Adding an element of luxury and relaxation to any stay, a private hot tub is one of the most popular amenities a hotel room can have. Instead of heading out to the spa, this spa perk comes to you, providing convenient relief for stressed minds and sore muscles while adding a unique ambiance that can set the scene for romance.
But before you put your toes into that bubbly, warm water, it’s important to learn about hot tub safety to avoid any unfortunate incidents and indulge in an extra-special, soothing experience.
Key Takeaways
- Make sure to shower before entering the hot tub. Why? Sweat, lotions, and sunscreen affect water chemistry and can feed bacteria. Skipping this step increases the chance of skin irritation or infection.
- Check the tub before using it and look at the water clarity. Avoid the tub if the water seems cloudy, foamy, discolored, or contains debris. A strong chemical smell means a problem, the CDC says, and for a hot tub that stays filled it suggests a test strip.
- Temperature and time matter. Keep the water at 104°F (40°C) or below, the limit from the CDC, the CPSC and hot tub makers. No official source sets a number of minutes, but the makers recommend cooler water once a soak goes past 10 minutes, because long, hot soaks can overheat you.
- Alcohol increases heat stress. The CDC says not to drink alcohol before or during a soak, since in hot water it can cause lightheadedness or fainting. Health matters too, especially heart or blood pressure problems.
The Basics of Hot Tub Safety
While it might seem like hot tub safety is pretty simple, there’s more to it than you’d probably imagine, but we’ll start with the basics. The good news is that only your party uses a hotel room hot tub during the stay, though how well it is cleaned still depends on the hotel. (For the buttons, the fill level and what not to add, see how to use the jacuzzi in your hotel room.)
Heed the Optimal Hot Tub Temperature
The optimal hot tub temperature depends on your comfort preference, but it’s also important to consider safety. The right temperature can vary from person to person, depending on age and health, such as those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, and pregnant women. Hot tubs usually run at about 100 to 104°F (38 to 40°C), according to the CDC. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the temperature should be set at or below 104°F (40°C).
The bottom line: keep it at 104°F or below. Hot tub makers such as Hot Spring and Master Spas recommend a lower temperature when a soak goes past 10 minutes, and for young children.
Never above 104°F (40°C). Cooler water for soaks longer than 10 minutes.
Shower First
It’s essential to shower before getting into your private hotel hot tub. If you don’t, you could be introducing all sorts of contaminants, such as body oils and sweat, that can make the water unsanitary. The warm water in a hot tub provides an ideal place for bacteria to grow, and introducing any organic matter from an unshowered body feeds them. Personal beauty products such as sunscreen and lotions can affect the ability of disinfectants to function properly, reducing the effectiveness of sanitizing chemicals, leading to a buildup of harmful byproducts. Not showering first can lead to a skin irritation or even a bacterial infection.
Inspect for Cleanliness
Not only should you be clean, but you’ll also want to inspect the hot tub for cleanliness before getting in. If you’ve done your research as far as reading reviews, your hotel room hot tub will probably be fine but it never hurts to double-check. It might even prevent you from an unwanted surprise.
We’ve even written a full guide on the topic: How to Clean a Hot Tub, which includes tips for hotel guests. The general gist is to start by looking at the water to determine whether it’s clean. If the tub is dirty or has an unusual odor, the water appears cloudy, foamy, contains any type of debris, or is discolored, you might want to avoid using it.
Look for clean surfaces, clear water, and no unusual odors.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol & Stay Hydrated
A glass of wine or Champagne may sound enticing during your soak, but it’s best to sip on non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, as warm temperatures can intensify the effects of alcohol, leading to dizziness or even unconsciousness. The CDC says not to drink alcohol before or during hot tub use, so save it for later.
Plastic cups and bottles are safer than glass, since a dropped glass can leave shards in the water and cut someone. Additionally, as the heat of a hot tub can cause you to sweat and lose fluids, drinking plenty of water before and after your soak to stay hydrated is always a good idea.
