I'll be honest, "How long should we stay in the hot tub?" is not a question we are asked very often. In fact I don't think anyone has asked it until now. But it's an interesting question and one that's got me out of doing the housework, and into doing a bit of research. We all know that being in your hot tub is a great way to relax, and that there are proven hydrotherapy health benefits, but how long should you be spending in your hot tub? Well here are my guidelines for healthy bathing timescales.
Factors impacting time spent in your hot tub
In the few articles I have read that were broadly related to this topic, I didn't really find any definitive guidelines. However, the following details should provide enough information for you to make your own sensible decisions.
Outside temperature
Where the tub is placed and the outside temperature are key factors in deciding how long you should spend soaking in the tub. If the weather is really hot, then your body takes longer to cool down, even if you are using the tub as a cool plunge pool. If you are fully exposed to the sun, even in a cool tub you can quickly overheat, get seriously sunburnt, or worse still, suffer from sunstroke. On the other hand, if it’s really cold outside, your body could cool down too quickly, which could result in dizziness and fainting - not good if you are in a tub of hot water. To be on the safe side, in hot weather try and keep your water temperature lower than normal, at least 5 degrees lower.
Your health
Basically if you’re in good health, then you shouldn’t have too much to worry about. However, if you've got a heart condition or are pregnant, then you should use your hot tub less frequently, and not stay in it for too long. For a pregnant woman the recommended maximum is 20 to 30 minutes. (If you are pregnant please follow your doctor's orders about using a hot tub, bath or a sauna).
One other factor I did find interesting is how you sit in your tub. If like me you like to sit or lie back, with the water up to your neck, then your body could have difficulties regulating it’s internal temperature. So basically, every now and again, you should sit up with your chest out of the water for at least five minutes. This gives your body a chance to regulate it’s temperature, and there's less chance of you passing out from overheating.
What can happen if you stay in too long
Enjoying the warm water gently soothing away the stress, while it softly massages your skin is great. But staying in a hot tub, sauna or bath that's too hot, or for too long can cause some health risks. That's because an internal body temperature of more than 40°C can be harmful. Here are a few warning signs you should look out for:
Feeling light-headed or dizzy - You might have experienced this in the bath or in a sauna. It’s the same with hot tubs. Take your time getting out of the water, sit quietly and sip a glass of water until the feeling subsides.
Nausea - along with the symptoms of dizziness or feeling light-headed, high internal body temperature can make you feel nauseous.
Burns on the skin - this really only effects people with sensitive skin. If you stay in a hot tub for too long, you could end up burning your skin. In the majority of cases this is like mild sunburn, and your skin will redden. If you do suffer from sensitive skin please do take extra care.
Drop in blood pressure - we know that relaxing in a hot tub can lower blood pressure. This is one of the well known health benefits of hydrotherapy. However, if you have a heart condition, make sure to check with your doctor and get their advice first. Otherwise staying too long in your tub could lead to some serious side effects.
How long is 'too long'?
Even after a couple of hours researching and sipping cups of tea, I still couldn't find any real time limits. If you're in good health then a sensible period to start with is between 30 and 40 minutes. Make sure you adjust your timings, taking into account the outside temperature and your tub's water temperature. At least this is a good place to start, without overdoing things.
At the end of the day you should go with what feels comfortable for you. For example, after a long hot tub session, if you feel a bit light-headed, then next time reduce your bathing time by 5 minutes or more - or lower the water temperature. Don't ignore what your body is telling you - or what the doctor says.
One other thing I should mention is that if you have young children, don’t let them use the hot tub without a sensible person present, or for hours on end. They might beg and plead to stay in, but their bodies don't regulate body temperature as well as an adult. So be strict, limit their time, and keep a look out for the warning signs. They might not tell you they are feeling unwell if they think they'll be missing out on some family fun.
Stay safe and well
At Hot Tubs In France we want you to enjoy your luxurious bathing experience for as long as possible. But we also want you to feel safe and stay healthy, so that you get the most out of your hot tub. There are lots more hydrotherapy and hydro-massage health benefits than there are health risks. So if you have any questions or concerns, or would like any advice on using your hot tub, please give us a call on 0749 19 46 84 and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Alternatively, you can come and chat with us in person at our next Hot Tub Open Day on Sunday 12th September. We will be at home in Puy Cerut, 87510, Peyrilhac. Call or email if you would like to arrange a one-to-one session, or just come along on the day. We'll have our Burford Deluxe fired up from 11am until 4pm, and me and Tim will be 'fired up' too, ready to answer all your questions about our Cotswold Eco Tubs range. Hope to see you soon. Happy hot-tubbing!
To contact Hot Tubs In France, call direct on 0749 19 46 84.
Or email hottubsinfrance@gmail.com
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