The Ideal Temperature for Your Hot Tub Water in Summer & Winter in NC

It doesn't have to be cold outside for you to enjoy time in your hot tub. It is a luxurious, therapeutic experience regardless of the season of the year. That being said, it is even more enjoyable when you have the water temperature just right! Especially in the South where the summers are hot and humid, you can still have a refreshing soak in the hot tub. And, there may be nothing better for the chill of winter than to hop in the spa tub and soak your muscles and joints. 

In this article, we want to give you the ideal hot tub temperature ranges for your water both in the heat of summer and cold of winter in the South for the relaxing experience you want.

The Right Temperature is Important to Your Health

Not only is the water temperature in your hot tub important to your sensory experience, but it can also be important for your health. Maintaining the right water temperature at any time of the year is critically important.

Staying in hot water for too long can adversely affect you by causing hyperthermia and increasing your body temperature, which can trigger these heat-related conditions:

• Nausea
• Heatstroke
• Heat exhaustion
• Fainting

Immersing yourself in water that is too cold can also lead to several health conditions like severe cold, numbness, and hypothermia. Apart from being harmful to your health, if the water in the tub is too cold in the winter, the water flowing through the pipes will freeze and cause damage to the internal systems of your hot tub.

Ideal Temperature for Hot Tub Water in the Summer

Even though you want to ensure that the people using your hot tub in the summer don't get too hot, you can still continue to enjoy the spa in the summer months. You can adjust the temperature to be lower in the summer and prolong the spa experience in the heat of the season. It's almost like taking a refreshing dip in a pool when you get into the hot tub and the water temperature is cooler. 

All you need to do is lower the temperature of your hot tub to roughly 85 degrees Fahrenheit or you can turn off the heater completely.  Then, you can circulate the cool water through the hot tub quickly by leaving the air jets running. You can also keep the cover on the tub during the daytime to keep the water from being warmed by the sun. Take note, however, that the temperature should not go below 78.8 degrees F for chemical dissolution.

Ideal Temperature for Hot Tub Water in the Winter

During the winter, the water temperature needs to be warmer than your body temperature, which is usually 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature range for the water in your hot tub is largely a matter of preference. Many spa owners like to maintain a water temperature between 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. But, even this range is flexible. 100 degrees F is safe for a healthy adult. 

The CDC recommends that your hot tub water should not be warmer than 104F for health safety. If you have certain health concerns, your doctor may recommend temperatures and time limits in the spa. Furthermore, the temperature should be lowered for the safety of children and pregnant women. Ensure that your water temperature does not go below 78.8 degrees F and try to stay in the tub for only 15 minutes if you are a healthy adult with no medical conditions. First and foremost, pay attention to your body and how it feels. If you begin to feel too warm or too cold, get out of the tub.

What is the Ideal Temperature for a Pregnant Woman in a Hot Tub?

If you're pregnant and you want to use a hot tub, be sure to talk to your doctor first to get approval. Hot tub use is not always recommended for pregnant women. According to American Pregnancy.org, a body temperature of 101 degrees is considered too high for expectant mothers and their unborn babies. This is especially true if it's for an extended period.

If, and only if, your doctor gives you the green light to go in the hot tub while you're pregnant, don't raise it to any more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Your doctor may recommend a lower setting. Always keep a thermometer in the water at all times so you can keep track of the temperature. Also, limit your time to just 10 minutes to be safe. If at any time you feel dizzy or nauseous, get out.

What is a Safe Hot Tub Temperature for the Elderly?

Elderly people who take medications for various conditions should always consult with their doctor before going in a hot tub. The hot water in the tub combined with the soaking time can impact how the medication affects the body. If you're elderly and your doctor allows you to go in the hot tub, you'll want to start the hot tub at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You may choose to increase the temperature very slowly, but it's recommended to start at 100 degrees. You can keep track of the temperature with a floating thermometer. This will allow you to see how the temperature affects you as the water warms up.

Is There a Safe Hot Tub Temperature for Children?

If children are using a hot tub, you not only need to be concerned about the temperature, but also the risk of drowning. As a rule, no children under the age of 5 should be allowed in the hot tub. Any children in the hot tub should always be monitored and never left alone.

When children are in the hot tub, a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit is often recommended. Children should not be in the tub for any longer than 10 or 15 minutes. Once everyone gets out of the hot tub, be sure that the cover is on securely so that little ones won't be tempted to climb back in, leading to a safety hazard.

What is the Safe Hot Tub Temperature for Heart Patients?

People with heart conditions are advised to check with their doctors before using a hot tub. This is because being immersed in the hot water can put stress on the heart. You can check with your doctor about the ideal temperature for you if you have a heart condition. Typically, 100 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, but your doctor may advise you to set it to another temperature.

Is There a Safe Hot Tub Temperature for People with High Blood Pressure?

As with heart disease, it's best to check with your doctor before using a hot tub if you have high blood pressure. Heat can make blood vessels dilate which can lower blood pressure. The heat can also interfere with blood pressure medications. If your doctor approves hot tub use if you have high blood pressure, a lower temperature is usually recommended.

Is it Safe for My Dog to Go in the Hot Tub?

Many people love their dogs so much that they want to take them in the hot tub with them. But this is never recommended because your dog could easily overheat no matter the temperature setting. The chemicals could also irritate them. It's best to keep Fido out of the hot tub while you relax.

Contact Epic Hot Tubs for Hot Tubs and Spas

If you are looking for a relaxing spa experience, call  919-444-8500 or request a free virtual appointment below at Epic Hot Tubs! Our experienced team can advise you on the size and type of hot tub that accommodates your space and meets your expectations!