The heated water and jet massage of your hot tub can lull you into a state of complete relaxation, making you want to linger, perhaps longer than you should, in its relaxing depths.
While regular hot tub therapy is good for your health and is known to ease anxiety, reduce pain and help you sleep better, you can have too much of a good thing.
In fact, soaking too long in your spa at a high temperature can result in dizziness, light-headedness, overheating, and dehydration. It can also cause burns, a decrease in blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.
So, how much is too much? That isn’t an easy question to answer because that answer differs from person to person. To help you find what’s right for you, we’ve compiled some recommendations based on what health officials have to say.
1. Hot Tub Temperature
How hot you like your hot tub water will determine how long you can safely stay immersed. If you set the temperature at 100 °F, you’ll be able to stay in your hot tub much longer than you would at 104°F.
There’s nothing wrong with soaking at 104°F if that’s what you like, but there are a few conditions: you must be a healthy adult and be disciplined to get out after 20 minutes.
2. Hydration Level
The hotter you are, the more you sweat. That is basic science you probably already know. But, did you also know the more you perspire, the more water your body needs to replenish what you’re losing?
Whenever you head to the spa, be sure to take some cool drinking water with you. That way, even if you keep the water at a higher temperature, you’ll stay properly hydrated.
3. Pregnancy
While it’s safe for pregnant women to use the spa, they should do so under specific conditions. High temperatures and longer durations aren’t considered safe.
In fact, experts recommend keeping the water at 101 °F or below and restricting the time in the spa to no more than 10 minutes.
4. Your Health
Your overall health should also determine your hot tub use. Talk to your doctor before using your hot tub if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, circulatory problems, or use anticoagulant medication.
Your physician will tell you what is best for your body based on your own individual needs.
If you have any skin abrasions, open wounds, or rashes, you should not enter the hot tub. Doing so can put you at risk for infection.
If you are feeling ill, have a fever, or are experiencing diarrhea, you should not use the hot tub. You could spread your illness to others in the hot tub and make your symptoms worse.
Hot tubs are a great way to relax, but it is important to use them safely.
5. Your Age
If you’re a healthy adult who isn’t pregnant, you’re probably safe to soak at 102°F as long as you feel well. The same goes for healthy seniors, although if you’re over 65, talk to your doctor first.
The same isn’t true for children, however. Kids ages 5-12, shouldn’t go in the water unless the spa has been turned down to 98°F. Smaller children who can’t keep their heads above the water line can be partially immersed on the spa’s bench or jump seat.
Aqua Paradise
If your search for ‘hot tub dealers near me’ has yielded dismal results, then why not give Aqua Paradise a try?
Drop-in at any of our showrooms, conveniently located in Mission Viejo, San Diego North, San Diego South, and Carlsbad to see what we have in stock.
From a spacious 6-person hot tub to a cozy 2-person model, we’re sure to have what you need.
