How Hot Is a Hot Tub?

Hot tubs are supposed to feel warm or soothingly hot at best–they’re not supposed to burn your skin or make you feel light-headed. If your time in a hot tub feels like a struggle, there’s a high chance the temperature isn’t right for you.

But how do you know what’s the right temperature? And when’s the temperature dangerously hot for your body? 

Well, that’s exactly what we will explore in this post and walk you through the right temperature of hot tubs for different uses. Let’s get started! 

What Is the Ideal Temperature for a Hot Tub?

Generally, the temperature for a hot tub should range from ninety-eight degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Ninety-eight degrees is the baseline temperature and is the same as your body temperature. Any lower than this will rob the hot tub of its purpose, as you will not feel relaxed by the experience, given you’re completely healthy. In fact, the water might feel cold.

As you increase the temperature to between one hundred and 102 degrees, the water starts to feel noticeably warm but will not have any bubbles or steam rising from it. 

Some people tend to raise the temperature to about 104 degrees. For most hot tubs and jacuzzis, this is the limit. This is the hottest water temperature you can enjoy, and if you attempt to raise the temperature beyond this, you might damage the internal structure of your hot tub. Plus, very high temperatures in hot tubs can make you nauseous and light-headed or leave your skin dry and irritated. They can also damage any accessories for your hot tub. 

With that said, experts recommend reducing the time spent in the hot tub when increasing its temperature. Generally, you should spend fifteen to thirty minutes in a hot tub that is between ninety-eight and 102 degrees. At most, you can spend around forty-five minutes there.

But if it’s as hot as 103 or 104 degrees, we do not recommend spending more than fifteen minutes in the tub. If you do, it could be harmful to your health.

Recommended Temperatures for Different Cases

The above temperatures are advisable for healthy individuals in mild climates. If you have any health concerns or live in extreme climates at any time of year, we recommend reading this list of different hot tub uses and their corresponding ideal temperatures.

During Summer

In summer, the air is already hot, so having high temperatures in the hot tub can lead to a harmful experience instead of a relaxing one. Therefore, keep the temperature the same as the body temperature–ninety-eight degrees. 

If you live in a hot climate, where there’s a chance of heat waves or heat strokes, lower the temperature to between ninety-five and ninety-seven degrees.

During Winter

In winter, we recommend raising the temperature of the tub higher than your usual preference. If you usually prefer one hundred degrees, opt for around 101 degrees during winter, which will help balance the cold air around you. For those living in freezing climates, we recommend raising the temperature to the maximum, and if you have the option to raise the temperature beyond 104 degrees and if it suits you, go ahead. 

For Kids

Experts do not recommend letting kids into hot tubs. If you do, do not let them stay in the tub for more than five to ten minutes and make sure they keep their head completely out of water. 

As for the temperature, keep it to ninety-five degrees or lower. Anything higher will be too hot for children.

For Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should avoid soaking in a hot tub. A slight imbalance in the body temperature can cause undesirable internal changes and may prove to be harmful for the developing baby as well as the pregnant woman–this is especially true in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.

We recommend consulting your doctor or midwife before relaxing in a hot tub. If they allow you to do so, go for body temperature–ninety-eight degrees–and stay in the tub for only ten minutes.

For Elderly

Hot tubs are an excellent way to destress or ease muscle pain, and they can also help with arthritis and back pain–but make sure not exceed a water temperature of one hundred degrees. However, if you have heart problems, you should avoid hot tubs. 

Hot Tub Temperatures Simplified

The temperature of a hot tub or jacuzzi should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. For healthy adults, the ideal temperature range is between ninety-eight and 104 degrees.

For summer, the temperature should be kept to around ninety-eight degrees, and for winter, it can reach up to 104 degrees. Finally, the temperature should be kept to ninety-five degrees or lower for kids, and pregnant women should avoid soaking in a hot tub altogether unless otherwise instructed.

If you’re looking for more useful hot tub content, check out our recent post on how to clean hot tub filters.