How Long Should You Stay in a Hot Tub? A Practical Guide

At Canadian Spa Company, your wellbeing comes first. Hot tubs are a wonderful way to step away from the daily grind, but a few simple guidelines will help you stay safe and get the most out of every session.

General timing recommendations

A typical hot tub session lasts 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your age, health, water temperature, and the weather outside. If you're new to hot tubs, start short and build up gradually — you can always come back for a second round later.

Key factors to consider

1. Water temperature

At a cooler setting (around 37 °C, near body temperature), longer sessions are usually fine. At a warmer setting (38–39 °C), most healthy adults are comfortable for up to 30 minutes, provided you stay hydrated. At hotter settings (around 40 °C), keep it to 15–20 minutes and drink plenty of water.

2. Age

For children, a maximum of about 5 minutes at 40 °C — or up to 15 minutes at lower temperatures — is recommended, and they shouldn't be fully submerged. Older adults (around 60+) generally benefit from slightly cooler water and shorter sessions, depending on how they feel.

3. Health considerations

During pregnancy, talk to your doctor; the typical guidance is to keep the water below 39 °C and limit sessions to 10 minutes or so. Anyone managing high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or taking sedative medication should consult a medical professional before using a hot tub.

4. Weather and season

In winter, keeping the water below 38 °C and limiting sessions to about 15 minutes is sensible — your body is already working to manage the cold. Wearing a hat can actually help regulate body temperature outdoors.

Listen to your body

The most important rule: pay attention to how you feel. Drink water before, during, and after, and step out if you feel dizzy or off. Take a break, cool down, and try again later if you'd like.

Bottom line

Stick to these basics and your hot tub time stays exactly what it should be — safe, restorative, and genuinely enjoyable. Switch off, relax, feel good.

👉 Explore our full range of hot tubs at Canadian Spa Company UK