The right hot tub temperature ensures the longevity of your hot tub, as well as the safety and comfort of those who choose to use it.
The best hot tub temperature is 98.6 ºF (37 ºC) for many people. In warmer climates and in summer, 100 ºF (37 ºC) is optimal. In the cold, winter climates, temperatures between 97 ºF (36 ºC) and 104 ºF (40 ºC) are preferable. However, there are other considerations for children, elderly, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.
However, there is more to these factors than simply adjusting the temperature. Let’s take a deeper look
What’s the Best Temperature for YOUR Hot Tub?
For most people, the best hot tub temperature is 98.6 ºF (37 ºC) because this is the average human body temperature.
If you find it’s too chilly, slowly increase the temperature until you’re comfortable.
However, keep in mind that children, the elderly, and pregnant women are more sensitive to higher temperatures than others.
- The CDC says children under 5 should not use hot tubs at all due to the risk of drowning. (And older children should be able to stand with their heads above the water.) When older children use the hot tub, limit to 5-10 minutes at 98.6 ºF (37 ºC).
- Elderly shouldn’t soak for longer than 5 – 10 minutes.
- People with existing lung and heart conditions should avoid hot tubs altogether because the bacteria that grow in warm water can be harmful.
- Pregnant women’s temperatures should not rise above 102.2 ºF (39 ºC). But this can happen very quickly if you spend 5–10 minutes in a hot tub heated to 104 ºF (40 ºC). Because sitting in warmer water than your body’s temperature will raise your temperature, hot tubs can be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, don’t get into a hot bath or hot tub without talking to your doctor first.
Long periods spent in hot water can result in severe heat-related illnesses, so staying in the hot tub for more than 10 minutes at a time is not recommended. Also, keep hydrated. And to maintain track of time, keep a clock visible nearby.
How Hot Is Too Hot for a Hot Tub?
Hot tubs have been designed never to exceed 104 ºF (40 ºC). They have a built-in limiter to prevent this from happening to keep the hot tub safe; the current temperature is displayed on a digital monitor outside the hot tub.
If you don’t have a thermometer or digital monitor, you won’t be aware if the temperatures exceed the safety limit of 104 ºF (40 ºC). This can happen due to warm climates and weather conditions. It can be extremely dangerous.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission states that the most comfortable temperatures are between 100 ºF (37 ºC) and 102 ºF (38 ºC). But with that in mind, you’ll need to account for your personal health situation and preferences.
What’s the Minimum Temperature for a Hot Tub in Summer?
If you live in a warm climate and use your hot tub during the summer, you can opt for a lower temperature. For example, if it’s 100 ºF (37 ºC) outside, you may consider turning your hot tub down to 85 ºF (29 ºC).
You might also consider turning the hot tub heating off completely when the weather is hot, and turn your hot tub into a small warm pool.
If you find that it’s a particularly sweltering summer, with temperatures of 110 ºF (43 ºC), you may want to cool the water in your hot tub.
To cool your water, leave the cover off. A lot of the circulating heat from the warm water will be released into the air, reducing the water temperature.
Hot tubs usually operate in standard mode, and the heater works periodically to achieve the temperature you set it to.
Sleep and Economy modes shut down the heating cycle to irregular cycles, causing the heater to only work once or twice a day. This can help you maintain temperatures anywhere from 88 ºF (31 ºC) to 93 ºF (33 ºC).
What’s the Minimum Temperature for a Hot Tub in Winter?
In colder climates be cautious of freezing.
Adjust your hot tub’s temperature between 97 ºF (36 ºC) and 104 ºF (40 ºC) and refrain from turning off the heating completely.
If the water freezes, it can cause a lot of damage to the hot tub and your pipes can burst. This can cost you a bundle to get it up and running again.
In colder climates, consider wrapping your hot tub with insulation. If you’re unsure how to do this, find out how to winterize your hot tub for cold temperatures.
Also, don’t position your hot tub in a spot where an avalanche of snow might fall into it, like beside a steep roof.
Snow can cause severe damage to the hardware. It can also require your heater to work extra hard to keep the water at the proper temperature. And this will mean a higher electricity bill at the end of the month!
GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Thermometer
Safety should be the priority when soaking in hot tubs, followed closely by pleasure. So, it’s a great idea to have a thermometer to check the temperature at all times.
The Game Digital Thermometer works effortlessly with solar power, meaning it’s safe to use in water, and it saves you from having to buy batteries.
Its small and compact shape makes it non-intrusive, while its large, easy-to-read, double-sided display has integrated options for Fahrenheit or Celsius temperatures.
Additionally, the included tether prevents it from floating into other water-cleaning equipment. The gauge reaches a depth of 5-inches under the water’s surface for an accurate reading.
4 Ways to Save Money on Your Hot Tub Energy Bill
Well, first let’s consider how much it costs to run a hot tub. Then let’s look at some steps to reduce these costs.
Cost Factors
There are several variables that factor into your operational costs, such as:
- Make, Model, Age
- Local Utility Costs
- Hot Tub Use
- Hot Tub Run Time
- Outside Climate and Temperature
- Water Temperature
- Hot Tub Care
Generally speaking, to run a hot tub efficiently, you’ll have an increased monthly electric bill of $20 – $30 ($1 per day).
Adversely, if your hot tub is not well-maintained or quite old, that amount could increase to $50 per month.
Modern hot tubs are designed to keep their temperatures for longer, reducing energy costs.
1. Add Insulation
Insulating your hot tub decreases the time it takes for your hot tub to warm up.
Extra padding underneath your hot tub can help to reduce heat loss through the ground.
Floating thermal blankets are also a great choice, and most even double as solar blankets to help heat the water.
Check out the Hot Tub Bubble Cover from Spa-Depot.
2. Keep It Clean
Keeping your hot tub clean will do wonders for your filters. Read about how to keep your hot tub clean in this post.
To keep your hot tub sanitized, you’ll also need to use the right products. Read about the 6 must-have chemicals for your hot tub here.
3. Power Down
Turning off your jets when you’re not using them will keep out cold air.
Also, consider decreasing the temperature of your hot tub while you aren’t using it to minimize energy usage and save money in the long term.
4. Keep a Steady Hot Tub Temperature
If you use your hot tub frequently and continually lower and raise the temperature, you may inadvertently increase your energy bill.
Reheating the tub can use more energy than maintaining its temperature.
Plus, it puts undue pressure on the tub’s heating element because it needs to work more to raise the temperature than keep it steady. (Also, fluctuating the temperature frequently can cause the heating element to wear out faster.)
So What’s the Right Temperature for Your Hot Tub?
The best temperature for a hot tub differs slightly according to who uses it. Adults can handle warmer temperatures for longer, while children, the elderly, and pregnant women should use extra caution.
The climate and current season’s weather conditions also play an important role in deciding your hot tub temperature. Consider every variable carefully so that you can enjoy your hot tub to its fullest.
Tags: children, elderly, how hot is too hot for a hot tub?, how much does it cost to run a hot tub?, pregnant, reduce hot tub energy bill, What is the ideal temperature for a hot tub?, what is the lowest temperature for a hut tub?, winterize hot tub