A hot tub is your personal retreat—a place to unwind, soothe sore muscles, and connect with family or friends. But while the benefits of hot tub therapy are numerous, it’s important to maintain a safe and comfortable water temperature.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the ideal temperature for hot tubs based on different user groups, health conditions, and seasonal preferences. Whether you’re a first-time spa owner or a seasoned soaker, this guide will help you get the most out of your spa safely.
How Hot Do Hot Tubs Get?
Most hot tubs on the market today can heat water up to a maximum hot tub temperature of 104°F.
This limit is set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and applies to nearly all residential hot tubs. While it’s tempting to crank up the heat, temperatures above 104°F are not considered safe and can lead to serious health risks, including overheating and dehydration.
Typical Temperature Ranges for Hot Tubs:
- Cool soak: (ideal in summer): 85°F-95°F
- Standard use: 98°F-102°F
- Maximum safe temperature: 104°F
How Hot Is a Hot Tub Supposed to Be?
The best hot tub temperature for you depends on your comfort level, health status, and how long you plan to stay in. For most users, 100°F-102°F strikes the perfect balance between heat therapy and comfort.
Hot tubs typically feel hotter than they are, especially in colder outdoor air. That’s why it’s smart to start at a lower setting and adjust slowly.
Pro Tip: Keep your hot tub close to 98.6°F (normal body temperature) if you plan longer soaks.
How Long Can You Stay in a Hot Tub?
The length of time you can safely soak depends on the water temperature.
- At 100°F or lower, most people can stay in for up to 30-45 minutes.
- At 104°F, limit your session to 15-20 minutes.
Extended exposure to high temperatures can cause symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dry skin
- Fainting or lightheadedness
- Dehydration
- Overheating (hyperthermia)
Pro tip: If you’re feeling drowsy, overheated, or unwell, it’s time to get out and cool down.
Hot Tub Temperature Safety for Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, hot tub use should be approached with extra care. Soaking in hot water—especially above 102°F—can elevate your core body temperature, which may be harmful to your developing baby. Experts recommend keeping hot tub water below 100°F during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
Extended exposure to higher temperatures can increase the risk of:
- Neural tube defects
- Brain and spinal cord issues
- Increased risk of miscarriage
To be extra safe:
- Limit soaks to 10 minutes or less
- Only immerse up to the waist
- Monitor how your body feels
- Always consult your doctor first
Hot Tub Temperature Guidelines for Children
Children have smaller bodies and are more sensitive to temperature changes. Their safe hot tub temperature is typically lower than that for adults.
- Keep water at or below 100°F
- Limit soak time to 5–15 minutes
- Never allow unsupervised use
- Encourage breaks and hydration
Pro tip: For very young children, consider avoiding full-body soaking altogether and instead let them sit on the edge and enjoy the warm water with their feet.
How to Adjust Hot Tub Temperature Safely
Most modern spas come with digital controls, making it easy to set and monitor your water temperature. If your spa doesn’t have real-time temperature display or safety lockout features, consider upgrading your control panel or using an external thermometer to ensure accuracy.
General Safety Tips:
- Always double-check temperature before entering
- Decrease water temp during warmer months
- Use a spa cover or gazebo to maintain consistent heat
- Run jets periodically to distribute warm water evenly
Can I Use My Hot Tub in the Summer?
Yes! A common misconception is that hot tubs are only for winter. But many people lower their hot tub water temperature in the summer to create a cool soak experience. Setting your hot tub to 85°F–95°F can be refreshing on a hot day.
Alcohol & Hot Tub Safety
Enjoying a glass of wine or beer in your spa can be relaxing, but alcohol affects hydration and blood pressure—two things already impacted by hot water. Drinking excessively in a hot tub can increase the risk of fainting or overheating.
Drink responsibly and:
- Stay hydrated with water
- Avoid soaking alone if consuming alcohol
- Exit the spa if you feel lightheaded
Benefits of Safe Hot Tub Use
By maintaining a safe hot tub water temperature, you can enjoy all the health benefits that come with regular use:
- Muscle recovery and pain relief
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Joint and arthritis support
- Family bonding time
- Post-workout relaxation
& more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What temperature should I keep my hot tub when not in use?
When your hot tub is not in use, a good rule of thumb is to lower the temperature to around 95–98°F. This conserves energy while keeping the water warm enough for quick reheating. If you won’t be using it for an extended period, you can lower it even further—but never below 50°F, especially in winter. Keeping the hot tub temperature stable also helps protect internal components and reduces energy spikes.
Can you get heat exhaustion from a hot tub?
Yes, staying in a hot tub too long, especially at temperatures close to the max hot tub temp of 104°F, can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Signs include dizziness, nausea, headache, or extreme fatigue. To stay safe, limit your soak to 15-30 minutes depending on water temperature and your personal health.
Can I get my hot tub hotter than 104?
Most modern hot tubs have a max hot tub temp limit of 104°F, which is the highest recommended setting by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. While it may be technically possible to override this limit, doing so is not safe
Does being in a hot tub raise your body temperature?
Yes. A hot tub’s temperature, usually between 100-104°F, will gradually raise your core body temperature. This can improve circulation and ease muscle tension, but it can also lead to overheating if you soak too long or the hot tub is too hot. If you’re wondering how hot do hot tubs get, the answer is typically capped at 104°F for safety.
What is the safe temperature for a hot tub for kids?
For children, the safe hot tub temperature is much lower than for adults. Keep the water at 98°F or lower, and limit their soak time to 10–15 minutes. Never allow children under 5 years old in hot tubs, as they’re more susceptible to overheating.
Looking for the Right Hot Tub?
At Cal Spas of Minnesota, we’re here to help you find the perfect hot tub to match your lifestyle, comfort needs, and wellness goals.
Visit one of our locations or reach out to learn more about owning a hot tub that keeps you relaxed and safe.