If you’re looking for a place to relax, you could do a lot worse than spending some time in a hot tub! Having your body massaged with warm water while you kick back is one of the more enjoyable experiences in life. But you can’t sit in a hot tub indefinitely. If you’re wondering how long should you be in a hot tub, we’ve put together an article to help give you a better idea when it comes to timing your soaking sessions.
What “They” Say About How Long Should You Be in A Hot Tub
The proverbial “they” (in this case hot tub dealers, manufacturers, aficionados as well as medical experts) suggest that you shouldn’t spend more than a half hour in the hot tub during any one session. Some scale down this suggestion to 15 minutes whereas others say you can spend up to 45 minutes in a hot tub. This wide variation in recommendations occurs because there are several factors which dictate the maximum amount of time you should spend in the hot tub’s waters. Ultimately you should listen to your own body when it comes to the length of your soaking session. If you start to feel overheated, dizzy or faint, you’ve spent too much time in the hot tub and it’s time to get out immediately. Keep an eye on those sharing the hot tub with you as well. A keen eye could end up saving someone’s life.
Variables That Can Affect Your Soaking Time
The amount of time you could and should spend in a hot tub can be affected by several different variables. Understanding how these affect you (or not) will allow you to gain a better understanding of the optimal soaking time for your situation. This can also help you recognize if someone else is putting themselves at risk while using the hot tub.
Water Temperature
Most hot tubs are limited when it comes to how hot the water can get. Most hot tub manufacturers aim to get UL and/or ETL certification. These are safety certifications that the manufacturer receives when their product meets certain safety standards. To receive this certification hot tub water cannot be heated to go over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit.) If you have your hot tub running at maximum temperature you shouldn’t spend more than 15 minutes in the water before taking a cool down break. That said, it’s possible to run your hot tub at lower temperatures which can allow you to increase your soaking time. In fact, some people prefer to run their hot tub at a lower temperature due to the extended soaking times.
Age, Health and Other Personal Factors
Most healthy adults should be able to spend at least 15 minutes in 40C water without any ill effects. That said, children shouldn’t spend that much time in fully heated hot tubs – their bodies may not be able to thermoregulate themselves as efficiently as adults. Infants should not be allowed in the hot tub at all. Pregnant women and people with serious medical conditions should speak to a medical professional before using a hot tub. How much of your body remains submerged will also play a role in the amount of time you’re able to spend in the hot tub. If you’re up to your neck in 40C water, you’ll start to overheat much faster than if the majority of your torso is above the waterline.
Air Temperature
The environmental conditions surrounding the hot tub will also play a role in how long you can comfortably stay in the water. A hot tub running at top temperature may be unbearable in extremely hot and sunny weather. On the other hand, you may be able to stay in the water longer than normal if it’s the middle of winter.
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