Relaxing in a hot tub is certainly one of life’s pleasures. When you own your own hot tub, you can enjoy it every day. In this blog, we’re answering the question, how long is too long in a hot tub?
Whether this is your first hot tub or not, it’s important to remain familiar with the safety guidance to keep yourself and your guests safe. Hot tub safety is generally very easy to follow, and if you’re unsure, you can always ask your spa supplier. We’re happy to answer any questions you have regarding hot tub safety.
How long to stay in a hot tub
It can be tempting to spend a long time relaxing in your spa, but it’s not advised. The general advice is that you should spend no longer than 30 minutes in your spa at one time.
The good news is that you can leave the spa, hydrate and regulate your body temperature before having another 30-minute relaxation session. This can be a great way to reduce stress.
Thirty minutes is enough time for you to experience the many hot tub benefits without the risk of feeling unwell. There are many other things to consider regarding hot tub usage and safety, and we’re here to help you with them.
It’s important to note that if you begin to feel unwell, you should always leave the hot tub. It can be a good idea to let someone know if you are heading out for a solo hot tub session.
How often can I use my hot tub?
Despite hot tub sessions being limited to around 30 minutes, you can use them as much as you want. This means you can enjoy 30 minutes before exiting for a while and then using your spa again.
You must ensure that your spa is safe for use each time you get in. We’ll let you know more about things to consider when using a hot tub later in the blog.
What happens if you stay in a hot tub for too long
If you stay in a hot tub for too long, you risk becoming unwell. There are many things that you may start to experience if this happens. Most of these can be avoided if you use the hot tub in good health and only for 30 minutes or less at one time. The average healthy adult should be able to enjoy a relaxing soak for half an hour.
Over-increased body temperature
When entering a warm hot tub, it’s natural for your normal internal temperature to increase. It’s very important that you monitor your body’s core temperature and leave the spa if you begin to get too hot.
If you are overheating, you may experience headaches, tingling, feel dizzy or notice changes to your heart rate and blood pressure. You should always leave the spa if you notice these overheating or heat stroke symptoms.
Sickness
Some people can become unwell when using a hot tub for too long, and they may begin feeling nauseous. Again, it’s important that you leave the spa if you begin feeling this way.
Dehydration
When using a hot tub, it’s crucial that you keep your fluids up. Water is the best thing to drink to maintain the correct hydration levels. Many people can experience sweating while enjoying a hot tub, highlighting how important it is to remain hydrated.
You will be advised not to drink alcohol when hot tubbing, as this can dehydrate you further.
Things to consider when using a hot tub
To use your hot tub safely, you must consider various elements. Some people are even advised to avoid hot tub use altogether, and you should always follow your doctor’s advice.
Hot tub water temperature
When using a spa, it can be tempting to turn up the heat, but it’s not the best idea for hot tub safety. Your hot tub’s water temperature should be no higher than 38 degrees Celsius. Lowering the hot tub temperature can also help you to save energy. Read more about our ways to keep your hot tub running costs down.
Seating
Many of our hot tubs come with a range of seating options, from comfortable seats to ergonomic loungers – they’re perfect for relaxing. These seating options can change how deep you sit when using the hot tub, which can affect your core body temperature too. Ideally, you should enjoy a range of seats and loungers when using your spa.
External temperature
If your hot tub is located outdoors, it’s very important to consider the outdoor temperature. If it’s a hot day, you should use suncream to protect your face. Similarly, if it’s cold, you might choose to take a woolly hat or something similar outdoors to keep your head warm.
Ensure that you take a towel outside with you so that you can start getting warm straight after using the outdoor hot tub.
Hydration levels
To reduce the risk of overheating or becoming unwell, you should ensure that you have maintained good hydration levels prior to, during and after using your hot tub. Consider taking a bottle of water with you to your spa in case you begin to feel thirsty. Drink plenty of cool water when using hot tubs. This is especially important on hot days.
Water chemistry
Your water chemistry is an important part of your hot tub’s safety. You must ensure that all of the chemicals are correctly balanced and that you test your spa water regularly. Read our hot tub cleaning guide for tips.
You’ll also find all of the hot tub chemicals and cleaning essentials in our online shop, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have. Poor water chemistry can lead to skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
Hot tub safety
You should follow all medical advice when using a hot tub and always consult your doctor before using one. They can outline any health risks of using hot tubs. Pregnant women should avoid using hot tubs.
Those suffering from diseases or other conditions may also be advised to avoid using a hot tub. For example, those with low blood pressure will likely be advised to avoid hot tubs, as it can cause a blood pressure drop.
You must also consider the ages of your guests. Younger people should spend less than 30 minutes inside the spa for safety reasons, and a responsible adult should always accompany them. Read our blog on hot tub safety.
We hope this blog has been helpful regarding how long is too long in a hot tub. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team if you have any questions about buying a hot tub or how to use a hot tub safely – we’re always happy to help.