Using your hot tub regularly has numerous benefits for your health. But overdoing it can welcome different health issues. That is the reason, many people ask about how long you can stay in a hot tub.
Basically, the answer depends on a lot of factors of the users. Also, there is a standard time span to use a hot tub as well. But it is recommended to use it at a suitable temperature to avoid any health issues.
However, if you are using your hot tub daily, I guess I have some essential information for you about the amount of time you are in the tub.
So to stay healthy, you need to know what different reports are saying about it. So, let us start it.
How Long Can You Stay in a Hot Tub?
Usually, you can fix the time to spend in your hot tub based on a few factors, including temperature, age, health issues, weather, etc.
For a healthy adult, staying in a hot tub for around 15 to 30 minutes at a time is good if the hot tub temperature is from 98 degrees to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is higher than the user should not be there for more than 15 minutes.
It is not recommended to get a relaxing soak for more than 45 minutes at a time. There is a chance to suffer from different health issues, including skin diseases if one exceeds the time so often. For kids and adults, this time span is even shorter.
Now, you might think about how often you should enjoy your hot tub. Actually, there is no specific schedule you should follow to use your hot tub.
Usually, you can take a hot bath in the tub occasionally or twice a week. But you should never try it daily or twice a day.
What Is the Right Temperature for a Hot Tub to Stay for a Longer Time?
Before you determine how long you will be in the hot tub, the first thing you need to consider is the water temperature. It is an important factor that dictates the standard stay period in the hot tub.
Most of the regular hot tubs are fixed with a few temperature programs. The default hot tub temperature in most of them is set to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
You might find options to set the temperature higher or lower. At this temperature, the single stay period should not exceed 15 minutes.
If your hot tub has the option to decrease the water temperature you should put that around 98 degrees to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature range, one can stay for a longer period of time without any worries.
According to CPSC’s report on bathtub temperature, the water temperature in the hot tub should not exceed 104°F at any cost. Indeed, 100°F is the suitable temperature for a healthy adult.
So, if you wish to stay longer, keep the temperature level between 100-102°F.
Essential Things to Consider Before You Start a Hot Tub Session
Besides temperature, there are some essential factors that you need to consider in this case. You should consider them regarding your situation to fix how long you can be in the hot tub.
1. Age
Age is an important factor if you want to stay in the hot tub for a long time. It is better to use the facility for a moderate amount of time no matter the age.
The standard amount of time period to stay in the hot tub should be around 15 to 45 minutes. But this time duration must be lower for senior people and children.
For kids, a hot tub can be a dangerous place for sure. According to CPSC’s report on bathtub incidents, around 8.5 percent of the total U.S. population faces incidents in the bathtub and hot tubs where 75% of them are kids. Also, 90 percent of death incidents occur when the kids are not supervised by the adults.
2. Pregnancy Precautions
Pregnancy is a huge condition to look for if someone is intending to stay in the hot tub. By all means, a pregnant woman should consult with the doctor before doing anything with the hot tub.
If you are pregnant and you feel good having a spa you should not stay there for more than 10 minutes in a single session.
The hot tub temperature should be around 101 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
According to Mayo Clinic’s report by Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D., a pregnant woman should not be in a hot tub for more than 10 minutes.
3. Hydration Fact
Before joining the hot tub sessions you should hydrate yourself with cold water or a hydrating drink. A spa in a hot tub makes the body sweat and lose water level by increasing the body temperature.
So it is even better to keep a hydrating drink while having the hot hub session.
4. Health
It is compulsory to know about your health condition before joining the hot tub sessions. These issues can vary from person to person.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, skin diseases, and blood pressure-related issues you must consult with your doctor before diving into the hot tub.
Also, if you are into medications take extra precautions about session duration and water temperature.
5. Weather
Don’t forget to check the current weather condition if you plan to get a hot tub bath. It is a serious factor that dwindles with body temperature.
If the weather is clear with a hot sun, you should not go too hot in the bathtub water. Also, you should check how hot you feel in outdoor conditions.
On cold days you can stay in the hot tub for longer periods of time and it will make you feel good too. But, keep in mind you must not be in the tub for over an hour. It might make you dehydrated and could cause skin complications.
What Happens If You Exceed the Recommendation Timespan in a Hot Tub?
As you know, there are different health issues that can occur because of being in a hot tub for longer. If you are in a hot tub for a longer time and feeling thirsty, you should avoid hot tubs for a while.
It will happen when your body is dehydrated. Staying in warm water for a long time can cause this type of issue commonly.
Besides, you might face the following problems as well.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dark colored urine
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Nauseous
- Headaches
- Increased or decreased heartbeat
- Tingling sensations
- Increased body temperature
Final Thoughts
Using a hot tub for a warm bath is good for our health. But overdoing it can cause a huge problem.
So, if you are still confused about how long you should be in a hot tub, I would like to suggest you use it for 15 to 30 minutes and not more than 45 minutes at 100°F.
Remember, never exceed the time and even decrease it if the temperature is higher.
Hopefully, you have got your answer. Please, make sure to be concerned about the other factors regarding the use of the hot tub. Thank you for your time.
