How Long Should You Stay in a Hot Tub? Safe Soak Times
It’s one of the first questions new hot tub owners ask us, and one of the most-searched hot tub questions online: how long should you stay in a hot tub?
The short answer: for most healthy adults, 15 to 20 minutes at 104°F (the highest temperature a hot tub should ever be set to) is a comfortable, safe soak. Turn the temperature down to 100–102°F and many people can relax for 20 to 30 minutes or more. After that, climb out, cool off, have some water, and hop back in if you’d like.
That’s the general rule. Your ideal soak time depends on your water temperature, your health, and, here in the mountains, even your elevation. Here’s how to find what works for you and your family.
Why Water Temperature Changes Everything
Your hot tub warms you from the outside in. The hotter the water, the faster your core temperature climbs, and the sooner your body tells you it’s had enough. That’s why temperature, more than anything else, sets your soak time.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that hot tub water should never exceed 104°F, and considers 100°F safe for a healthy adult. Most hot tubs, including the Hot Spring spas on our showroom floors, top out at 104°F for exactly that reason.
Here’s a simple guide many owners use:
These aren’t hard limits. They’re a starting point. If you feel great, you’re fine. If you start to feel too warm, it’s time for a break no matter what the clock says. (Wondering what temperature to set your tub to? We cover that in How Hot Should You Keep Your Hot Tub?.)
Soaking at Altitude: A Note for Our Mountain Neighbors about How Long Should You Stay in a Hot Tub
Life above 8,000 feet changes a few things, and your hot tub routine is one of them.
Mountain air is dry, and at elevation you breathe faster and lose more moisture with every breath. Add warm water and a little sweating, and it’s easy to get dehydrated without noticing. That can make you feel lightheaded sooner than you would at sea level.
A few habits that make a big difference in the Vail Valley and Summit County:
- Drink a glass of water before you get in, and keep a water bottle within reach.
- Go easy on alcohol. It dehydrates you further and makes it harder to tell when you’re overheating.
- Visitors should start shorter. If you have guests in from out of town, suggest 10 to 15 minutes for their first few soaks while they adjust to the altitude.
- Stand up slowly when you get out. Warm water relaxes your blood vessels, and a quick stand can leave you dizzy.
Coming in off the slopes? Here’s how to set up the ideal post-ski hot tub experience.
Signs It’s Time to Get Out
Your body is the best timer you have. Climb out, cool off, and grab some water if you notice:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- A headache
- Nausea
- A racing or pounding heartbeat
- Very flushed skin or feeling “overheated”
- Drowsiness or trouble focusing
Sit somewhere cool for a few minutes. Most people feel better quickly. If symptoms don’t ease, get medical help.
Who Should Keep Soaks Shorter (or Talk to a Doctor First)
Hot tubs are wonderful for most people, but a few groups should take extra care:
- Pregnant women. The CPSC recommends keeping the water at 100°F or below, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. Talk with your doctor before using a hot tub while pregnant.
- Kids. Children overheat faster than adults. Keep the water cooler, keep soaks short, keep their heads above water, and always have an adult with them. Ask your pediatrician what’s right for your child.
- Anyone with heart disease, circulation problems, diabetes, or blood pressure concerns. The CPSC recommends getting your doctor’s advice before using a hot tub.
- Anyone taking medications that cause drowsiness. Warm water can make that drowsiness worse.
How to Get the Most Out of Every Soak
A longer soak isn’t always a better one. A few simple habits help you feel your best:
- Try “soak, break, soak.” Two 15-minute sessions with a 5- to 10-minute cool-down in between often feel better than one long soak.
- Hydrate before and after. It matters more up here than almost anywhere else.
- Time it with your day. A soak after a workout can help your muscles recover, and a soak an hour or two before bed may help you sleep better.
- Wait a bit after a big meal. Wondering how long? We answer that in Can I Use My Hot Tub After I Eat?
- Keep your water balanced. Clean, well-sanitized water is more comfortable on your skin and eyes, so you’ll enjoy every minute you spend in it.
Can You Use a Hot Tub Every Day?
Yes. For most healthy adults, a daily soak is perfectly fine, and it’s how many of our customers get the most from their hot tubs. Some soak every morning to loosen up, others every evening to unwind. Just follow the same guidelines each time: sensible water temperature, sensible soak time, and plenty of water.
Find the Hot Tub That Fits Your Routine
The best way to know how a hot tub feels is to get in one. We invite you to schedule a test soak at either of our showrooms. Try the seats, feel the jets, and ask us anything. We’ve been helping families in the Vail Valley and Summit County find the right hot tub since 1981.
Stop by our Vail showroom at 41010 Highway 6 or our Frisco showroom at 301 West Main Street, or browse our hot tubs online. We’d love to help you find your perfect soak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you stay in a hot tub at 104 degrees?
Most healthy adults can comfortably soak for 15 to 20 minutes at 104°F, the maximum recommended hot tub temperature. After that, get out, cool down, and hydrate before soaking again.
Is 30 minutes too long in a hot tub?
Not necessarily. At a lower temperature, around 100–102°F, many healthy adults soak for 30 minutes comfortably. At 104°F, 30 minutes is longer than most people should stay in without a break. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or overheated, get out right away.
Can you stay in a hot tub for an hour?
It’s best to break up long soaks. If you’d like to spend an hour relaxing, lower the temperature to around 100°F and take a cool-down break every 20 to 30 minutes, drinking water each time.
How long should kids stay in a hot tub?
Children overheat faster than adults, so keep the water cooler and their soaks short, always with adult supervision and heads above water. Check with your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child.
Why do I feel dizzy after getting out of the hot tub?
Warm water relaxes your blood vessels and can lower your blood pressure, so standing up quickly can make you lightheaded. Dehydration makes it worse, especially at high altitude. Stand up slowly, sit down if you feel dizzy, and drink water.
How often can you use a hot tub?
Healthy adults can use a hot tub every day. Keep each soak to a comfortable length for your water temperature and stay hydrated.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “CPSC Warns of Hot Tub Temperatures”: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1980/CPSC-Warns-Of-Hot-Tub-Temperatures
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using a hot tub.
