Hot Tub Use in Summer: Tips for Cooling Down

Enjoying this spell of lovely weather? When temperatures rise, most people think of pools, not hot tubs. But your spa doesn’t have to sit unused all summer! With a few smart tweaks, your hot tub can become a relaxing cool plunge or a chilled-out oasis that helps you beat the heat.

Here’s how to enjoy your hot tub even when it’s hot outside.

☀️ Lower the Temperature

The easiest way to make your hot tub summer-friendly? Turn the heat down.
Most hot tubs have a minimum temperature setting—often around 26–30°C (78–86°F). That’s a comfortable “cool soak” that can still provide relaxation without raising your core body temperature.

❄️ Use It as a Plunge Pool

Turn your spa into a mini plunge pool by turning the heater completely off and letting the water drop to ambient outdoor temperature. This works especially well in shaded areas or when paired with an external chiller or heat pump with cooling mode (like those used with advanced Chill Tub models).

🌙 Soak at Night or Early Morning

Beat the sun by using your hot tub in the evening or early morning.
Not only is it cooler, but it’s a great way to wind down after a hot day or wake up refreshed. Add some soft lighting and music for a perfect nighttime spa experience.

🏖️ Add a Summer Vibe

Take the experience up a notch with:

• A fresh eucalyptus or green tea aromatherapy cartridge (£10, for spas with an aromatherapy basket)

• Waterproof Bluetooth speakers

• Refreshing cold towels nearby

Make your hot tub feel like a luxury summer spa, not just a winter retreat.

Your hot tub isn’t just for snowy nights and winter wellness—it’s a year-round retreat when used creatively. Whether you’re using it to cool down after a workout, unwind after a beach day, or just hang out under the stars, your spa can be one of the best ways to enjoy summer.

Ready to chill out this season? Explore energy-efficient and cooling-enabled models like our Chill Tub range, perfect for summer wellness and year-round comfort.

Summer temperature guide

Lower the set point a day or two before a heatwave. A spa cools slowly, only about 1°C to 2°C an hour with the cover off, so plan ahead. In a full hot tub, lowering the set point works better than adding ice, which melts quickly and dilutes the chemistry.

Shade

• A gazebo or canopy keeps direct sun off the water and off you. See our guide to pergolas, gazebos and canopies and our gazebos.
• Keep the cover on during the day. It also protects the acrylic and stops the sun using up your chlorine.
• Soak early in the morning or after sunset.

Hydration and safety

• Drink water before, during and after a soak. See the NHS page on dehydration.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, feeling sick, heavy sweating. Get out, cool down and drink water.
• Keep children under 12 at 36°C or below and limit their time.
• Go easy on alcohol in the sun.
• You shouldn't use a hot tub or sauna while pregnant.

Water care in hot weather

Warm weather, sun cream and more bathers all use up sanitiser faster. Test more often, ideally every two or three days, and keep free chlorine at 1.0 to 1.5 ppm, pH 7.2 to 7.6 and total alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm. Shower off sun cream before getting in, and rinse the filter weekly.

Summer running costs

Summer is the cheapest time to run a spa. Heating water takes about 0.81 kWh per °C for 700 litres, around 21p per degree at the Ofgem cap of 26.32p per kWh (October to December 2026). With warm air and a lower set point, the heater runs far less.

Prefer it cold?

A cold plunge is a popular alternative on hot days. Compare the options in our chill tub versus spa guide or browse our chill therapy spas.