What Happens If You Stay In a Hot Tub Too Long?

There’s nothing better than a relaxing soak in your hot tub after a long day at work. Hot tub owners can dream all day of that moment when they can finally sit back and relax in the hot water.

Though spending time in a hot tub has been shown to provide health advantages, users should be aware that there are limitations to making the experience safe.

While there are no hard and fast regulations for how long you may safely bathe in a hot tub, there are some suggestions, such as being aware of certain elements that may increase your risk of danger.

At Epic Hot Tubs, our team is committed to helping you understand everything about hot tub safety. We’re sharing how long you can stay in a hot tub and the side effects of staying in too long.

What Happens If You Stay in a Hot Tub for Too Long?

To use a hot tub safely, you need to be on the lookout for any signs your body might be giving you. These can include:

Feeling Dizzy

If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded during hot tub use, it might be a clue that your body is getting hotter than you realize. Get out and take a 15-minute walk to cool yourself.

Feeling Nauseous

Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can produce nausea and vomiting in some people. However, this isn’t always the case. Even if you don’t think the symptoms are related to heatstroke, nausea is one of the body’s warning indications that you should leave the spa and drink plenty of cold water.

Irritated Skin

If you notice your skin reddening or burning, it is also a sign that you should exit the hot tub. Alongside the hot water, there are often hot tub chemicals that can irritate your skin. Though it may be nothing more than a heat rash, you should interpret it as a message that your body wants to cool down.

Lowering of Blood Pressure

Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, fainting, an inability to concentrate, or blurred vision could also indicate a decrease in blood pressure.

If you feel your body sending you any of these signals, it is a sign that you’ve been in the hot tub too long and it’s time to get out.

What happens if you stay in a hot tub for 3 hours? Staying in a hot tub too long can lead to severe dehydration, heat stroke, or fainting from low blood pressure—especially at higher temperatures. Is being in a hot tub for too long bad? Absolutely, as the side effects of being in a hot tub too long include not just discomfort but potential health emergencies. Why is it bad to stay in a hot tub too long? Prolonged heat exposure dilates blood vessels and dehydrates you, straining your system. Too long in a hot tub effects can even include confusion or rapid heart rate if unchecked.

Can you stay in a hot tub long enough to die? While extremely rare and unlikely under normal conditions, staying in a hot tub for hours without breaks—especially if dehydrated or in extreme heat—could theoretically lead to fatal heat stroke. At Epic Hot Tubs, we stress moderation: no soak is worth risking your health. What happens if you sit in a hot tub too long without noticing? Early signs like dizziness can escalate to unconsciousness if ignored, so always set a timer if you’re prone to losing track.

How Long Should You Stay in a Hot Tub?

The average healthy adult doesn’t normally feel any adverse side effects after soaking in a hot tub for 30 minutes. But does that mean you should go on soaking? It’s always better to be on the safe side. That’s why we recommend taking a short break every 20-30 minutes.

Finally, how long you soak relies entirely on your degree of comfort. If you feel fine, you most likely are. If you start feeling dizzy, dehydrated, or nauseous, your body’s telling you it’s time for a break.

So, how long can you be in a hot tub safely? For most healthy adults, 15–30 minutes at a typical hot tub temperature of 100–102°F is ideal. At 104°F, the maximum safe temperature, limit your soak to 15–20 minutes to avoid overheating. How long should you be in a hot tub if you’re new to it? Start with 10–15 minutes and gradually increase as you get accustomed, always staying hydrated. Wondering how long to stay in a hot tub to relax without overdoing it? A 20-minute session at 100°F often hits the sweet spot for most people.

How long is too long in a hot tub? It depends on the temperature and your tolerance, but exceeding 45 minutes at higher temperatures (above 102°F) can push your body into risky territory. Why can you only stay in a hot tub for 15 minutes at 104°F? Hotter water raises your core temperature faster, increasing the chance of dehydration or dizziness. For a safer experience, move around in the tub or sit higher to cool your upper body, extending how long you can sit in a hot tub comfortably.

Factors To Consider When Soaking in a Hot Tub

Hot Tub Temperature

The most important factor in choosing a safe soak length is the hot tub temperature. Sitting in a hot tub of 98-degree water is unlikely to damage you because the temperature is close to your average body temperature.

However, if the water temperature is higher than the normal temperature, then sitting in it for extended periods can have side effects.

When it comes to calculating how long you should soak, the general guideline is that the greater the temperature, the shorter the hot tubbing session.

Personal Health

Another aspect influencing how long you can stay in the hot tub is your general health or physical condition. For instance, pregnant women should refrain from sitting in high-temperature water for an extended period.

People with particular health risks, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or circulation difficulties, should consult their doctors about hot tub safety before using a hot tub.

Additionally, if someone has sensitive skin, they should also consult a dermatologist to avoid skin irritation in the hot tub water.

How long can I be in a hot tub if I have a condition? If you’re managing high blood pressure or diabetes, aim for 10–15 minutes at 98–100°F after medical approval. Being in a hot tub for too long with these conditions can worsen symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, so shorter sessions are key.

Age

A healthy adult can spend the suggested amount of time in a hot tub. However, depending on their age and the temperature of the water, children should not be allowed to stay in a hot tub for longer times.

Similarly, elderly people who are more prone to heatstroke and decreased blood pressure should refrain from soaking in a hot tub for long periods.

How long should kids stay in a hot tub? For children aged 5–12, 5–15 minutes at 98°F is safe, while those under 5 should avoid it entirely. How long can you sit in a hot tub if you’re over 65? Stick to 15 minutes at 100°F or below, and consult a doctor to avoid risks like heat exhaustion.

Position in the Hot Tub

If you are in good health, it’s fine for you to use your hot tub at a temperature of 102°F for as long as you want. However, if you’re over 65, talk to your doctor about your potential limitations.

Teenagers can soak in a hot tub just as long as adults, but children under the age of 12 can’t. They simply don’t sweat enough to cool down their bodies. Kids aged five to 12 should only be allowed in the hot tub if the water is set at 98°F or lower. For a safer experience in higher temperatures, have your children only partially submerged in the hot tub on the jump seat or bench.

The Outside Temperature

With regards to an outdoor hot tub, soak times also depend on the outside temperature. For example, if it is chilly outdoors, your body may naturally cool itself at a rapid rate, allowing you to spend a longer time in the tub. On the other hand, you should avoid a long soak on a particularly hot day to prevent dehydration.

How long to stay in a hot tub in winter versus summer? In cold weather, keep water below 100°F and limit to 15–20 minutes, wearing a hat to regulate heat. In hot weather, drop the temperature by 5°F and soak for 10–15 minutes to avoid exhaustion. These tweaks prevent staying in a hot tub too long, keeping you safe year-round.

Hot Tub Safety FAQ

Still have questions about how long to be in a hot tub? Here’s a quick FAQ to cover common concerns:

Talk To The Experts at Epic Hot Tubs!

Using a hot tub can be a great experience if you follow all the safety rules and listen to your body. If you’re interested in getting a hot tub for your family, we can teach you all about using a hot tub safely. Contact us at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below to get started!

About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Manny Brambila - Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018.