Nowadays, hot tubs have become an essential aspect of modern relaxation and well-being, especially for those of us who love nothing more than sitting back and relaxing in a spa setting.

And let’s face it, nothing beats the comfort of soaking in warm water after a long day at work or after an intense workout. However, knowing how to set the ideal hot tub temperature for your needs can be a little confusing – too hot and it can be dangerous to your health, too cold and you won’t get the health benefits of regular hot tub use.

Fortunately, learning how to navigate the world of hot tub temperature settings is much easier than you might think. Read on to learn more about the best temperatures for hot tubs at different times of the year, and for young children and the elderly.

What temperature should a hot tub be?

Generally speaking, most hot tub experts agree that the average hot tub temperature should sit anywhere between 37-40°C (or 100°F- 104°F for our American friends). At this temperature, most people find it comfortable to soak in the tub for about 15-20 minutes without feeling the effects of dehydration.

However, it’s important to understand that finding your ideal hot tub temperature will depend on the average temperature of where you live, your hot tub’s size, and your own personal preference for how hot you like your water.

For example, if you’re based in warmer climates, you might want to turn down your hot tub temperature for a cooling effect, and vice versa if you are based in colder climates to help overcome the colder temperatures.

What temperature should a hot tub be for new users?

If you’re new to hot tubbing, and particularly if you’ve never used a hot tub before, we recommend starting with a slightly lower temperature than normal of 37°C (98°F). That way, your body won’t be shocked by the higher temperatures.

From here, you can then gradually increase the hot tub temperature over time to give your body a chance to adjust. And as an added bonus, if you want to soak for extended periods in your tub, then keeping the temperature at the lower end of the range will make your hot tub more energy efficient.

What temperature should a hot tub be for children and the elderly?

Although most adults will be comfortable in a hot tub of 37-40°C, if you have kids or seniors using your hot tub, then we’d recommend lowering the temperature of your water to between 35-37°C (95°F- 99°F). This is because the bodies of children and older adults may struggle to properly regulate their body temperatures, increasing their risk of overheating, fainting, or becoming dehydrated.

How hot should a hot tub be for pregnant women

When hot tubbing, your safety is crucial, and it’s essential to follow the safety guidelines. For that reason, we do not recommend using a hot tub if you’re pregnant, as exposing yourself to these high temperatures could lead to pregnancy complications.

What’s the ideal hot tub temperature for hydrotherapy?

If you’re looking to maximise the potential benefits you can gain from hydrotherapy in your hot tub, then we again recommend setting the temperature of your water between 38-40°C.

At this temperature range, you’ll likely find you experience the greatest degree of muscle relaxation, not to mention all of the mental health recovery benefits that come from warm water therapy.

What is the minimum temperature for a hot tub in summer?

When it comes to using your hot tub in the warmer months in a hot climate, we recommend keeping the minimum temperature for your hot tub at no more than 37-38°C, and you may even prefer to have the temperature slightly lower.

Regardless, pay attention to how you feel using your hot tub in warmer weather, and make sure you get out or lower the water temperature further if you experience any discomfort.

What is the minimum temperature for a hot tub in winter?

Finding the ideal minimum temperature for a hot tub in winter will vary depending on several factors, such as the climate of where you’re bathing. However, most experts agree that keeping your hot tub temperature between 37-40°C will be more than warm enough.

Although it may be tempting to turn up the heat, especially in cold weather, remember that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause dizziness and fainting, and you should avoid exceeding these recommended temperatures if at all possible.

How do you adjust your hot tub temperature?

Naturally, when it comes to adjusting the temperature of your hot tub, the best way to do this will be through your tub’s temperature settings. In many cases, the process of doing this should be self-explanatory. However, if you’re ever unsure of how to set your ideal hot tub temperature, then you should consult your hot tub’s manual directly.

Find your ideal hot tub in the Platinum Spa range

At the end of the day, finding the best temperature for your hot tub needs will largely come down to personal comfort, though the temperatures we’ve outlined above are certainly safe temperature ranges to operate your hot tub in. And by following the safety guidelines while hot tubbing, you’ll get to enjoy this luxury without any risks.

Of course, in order to enjoy the varying temperatures of a hot tub, you need to have access to one. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a hot tub in the near future, look no further than the Platinum Spa range. From small 4-person hot tubs to personal swim spas, we’ve something for everyone in our collection. Get in touch today to learn more about our models or book a visit to your nearest hot tub showroom, and don’t forget to visit our owners’ hub for more helpful articles like this one.

Ellie-Mae Morris