What Should Your Hot Tub Temperature Be?

If you’ve got a hot tub, or maybe you’re just planning to get one, the question always comes up sooner or later: what should the hot tub temperature actually be? It sounds like a small detail, but it really isn’t. The hot tub temperature you set can change the whole experience, whether the water feels inviting or too intense, whether you stay in for a while or have to get out quickly, and even how your body reacts afterward. Some like it steaming, others like it mild, but there are a few basics everyone should know.

What’s the Best Hot Tub Temperature?

The straight answer is somewhere between 100 and 102. That’s where most people feel the most comfortable and safe. But there isn’t one magic number that works for everyone. Try starting at 100. If that feels too cool, inch it up one degree at a time until it feels right.

The Safe Range Most Experts Recommend

The straight answer is somewhere between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s usually the sweet spot. It’s warm enough to relax your muscles but not so hot that your body struggles to handle it. Technically, hot tubs can go up to 104, but that’s the max, and it isn’t the best choice for everyone.

Your body normally sits around 98.6 degrees. When your hot tub temperature is at 100 or 101, your temperature rises a little, which feels nice and helps loosen stiff muscles. But once you push closer to 104, your body has to work harder to keep cool. And if you stay too long, that can leave you lightheaded, thirsty, or exhausted.

Why Not Just Turn It Up Higher?

It’s especially tempting to turn it up in the winter, but hotter water doesn’t always equal better relaxation. In fact, once your hot tub temperature is too hot, your heart rate climbs, your blood pressure might dip, and your head can start to spin a little. That’s why 104 is more of a ceiling than a target.

And it’s worth noting, not everyone should go that high. Kids, older adults, and people with certain health conditions are usually safer sticking to 100 or even a touch under.

Finding the Comfort Zone for Daily Use

Here’s the tricky part: comfort is personal. One person swears by 99, another says 102 is just right. It depends on how your body handles heat, how long you like to soak, and even what season it is.

In the summer, 98 or 99 can actually feel refreshing, almost like slipping into a warm swimming pool. In winter, most people want something closer to 101 or 102. It’s not all that different from how you set your home thermostat, where there’s a recommended range, but everyone tweaks it a little to match their comfort.

A Few Safety Reminders

When you’re setting your hot tub temperature, keep a few basics in mind:

• Drink some water before and after. You sweat in hot water, even if you don’t notice.

• Stick to 15–30 minutes at a time. Much longer, and you’ll risk overheating.

• If you’re pregnant, don’t go above 100.

• Always check the water for kids. Their bodies heat up faster than adults so 95-98°F is the recommended hot tub temperature for children.

They might sound like common-sense rules, but most hot tub mishaps come from ignoring simple things like these.

Finding the right hot tub temperature is all about balance. You want warm, soothing water that helps you relax, but not so hot that it puts your health at risk. For most, 100–102 is the sweet spot. Don’t forget to check your water regularly, take breaks, stay hydrated, and consider using TubTabs to keep maintenance simple and your water crystal clear. So while you’re thinking about the perfect hot tub temperature, don’t forget that the right water care completes the experience.