How Long Can You Sit in a Hot Tub? The Answer Revealed!

Hot tub owners likely want to get the most out of the luxury and relaxation and stay in the warm water a bit longer. When you invite friends over for a refreshing night out, you’ll last longer in the hot tub than you need to.

Even if spending time in a hot tub has been shown to have health benefits, users should know that there are limitations to how long you can stay in a hot tub. 

While there is no specific amount of time on how to soak in a hot tub safely, several recommendations, such as overstaying in a hot water temperature, might not be suitable for you. 

So how long can you safely stay in a hot tub? You should only stay in your hot tub for approximately 15 to 30 minutes and a maximum of 45 minutes to 60 minutes. Anything exceeding an hour is considered dangerous.

However, there are several other factors to consider; it varies for different people. Some may unnecessarily strain their bodies without being aware.

Let’s know how long you can stay in hot tubs and how to avoid risking your health.

What Happens If You Soak In A Hot Tub For Too Long?

family in hot tub

They were staying in a hot tub for longer than advised can cause dizziness, dehydration, and nausea. Such symptoms can worsen if a person consumes alcohol or does not drink enough water.

There are reasons why most experts advise hot tub owners to soak no longer than 15-30 minutes, including overheating, high blood pressure, decreased blood pressure, and developing a hot tub rash. 

What Is The Ideal Hot Tub Temperature?

The temperature of a hot tub is the most critical factor in determining the duration of your soak. 

Relaxing in a 98-degree tub of water is unlikely to affect you because the temperature is close to your average body temperature. But if you raise the temperature by two to four degrees, your body will feel the consequences.

Preferably, 100 to 102 degrees should be the standard temperature of an outdoor hot tub. If you have a water bottle ready for hydration,  you can soak for 15 to 30 minutes or even as long as you’d like. 

Factors Affecting How Long You Can Soak In Hot Tubs

Other than the water’s temperature, other factors affect your hot tub sessions; some of these are the following:

Age

Frequent hot tub use is not advisable for young children and the elderly. Children under 12 should not soak for more than 5 minutes.

Generally, hot tubs are filled with chemicals that are not good for the elderly since they have more sensitive skin than a healthy adult. Contaminated water can also cause infections. 

While the infections may affect anyone, the elderly are more vulnerable, and the consequences of the conditions are more severe.

Pregnancy

Using a hot tub is not advisable for pregnant women. Pregnancy causes an increase in core body temperature. Your body temperature will increase when using a hot tub; this can put your child in danger. If you insist on using a hot tub while pregnant, exercise caution and consult a doctor first.

Can Hot Tub Chemicals Damage Your Skin?

Chlorine is a chemical used in a hot tub that could cause skin irritation. It is also not good for the eyes and lungs. One of the most common symptoms is dry skin, which can progress to a rash if left untreated. 

Chlorine is also harmful when it comes into contact with a pre-existing skin condition, such as eczema.

You can reduce skin rashes by ensuring that the correct chemicals are present in your hot tub. Showering after getting out of the hot tub is also advisable to clean your skin. You should also apply vitamin C cream and moisturizers. 

Conclusion

boy playing in hot tub

People who own a hot tub usually wonder how often they can use it; the answer is you can use it as much as you want as long as you follow the temperature mentioned above and maintain your hot tub regularly. Don’t be afraid to use your hot tub; it needs to run periodically to maintain its cleanliness and functionality.

A hot tub is an excellent way to improve your health. You’ll have years of relaxation if you know how to use your hot tub properly. So take note of the recommended time duration of hot tub soaks to avoid getting sick. Hot tub safety should be a priority.