What Is the Ideal Hot Tub Temperature?

24 August 2026

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.

But striking a balance and finding that ideal hot tub temperature is often inconsistent and confusing: too hot and it’s dangerous to your health, too cold and you don’t get all the health benefits.

So, what temperature should a hot tub be, and how does it change between users and seasons?

The ideal hot tub temperature is between 37–40°C (100–104°F), though this varies between users and seasons:

New Users: Just below 37°C so the heat doesn’t shock you
Children: 35–37°C (95–99°F)
Elderly People: 35–37°C (95–99°F)
Hydrotherapy: 38–40°C (100–104°F)
Summer: 37–38°C (99–100°F)
Winter: 38–40°C (100–104°F)

Read on to learn more about the ideal hot tub temperature for different uses, people, and times of the year.

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.

Ideal Hot Tub Temperature Comparisons

The ideal hot tub temperature is not a static, exact number. It changes based on certain criteria, including:

Who is using the hot tub
What climate, or time of year, it is
What purpose you have when using the hot tub

Based on this, use our table below to understand the minimum and maximum recommended hot tub temperatures at a glance.

Recommended Hot Tub Temperatures Table

		Min Temp	Max Temp
*Purpose?*	Daily Relaxation	37°C	40°C
	New Users	35°C	37°C
	Hydrotherapy	38°C	40°C
*Who?*	Children	35°C	37°C
*Who?*	Elderly People	35°C	37°C
*Climate?*	Summer	37°C	38°C
*Climate?*	Winter	38°C	40°C

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.

Lowering the Temperature to Save Money

While hot tubs are an incredible tool for wellness, at some points, we all feel the pinch. Rather than give up on your deluxe investment, though, there are ways you can save money while still using your hot tub. One of the ways you can cut costs is by lowering your hot tub’s base temperature.

All you need to do is lower the temperature by several degrees to take the pressure off of your hot tub’s heating pump, and you can immediately save substantially. This is because it takes a lot of electricity to heat up such a vast volume of water — even the smallest of our hot tubs, such as the Topaz hot tub, holds at least up to 795 litres.

A lower target temperature also means that your heater has to be on for less time, saving energy the same way you do with internal home heating.

Learn more about why and how to run your hot tub cost-effectively in our blog: Top tips for how to run a hot tub economically

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 best hot tub temperature 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 model’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. You can find all of our hot tub owner manuals and hot tub care guides online.

For newer hot tubs controls implemented AFTER 2022:

Core Hot Tub Manual (UK)

For older hot tub controls implemented BEFORE 2022:

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.

Ideal Hot Tub Temperature FAQs

How long does it take to heat up a hot tub?

Hot tubs that are in new or good condition will generally warm the water up by about 3–6°C every hour until it reaches the target temperature. This means it can take between four and six hours before your hot tub heats up fully after you’ve refilled it.

Is 36 degrees hot enough for a hot tub?

If you’re a new hot tub user, then 36 degrees Celsius is the perfect temperature for you. This is because your body needs to get used to that temperature of water. Once you are acclimated to 36 degrees, you should try 37–40 degrees for a more comfortable and relaxing experience.

What temperature should a hot tub be in the UK?

Despite our beautifully inconsistent weather, the ideal hot tub temperature for adults outside in the fresh UK air is around 38°C. On cooler days, you could try pushing that to 39°C or 40°C, and on warmer days you could lower it to 37°C or even 36°C.

Is 26 degrees cold for a hot tub?

Yes, 26 degrees Celsius is considered particularly cold by hot tub standards, and too cold for most people. If your hot tub has a temperature setting that goes this low, it should be reserved for cooling off during summer heatwaves almost exclusively.

What Temperature Should a Hot Tub Be?