Are Hot Tubs Bad for You? | Jacuzzi® Help Center

As a safety-conscious consumer shopping for a hot tub, you have probably already done a lot of research. You may have asked yourself many questions about hot tub ownership. While you are likely seeking the benefits of a hot tub, of which there are many, you may also have your concerns surrounding the safety of a hot tub.

You may have even wondered, “Are hot tubs bad for you?” This article will answer that question. It will also help you learn more about safe hot tub use. Finally, this article will cover the many wellness benefits that hot tub use can provide you with, so long as you practice safe hot tub use.

Are hot tubs bad for you?

The short answer is no, rather there are many benefits of hot tub use. But this answer is very individualized and conditional. For example, there can be some risks for people with certain health conditions or who are pregnant.

An article on the Cleveland Clinic website states that hot tub use can have risks, depending on your health. Those with heart disease or who experience seizures, for example, should check with their physician before indulging in hot tub use. Women who are pregnant should also avoid hot tub use during gestation.

What are some hot tub safety tips?

Safe use of any large equipment or around any body of water is extremely important. To ensure your hot tub experience is not only enjoyable but also safe, read on for some hot tub safety tips:

It’s also important to pay close attention to the temperature of your hot tub water. The temptation of soaking in warm bubbly water is probably one of the top reasons you want to purchase a hot tub. However, you want to make sure the water isn’t too hot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the temperature of your hot tub water shouldn’t be higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can rest assured if you purchase a premium hot tub from a reputable hot tub manufacturer, that you cannot heat your hot tub beyond this temperature. This is because most premium hot tubs have regulators on them so you cannot increase your hot tub water’s temperature beyond 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have small children or pets, you will want to ensure that they are always supervised when your hot tub cover is open to prevent them from getting into the water accidentally. Monitoring alcohol use or avoiding it during hot tub use is also important for safety. When moving around your hot tub area, be cautious of areas that could become slippery when wet as you get in and out of your hot tub.

What are the benefits of hot tub use?

If you have checked with your physician and are cleared for hot tub use, you can get ready to enjoy some of the wonderful benefits of hot tub use. Read on to learn about the many ways that hot tubs can enhance your life and actually be good for you.

Ease your mind — Many people who are seeking a hot tub report that they are looking for a way to calm their minds at the end of a stressful work day or week. Waking up and heading to work can be a lot easier when you know you have a warm bubby hot tub waiting for you when you come home. Your spa sanctuary can serve as a place where you can go to unwind and let the worries of your day float away as you sink into your soothing hydrotherapy massage. The state of your mental wellness is worth protecting. This can be achieved through some self-care in your hot tub.

Boost your mood and improve your happiness — Once your mind is clear of worries and stress, you just might be able to see things in a different light and have a sunnier disposition. A hot tub can provide you with a little slice of happiness in your day. If you are looking for a way to increase the joy in your life, a hot tub may be right for you. An easy-to-use hot tub can boost your mood and increase your happiness with every soak. You just may step out of your hot tub with a new perspective on life, with your worries long gone.

Enjoy soothing relaxation and comfort — If you are looking for a way to experience relief from joint pain, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from chronic pain caused by arthritis. The CDC reports, “About one in four adults with arthritis—15 million people—report experiencing severe joint pain related to arthritis. Additionally, nearly half of adults with arthritis have persistent pain.”

When feeling pain, a warm soak in your hot tub can not only clear and calm your mind, it can also help you experience comfort and relaxation. Making time for just a short 30-minute hydrotherapy session can help you relax and experience the soothing power of water.

The benefit of comfort can be underrated, but this is an important part of your wellness. When you are busy all day, you may not have time to consider your mental and physical wellness. However, once you come home, you deserve to have a place where you can go to recover from your physical and emotional tension. You should give yourself the gift of comfort and rejuvenation through superior hydrotherapy. This can be achieved in your hot tub—all right in your very own home.

Experience stress relief — Most Americans report being more stressed than ever. A poll by the American Psychological Association revealed that since COVID-19, long-term stress has increased chronic illness, especially among those between the ages of 35 and 44 from 48 percent reported in 2019 to 58 percent in 2023.

Chronic stress can have a multitude of ill effects on your body and mind. Combat stress through regular use of your hot tub. Many hot tub owners report that they feel less stressed, and also experience pain and tension relief after a soak session.

Reconnect with family and loved ones — Another incredible benefit of hot tub use is reconnecting with loved ones and family. In today’s world, moms, dads, and kids are all busy. Families tend to be running at full speed, burning the candle at both ends. Imagine taking a time-out from the hustle and bustle of your week—work, meetings, appointments, running errands, making dinner, taking kids to and from school and their activities... the list goes on.

As the week comes to an end, spend the weekend reconnecting with family in your hot tub. Slow the pace down and take some time to reconnect with your loved ones. Ask about their day and their interests. Enjoy some music as you all unwind together, disconnecting from the world for just a little while—and reconnecting with one another. Time spent with family and loved ones is always worth it.

Another key benefit of your hot tub can be continued wellness in other areas of your life. When you feel better, both mind and body, you may be inspired to add other wellness aspects to your life such as nutrition and fitness. While a hot tub can be one key aspect of your overall health, nutrition and an active lifestyle are essential elements as well. If you already put 100 percent into everything else in your life, including your health, your hot tub can be the missing piece of the puzzle to help you feel your best every day. It can also support your other healthy lifestyle efforts.

For example, after a long day of training or rising to an athletic challenge, you can rest your sore and tense muscles in the comfort of your hot tub. A hydrotherapy soak after training can be an important aspect of your recovery. After all, if you are committed to treating your body right through nutrition and fitness, you should also commit to giving your body the much-needed care and recovery it needs so you can perform at your peak again and again.

Now that you’ve read about the many wellness benefits of hot tub ownership, you may have come to your own conclusion to the question, “Are hot tubs bad for you?” Beyond speaking with your doctor, it may be a good idea to visit your local spa dealer to ask any specific safety questions about the model you like. You may also want to ask about the safety features of a certain model. Asking your local spa dealer to provide you with a list of ways to care for your hot tub can also ensure that your hot tub is safe and ready to use when you are.

Finally, you want to ensure you choose the right hot tub for you. This is highly subjective, naturally. However, purchasing a high-quality model with excellent features from a superior spa company can ensure you’ve made the most of your investment.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.