Once you've settled down into that warm, comfortable water, you may never want to get out of your hot tub. However, there's an ideal amount of time to spend in the hot tub to maximize health benefits without facing any discomfort, and that time depends on a few important factors. Here's what you need to know!
Factors that Affect How Long to Spend in a Hot Tub
Soaking in your hot tub is a relaxing, rejuvenating experience that you'd probably like to last forever--but to really enjoy your hot tub's benefits, there's a certain amount of time you should be soaking. Here's how to find that number for yourself and anyone else who uses your hot tub:
Age
If you have children under 12, keep a careful eye on their time in the hot tub. At 104 degrees, hot tub water is only kid-safe for about five minutes--so keep the temperature lower, around 98 degrees, and limit soaks to 15 minutes at a time.
Health
It's smart to check with a doctor before you start using a hot tub regularly, just in case. Here are a few conditions that increase your risk of overheating:
- diabetes,
- previous stroke,
- high blood pressure,
- low blood pressure,
- heart disease,
- circulatory issues,
- use of certain medications,
- and more.
Hot tub temperature
Although other factors are important, the temperature of your hot tub water is the most important consideration when deciding how long to soak. Hotter water makes it more difficult for your body to perspire, which can cause dehydration and other health risks.
For the best hot tub experience, try setting the temperature somewhere between 100 and 102 degrees. At this heat, you can generally soak for up to 30 minutes--as long as you've got a cool drink handy, that is.
Outdoor temperature
The temperature outside can make hot tub soaks more or less comfortable--but once you're in that water, you might not even notice the weather anymore. That's why it's important to pay attention to outdoor conditions before, during, and after your soak--that way, you don't overheat in the summer or get too cold after a soak in the winter.
Conclusion
There's no single amount of time in the hot tub that works for everyone, so you'll have to do a little homework to determine your perfect number. However, once you take these factors into consideration, you'll be able to plan soaks that maximize health benefits without putting you at risk for overheating, dehydration, or discomfort.
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