Your hot tub offers so much more than relaxation.
Regular use comes with a wide variety of health benefits, from better sleep quality to increased flexibility. As wonderful as your spa can be for your health, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.
So, if you want to ensure you don’t overindulge in your hot tub, read on for some handy safety tips.
1. Your Preferred Temperature
Your ideal temperature will be the main deciding factor on how long you can safely remain in your hot tub. If, for instance, you prefer to soak at 104°F — the maximum recommended temperature — you will need to limit your spa time to 20 minutes at the most.
If you prefer a long soak, the water temperature will need to be lowered accordingly. To safely enjoy a 30-minute session, the temperature should be set no higher than 102°F.
The temperature of the water isn’t the only temperature to be mindful of. If you use your hot tub in the summer, it can be easy to overheat. Even if you like soaking in water 102 degrees or above, it could cause some serious health issues if you do so when it’s hot and humid. Instead, set your spa between 97°F and 100°F and be sure to stay well hydrated.
2. Your Hydration Level
Sweating may be a natural cooling function of the body, but, if you don’t replenish your fluid levels, you run the risk of becoming dehydrated.
Dehydration comes with a whole host of unpleasant side effects — that’s why it’s so important to drink while you’re in your spa. Taking a cool glass of water with you each time you head to the hot tub truly is the best way to stay safe and hydrated, no matter how much you perspire.
3. Your Health
While 102°F is safe for a healthy adult, it may not work for you if you’re pregnant or have certain health conditions.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or circulatory problems, you should not use a hot tub without first consulting your physician. Your doctor will be able to tell you not only the correct temperature for you but also how long it’s safe for you to soak.
If you take anticoagulant medication or any medicine that induces drowsiness, you also should talk with your doctor prior to using a hot tub. You may have to use your spa for shorter durations to prevent falling asleep in the water.
While not a health problem, pregnancy still means you must use your spa with caution. As much as you may want to crank the heat and spend a blissful 30 minutes in your hot tub to relax and soothe sore muscles, it’s not safe. Medical experts recommend pregnant women soak for a maximum of 10 minutes at no more than 101°F.
4. Your Age
As long as you’re healthy and stay well hydrated, you can use your spa at 100°F for as long as you feel comfortable. There are always a few exceptions to the rule, however.
Children between the ages of five and 12 should never soak in water above 98°F. If that’s a tad cool for your taste, your kids can do partial immersion by sitting on your hot tub’s bench or jump seat.
Seniors may also need to exercise a little more caution. Even if you’re completely healthy, it’s wise to consult your doctor before using your spa and follow his or her advice to the letter.
Ace Swim & Leisure
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits your hot tub has to offer, get in touch with us at Ace Swim & Leisure.
As your top provider of high-quality spas in Northern New York, we aim to help our customers get the most out of their hot tubs.
Our hot tub deals can’t be beaten, so drop in for a visit at any of our four locations to see our hot tubs for sale.
