What Temperature Should a Hot Tub Be?
For centuries, people have soaked in hot water to help them feel better, relieve pain, and get rid of stress. Today, hot tubs provide the perfect place to relax in hot water while experiencing soothing jets and family bonding time.
However, If you’re a new hot tub owner, you may not know what temperature your hot tub should be.
Hot tub temperatures range anywhere from 90ºF to 104ºF. 104ºF is the standard max temperature for most hot tubs. Depending on your preference, your age, and your health, you should keep your hot tub at a different temperature within that range.
Learn the best hot tub temperatures for each situation below.
The Ideal Hot Tub Temperature for Relaxing
Most hot tub users find that the perfect temperature is between 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some like the water to be body temperature at 98 degrees, and some like it hotter–up to 104 degrees.
Test out a few temperatures and see what you like best. Nothing is better than finding that “just right” feeling in a hot tub.
It’s also common for hot tub owners to change the spa temperature depending on the time of the year. Below are how some examples for winter and summer.
Hot tub temperature in winter
Although definitely not a requirement, many spa owners like to increase the temperature during cold winter months.
For example, John, a Bullfrog Spa owner, likes the drastic difference between the water and air temperature. He says it’s “great therapy to go from a 104 degree spa to 20 degree air temperature.”
Others, such as Chris from Colorado, like a more mild change. He says, “We keep the spa at 101 degrees in winter and 99 degrees in the summer.”
Hot tub temperature in summer
If you live in an extra hot climate, consider dropping the temperature a bit during the summer and see what you think. Keeping your spa temperature below 98 degrees can be refreshing while still providing the warm water that makes you feel so relaxed.
Don F. says, “I actually like it about 95-97 degrees in the summer.”
Safe Hot Tub Temperature
It’s important to stay safe while enjoying the benefits of a hot tub.The CPSC advises to never exceed 104 degrees in your hot tub. Temperatures of 106 degrees or higher can potentially lead to heat stroke.
For your safety, your Bullfrog Spa will not allow you to set a temperature above 104 degrees.
Keep in mind that your age and health can also change the safe temperature zone. Here are a few factors to consider:
For kids
If kids will be using the hot tub, the recommended temperature is around 95 degrees or less so they don’t overheat. And don’t let children stay in the spa for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Bullfrog Spas also recommends having children sit in the provided child or “cool down” seats that aren’t as deep in the water.
For older adults
If you suffer from any health issues, especially heart problems, consult your doctor before using a spa. Your doctor may recommend relaxing at a lower temperature. It’s also important to stay hydrated, so keep a bottle of water nearby.
When pregnant
In addition, you should consult your doctor before using a hot tub if you are pregnant. Never exceed a temperature of 101 degrees and limit the amount of time you spend in the hot water.
Hot tubs can be a great way to relax and improve your life. Download the hot tub health benefits guide to learn more about what a hot tub can do for you.
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Matt Richards | Dec 6, 2019 at 9:16 pm
In the winter, my A9L SPA won’t hold temperature with the SPA cover off. So, when we are using the SPA, the temp drops about 1-2 degrees per hour, sometimes more if the jets are running, The SPA is less than a month old. Is this normal?
Lance Hansen | Dec 10, 2019 at 10:56 am
Good question Matt. The simple answer is Yes that is normal. There are a lot of elements that affect that but wind and length that you are in there with the lid off affects that temperature. We are thrilled that you are loving your spa and especially comfortable using it for that amount of time.
ENJOY!
Steve Downey | Jan 28, 2020 at 7:53 am
Yesterday, January 27, when I first fired up my A6L hot tub, pump 1 came on. The tub display showed the tub temperature as 50 degrees. No matter how many times I pressed the pump icon on the display panel, the pump would not go off. I let the tub run this way all night and checked this morning and the tub temp was 100 degrees, and the pump was still running. The display shows “Smart Winter Mode” so my questions are this:
1. Since this is winter and the tub temp was so low when I first started it, does the tub go into this mode automatically? How do I change out of this mode?
2. How do I change out of this mode?
3. Doesn’t the tub reduce the tub temp automatically?
Lance Hansen | Feb 5, 2020 at 10:45 am
Great question sir. The smart winter mode will be activated when the sensor on the circuit board will sense a temp under 62 degrees. It will still run like normal and heat up to the set point so it will not lower the temp it will heat like normal. This will last for 24 hours and then exit out by itself. This is normal when it senses low temp and it will exit out when it’s done in 24 hours so there is nothing to worry about with this.
mathew jacob | May 10, 2020 at 10:01 am
Hello,
Got our A6L intsalled 2 days back and love it. It has the ozone generator feature. How do you know if the ozone generator is working properly?
Lance Hansen | May 13, 2020 at 8:27 am
You should see a light stream of bubbles coming out of the ozone port during its filtration cycles only. Or you can check power as well.