub as low as I want and it’s not likely to drop below 98° F.

And, ideally, you do not want to be adjusting the temperature downward and upward frequently. You might think that adjusting it downward could save you some money.

But the reverse is often the case because more power is actually consumed when you’re reheating the hot tub and, in the long run, has an adverse impact on its heating element.

What factors affect hot tub soak times?

1. Overall Health

Your overall health can have a significant impact on how long you should soak in a hot tub.

If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, it’s important to consult with your doctor before using a hot tub. People with heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, or any other health concerns should be careful when using a hot tub and limit their soak times accordingly.

2. Age

Age is also an important factor to consider when using a hot tub.

Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the effects of hot water. Children have thinner skin and a lower tolerance for heat, so they should only soak for short periods of time. Elderly people may have medical conditions or mobility issues that make it difficult for them to get in and out of the tub safely.

It’s best for them to limit their soak times as well.

3. Water Temperature

The temperature of the hot tub water is a crucial factor in determining how long you should soak.

The ideal water temperature for a hot tub is between 100°F and 104°F (37.7°C and 40°C). If the water is too hot, you may experience discomfort, dizziness, or even fainting.

If the water is too cool, you won’t get the full benefits of the hot tub. In general, you should limit your soak time to 15-20 minutes if the water is at the recommended temperature.

4. How Submerged You Get

How deep you submerge your body in the hot tub also affects your soak time.

If you keep your upper body above the water, you can soak for a longer period of time. However, if you submerge your whole body up to just your head and neck, you should limit your soak time to 15 minutes to prevent overheating or dehydration.

5. Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial when using a hot tub. Hot water can cause dehydration, especially if you are soaking for an extended period of time. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your soak to avoid dehydration.

6. Pregnancy

Pregnant women should use caution when using a hot tub.

Soaking for too long in hot water can raise your body temperature, which can be harmful to the baby. It’s best to limit your soak time to no more than 10 minutes and avoid getting your core body temperature too high.

Always ask your doctor before getting in a hot tub.

7. Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol before or during a hot tub soak can be dangerous. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and increase your risk of dehydration, which can be dangerous in a hot tub. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether when using a hot tub.

What things should you avoid doing in a hot tub?

Hot tubs can be a great way to unwind and relax after a long day, but there are certain things that you should avoid doing while soaking in them. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Consuming Alcohol

While it may be tempting to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while soaking in a hot tub, it’s important to avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause dehydration and lead to overheating, which can be dangerous when combined with the high temperature of the hot tub. It can also impair your judgment and make you more susceptible to accidents or injuries while in the tub.

2. Avoid Taking Drugs That Can Cause Drowsiness

Just like alcohol, drugs that cause drowsiness or impaired judgment should be avoided while using a hot tub. This includes illegal drugs as well as certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. These substances can impair your ability to react quickly to changes in temperature or water level, which can increase your risk of injury or drowning.

3. Never Soak Alone

It’s important to never soak in a hot tub alone. Accidents can happen at any time, and having someone nearby can help prevent injuries or drowning. If you’re using a hot tub at home, make sure that someone else is present in the house while you’re using it. If you’re using a public hot tub, try to go with a friend or family member.

4. Avoid Using Electronic Devices Near the Hot Tub

Electronic devices that are plugged into a wall outlet should never be used in or near the hot tub.

If an electronic device is dropped in the water, it can cause a shock or even electrocution. Keep all electronic devices at a safe distance from the hot tub, and never bring them into the water with you.

Things like cell phones don’t pose that risk although many phones will no longer work if they get dropped in the hot tub.

5. Avoid Using the Hot Tub During Lightning

Finally, it’s important to avoid using the hot tub during lightning storms.

The high water content in a hot tub can conduct electricity, which can be dangerous during a storm. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the hot tub and move indoors until the storm has passed.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your hot tub sessions are relaxing and safe.

Conclusion

In the article, we learned how long you could stay in a hot tub at 100 degrees and how long is too hot in a hot tub.

We looked at how long you should stay in a hot tub at 104 degrees. Then, we found out why you can only spend 15 minutes in a hot tub.

Lastly, we wrapped things up by considering the lowest temp for a hot tub.

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, keeping a clean filter, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.

Jeff Campbell
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