The idea of relaxing in a bubbling, relaxing spa after a hard day at work is obviously very appealing, but have you ever wondered or wanted to know precisely How Hot Should a Hot Tub Be? for the best and most fulfilling relaxing soak for you.
Well, you’ve come to the right place, because that’s exactly what we’re going to explain in this article. Before we go any further though, it’s important to understand that there is no precise answer that is suitable for everyone and only average hot tub temperatures, because what is best for you and your inflatable tub is variable of course, safety and your own personal requirements and preferences all come into play.
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How Hot is a Hot Tub Suppose to Be?
Some experimentation and time will be needed, but it is well worth the effort to find the ideal hot tub temperature that suits you. We’ll look briefly at the science involved and the potential effects that the heat can have on your family’s budget and very importantly their health.
So, by the end of reading this, you will have all the information you need to find out the ideal hot tub temp that is warm enough, safe enough and comfortable enough.
Most modern models have a limiter that stops the water from getting too warm. That is, 104-degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the CDC. You may find older models that can go past that limit, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing to do, so take care and check for a safe hot tub temperature.
The Basics of Hot Tub Temperatures
The perfect hot tub temperature is obviously the most important feature, along with jets, bubbles and the chance to chill with family and friends. It is easily adjusted at the turn of a dial or flick of a switch, although there are some cutting-edge models out there that you can even start warming up via an app on your PC, tablet or phone.
Pro Tip: It’s recommended that you invest in waterproof hot tub thermometers even if your model has a limiter. This will enable you to easily and quickly make sure the heat is what it should be and there are no problems or overheating. So it is well worth buying this accessory as a double safety procedure, especially if you have younger ones using your spa.
Why is the Temperature Important?
Although we all have best hot tub temperature preferences with regards to how warm you want to have the water, the CDC recommendation, as noted earlier, has been given to help keep everyone safe from health problems.
If, for example, you or any of your family and friends have a body temperature of 103-degrees Fahrenheit, there could be a risk of hyperthermia and related conditions, such as:
- Heat Exhaustion
- Heat Stroke
- Heat Cramps
- Heat Rash
Although for elderly people there can be a risk, as is the case with people who suffer from any chronic illnesses, pregnant women and young children, but we can not say often enough do your research and like any piece of equipment learn how to use it correctly.
Do Not let this put you off or make you overly concerned, although it is very important to understand any risks, with all the modern technology to monitor and control the heat, and knowledge of safety guidelines, they are very safe to use.
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Are Children Safe Using Hot Tubs?
Yes of course, but once again, be aware of the obvious. Not only should they be supervised by an adult, and long hair tied up to ensure it does not get tangled in pumps, etc, it is important to bear in mind that younger people and children do not have quite the same tolerance of heat as grown-ups.
Because they have thinner skin and smaller bodies, they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of prolonged exposure and it has been recommended by the CDC that children younger than five years old should not use them, however, there are actually no official guidelines set for 6 and above, so be aware of what temperature should a hot tub be, but the general rule of thumb is lower the heat level slightly and only allow between 5-15 minutes soaking time.
If you are going to let your children use it, then perhaps set a timer to ensure they stick to their time limit. Similarly, to your own use, we repeat, do your research. Here we are only giving rough guidance, this article is more to inform you of what to be aware of and the importance of understanding the jacuzzi temperature guides
How to Find the Right Temperature?
The temperature that is right for you will often depend on where you are soaking and when. For instance, you will want the water to be a lot warmer if you are having a relaxing soak in the middle of winter in Colorado than compared to how cool you might want it to be on warm summer’s day in Florida.
The best way to do it is to start from 98.6-degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the average our body temperature. Then if that is too cold, adjust slightly and gradually until you feel comfortable.
The Effect of the Temperature on Energy Efficiency
Unless you have a secret free supply of electricity, then you are probably worried about the amount of energy your model uses. Maybe going so far as to lower the heat when you are not in it.
As important as energy efficiency is, the idea of turning the heat down might not actually save you much money. For example, if you tend to use it a lot, lowering it each time you are finished with it, could actually cost you more as it will require additional energy to bring it back up to temperature. Obviously, if it not in use for long periods then lower the heat and conserve energy.
This can also put pressure on the heating element, making it work harder to re-heat it than it ever does to actually maintain it at a constant. Thus shortening the life of the heating element.
What About the Weather?
But of course, you could save some dollars by turning the heat down a little if you are in an area with a warm climate. Dipping in waters that are 104-degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t sound quite as appealing if it’s already 103-degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, but how lovely it would be to dip into 85-degrees Fahrenheit though.
To get the most out of yours, you need to balance energy-saving tactics, safety and, of course, comfort. Now that you have a greater appreciation for how effective temperature control can affect those factors, you, your friends, and family members can all enjoy the fun and relaxation of soaking in it.