Climb in Carefully
You might be excited about relaxing in your hot tub, but resist the urge to leap in. Hot tubs are too shallow to jump into, unlike a pool, so you’ll want to enter carefully by easing yourself in via the steps.
Enter slowly to avoid slips and sudden temperature shock.
Special Health Considerations
While the usual hot tub temperature is between 100 and 104°F, note that it can vary by individual, and some may need to avoid getting into the water altogether, depending on certain health conditions, such as:
- High or low blood pressure. The heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to unpredictable drops in blood pressure, possible fainting, and even the risk of drowning.
- Heart disease. Soaking in a hot tub can stress the heart by increasing heart rate, which can be risky for anyone with a pre-existing heart condition.
- Certain neurological conditions. Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis can make it difficult to sense when the body is getting too hot, which increases the risk of overheating.
- Diabetes. Heat can affect blood sugar control and may decrease sensations in the feet, potentially leading to burns if the water is too hot.
- Open wounds or skin infections. When exposed to the water in a hot tub, wounds can be aggravated and infections worsened.
- Pregnancy. The CDC says to talk to a healthcare provider before using a hot tub when pregnant. The heat raises your body temperature, and the CPSC warned in 1979 that soaking in water above 102°F can harm the fetus in the first three months. Hot tub makers such as Hot Spring and Master Spas set a limit of 100°F for pregnant women.
DISCLAIMER: Consult your doctor if you suspect that you have any of the conditions above and plan to use a hot tub.
Beyond the Basics: More to Know About Hotel Room Hot Tub Safety
We’ve covered the basics, but there are a few other things that might help you enjoy your hot tub safely, depending on the experience you’re looking for and the hot tub setting.
Using a Private Outdoor Hotel Room Hot Tub in Cold Weather
Some hotels have rooms with a private hot tub on an outdoor balcony or terrace. Rooms like that are uncommon in hotels. On TubHotels, about 1 in 30 hotels with a known tub placement has the tub outside on a private balcony or patio. If you’ve booked one of those and plan to use it when it’s chilly out, there are a couple of things to consider.
If there is any ice on the steps leading to the hot tub, be sure to clear it off to prevent slippage. Get in slowly, gradually getting used to the warmth. It’s important to plan for your exit by keeping a towel or robe nearby to dry off immediately. Get indoors as quickly as you can.
Keep a robe close and be careful of slippery surfaces.
Couples: Set the Mood Safely
If you’re planning to use the hot tub with your loved one, you might want to set the mood for romance, but it’s important to do it safely. Dimmed lights and soft music are great ways to enhance your time in the hot tub, but you never want to bring any electrical gadget near it. That includes your cell phone due to the risk of damage from the steam and water that can cause internal damage. Plus, if it falls into the hot tub, you’ll be risking electric shock and the loss of an expensive device! Forget about capturing photos from the water. For music, bring a waterproof, wireless speaker and keep it at least 5 feet from the water, as hot tub makers ask for every electrical device.
While the water should stay at 104°F or below, personal preferences are important too, as everyone’s heat tolerance is different. Talk to your partner about his or her preferred temperature and always respect their need to take a break, even if you have only just got in.
Physical & Mental Health Benefits of Hot Tubbing
You already know that hot tubs can be great for relaxation and spending romantic time together with the one you love. But did you realize that there are some specific health benefits that come with a safe soak?
Better sleep. You’ve probably heard that taking a warm bath before bed can improve sleep. A soak in a hot tub can do the same. In fact, studies have shown that you’re likely to sleep even deeper as the body cools after your soak. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the change in body temperature tells your body it’s time for sleep, encouraging the drop in temperature that happens naturally just before shut-eye. The experts say that it’s best to get out of the hot tub about 90 minutes before you plan to go to bed.
Stress relief. The relaxation that comes with using a hot tub can do wonders for your mental and physical health by relieving stress. That’s because the warm water promotes the release of endorphins and dilates blood vessels that improve circulation. Hydrotherapy jets also provide a massage action to ease any muscle tension. Scientific research has found that these benefits come together to help reduce cortisol, the stress hormone.
