Feeling relaxed and serene? It can be tempting to extend your soak in your spa.
While hot tub therapy has numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, they can be overshadowed by the risk of dehydration and overheating. That’s only if you stay in too long at a high temperature. Side effects of these can include dizziness and light-headedness, and, in some cases, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and nausea and vomiting. The key to getting the most out of your spa is knowing how long you can safely stay immersed. To help you out, we’ve consulted health care professionals for their best recommendations.
So, next time you take a dip, keep these guidelines in mind:
1. Hot Tub Temperature
If you enjoy soaking at the maximum recommended setting of 104°F, you’re not alone. Many spa users revel in the wonderful benefits that temperature can offer.
If you’re a healthy adult, soaking at 104°F is fine. But your spa time will need to be shorter than someone who chooses to relax in 100 °F water.
Simply limit yourself to 20-minute dips and you’ll be able to reap all of the benefits of hot tub therapy while avoiding any potential health risks.
2. Staying Hydrated in Your Hot Tub
If you’re in the habit of taking a cool glass of water with you to the spa, you’re on the right track.
The perspiration brought on by the heat of your spa depletes your body of the fluid it needs to function well. By sipping water throughout your spa time, you’ll keep your body hydrated and ward off related issues.
Bonus tip: No matter how tempting it is to take a cold beer or glass of wine out to the hot tub, it’s not a good idea. Alcohol speeds dehydration and can end up making you feel sick. Plain or flavored water is your best bet.
3. Mom-to-Be Safety
The idea of soaking in the hot tub for an hour or two may sound incredibly inviting when you’re suffering from backaches and sore feet. The buoyancy of the water can even take the stress off of your joints, offering your body increased support.
As wonderful as all of this sounds, staying safe is much more important. And that means keeping the water at 101 °F or less and remaining in the spa for only 10 minutes at a time.
4. Your Health
If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, circulatory problems or use anticoagulant medication, it’s imperative that you consult with your physician before using your spa. He or she may have recommendations on what temperature and soak duration will best benefit you.
5. How Old You Are
If you’re a healthy non- pregnant adult, it’s safe to use your spa at 102°F for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re a senior, this might work for you too, but you should ask your doctor as a safety measure. He or she will be able to give you a recommendation on the temperature and duration of use.
Children 12 and under, however, should not use a hot tub unless it’s water has been turned down to a maximum of 98°F. Children don’t have the same ability to sweat as teens and adults, meaning it is far easier for them to overheat. Another way to keep kids safe is to permit partial immersion on your hot tub’s bench or jump seat.
Mountain Leisure Hot Tubs
Great quality hot tubs aren’t hard to find at Mountain Leisure Hot Tubs. From used hot tubs to refurbished spas and brand new hot tubs for sale, we have a wide range of sizes and styles to meet your needs and budget. Drop into our Arden showroom and talk to one of our experts or check out the pre-owned hot tubs for sale. We’ll help you find the spa that’s right for you.