Soothing sore muscles. A hot tub can ease the aches and pains of sore muscles as the heat increases blood flow while loosening tense muscles. Plus, the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off your joints. Long, hot soaks raise the risk of overheating, so turn the heat down if you stay in longer.
By following our hotel room hot tub safety tips, the time you spend soaking in that enticing warm water is sure to be a memorable part of your stay while enhancing your good health (and perhaps your relationship)!
Where to book a room with its own tub
Every hotel on our lists has a private tub in the room, in its own bathroom or on its own balcony, and most cards show which. Traveling with children? Start with our family-friendly hotels with an in-room jacuzzi. For more space and an outdoor tub, see the cabins with a private hot tub, and with a dog in the party, the pet-friendly jacuzzi hotels.
FAQs
What Should Be Checked Before Getting Into a Hotel Hot Tub?
Before stepping into your hotel room hot tub, be sure to examine the tub itself and the water for cleanliness. The water should look clean and clear with no discoloration, floating debris, obvious dirt, unusual odor, or strong chemical smell. The temperature should not be higher than 104°F (40°C), usually between 100° and 104°F (38° to 40°C). If the hot tub is outdoors and you’ll be using it during the chillier months, check for ice on the steps and clear it if necessary. For a hot tub that stays filled between guests, a test strip shows whether the disinfectant and pH are right; here is how to use one. If you notice any issues, contact hotel staff immediately.
How Long Can You Safely Stay in a Hot Tub?
No official source sets a number of minutes. The CDC and the CPSC give a temperature limit, 104°F, but no time limit. Hot tub makers recommend cooler water once a soak goes past 10 minutes, and jetted bath makers suggest anything from about 10 minutes (MTI) to about 30 (Aquatic). Long soaks in hot water can overheat you, so get out if you feel dizzy or unwell. It’s important to get out, cool down, and hydrate before indulging in another session. The time you can safely stay in the hot tub can vary depending on age and health conditions, so it’s important to check with your healthcare provider for clarification.
What if I’m Pregnant? Can I Use a Hotel Hot Tub?
If you’re pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider before using any hot tub. The temperature of the water can increase your own body temperature, which can put the developing fetus at risk, particularly during the first trimester. For those who get the okay, some hot tub makers, and the CPSC in 1979, set a limit of 100°F (38°C) and suggest shorter soaks.
Can I Safely Use a Hot Tub Alone?
It’s generally safer to use a hot tub with someone else, or when someone is nearby, due to the risk of slipping or fainting. If you use a hot tub alone, be sure that someone knows where you are and that you can easily access a phone if something happens (ideally one that’s waterproof).
Are Hotel Room Hot Tubs Hygienic?
Shared hotel hot tubs usually fall under state or local health rules for filtration and sanitizing. How an in-room tub is cleaned is up to each hotel, so it varies. You can increase the odds of getting into a hygienic hot tub by researching the specific property before you book, including guest reviews, for any potential red flags. Once you’ve checked in, visually inspect the tub and water for cleanliness, including dirt and odor. If you do notice any issues, alert hotel staff immediately.
Author
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K.C. Dermody
K.C. has visited 48 states in the U.S., nearly all Canadian provinces, and over 50 other countries across six continents. She combines her writing skills with extensive knowledge of popular destinations and hidden gems to inspire others to make their own travel dreams a reality. While she is passionate about adventure and wildlife, she also appreciates a good soak in an in-room hot tub after exploring!
A freelance writer for over 16 years, K.C. is the author of a best-selling Ireland travel guide and has been published in Yahoo! Travel, Beach.com, Hotels.com, Honeymoons.com, Newsweek, Cruise Insider, and many other publications in print and online.
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Disclaimer: Some hotels offer hot tubs only in specific room types, so always select a room that clearly lists a jetted tub, hot tub, or jacuzzi when booking. Note: "Jacuzzi" on TubHotels.com is a general term for any upscale jetted or whirlpool bathtub, not specifically a Jacuzzi® brand product. We advise guests to confirm the exact tub type with the booking provider.
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