When shopping for hot tubs, many people will ask their dealers 'Can I use a hot tub every day? ' The short answer is that yes, it is safe to use your hot tub every day.
This is because that just by using your hot tub for 15 to 30 minutes daily, or every couple of days, it will have a major impact on your health. A daily routine of hot tub use should help to ease the aches and pains in your body; while loosening up tired and stiff muscles from your neck downwards to your legs and feet.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF OVERUSE
Since the water in a hot tub is a higher temperature than your normal internal temperature, staying in a hot tub too long can cause you to overheat and experience symptoms like light-headedness, dizziness, or nausea.
Even more common in hot tubs is Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium that can cause Legionnaires' disease, a pneumonia-like lung infection that's potentially serious, particularly for those 50 and older. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include: Cough. Shortness of breath.
If you're a healthy adult, it's safe to use your spa at 102°F for as long as you wish. If you're over 65, even if you're in good health, you should consult your doctor to determine what's right for you. In many cases, you'll get the green light to stay in the spa as long as you're comfortable and feeling well.
About 15-30 minutes at a time is a general recommendation if you prefer very hot water. Hot tub sessions that go 30 minutes or longer increase your risk of negative effects of a hot tub on the body, so adjust your water temperature accordingly.
Health Benefits
The heat widens blood vessels, which sends nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Warm water also brings down swelling and loosens tight muscles. And the water's buoyancy takes weight off painful joints. A dip in the hot tub might also help your mental state.
"The average bather has about a tenth of a gram of feces in his gluteal fold, which is a nice way of saying butt crack. [With five people soaking,] you have a tablespoon of poop in the hot tub," he says.
Burning Calories in a Hot Tub
A daily soak in your hot tub can help you lose weight, even if it's in an indirect way. If you weigh around 150 pounds, you can normally burn up to 17 calories or . 005 pounds of fat by simply submerging yourself in your hot tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
Do You Have to Shower After a Hot Tub? It is a good idea to shower or at least rinse your body after soaking in a hot tub, especially for people with sensitive skin. Chemicals and germs in the water may cling to your skin and hair, potentially creating rashes and irritation.
Many spa owners prefer to keep their spa temperature between 102°F and 104°F, though even 100°F is safe and comfortable for a healthy adult. If you're curious, try soaking at different temperatures to see what you prefer.
Hot Tub Lung is a specific form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by the lung's inflammatory (swelling) reaction to liquid or solid droplets in the air contaminated by bacteria or other infectious agents. Even though it is caused by infectious agents, Hot Tub Lung is not an infection.
One question we sometimes get asked is should I leave my hot tub on all the time? The answer is yes! Hot tubs are designed to be left on permanently and this is how they work best. Of course, they'll need to be drained regularly but for the most part, they are left on 24/7.
While an overwhelming number of respondents consider hot tubbing a social experience, 14.8 percent of owners state that they prefer to hot tub by themselves as it's their "alone time." 16.7 percent of owners use their hot tub four or more times per week. Almost nine percent (8.9 percent) of owners hot tub daily.
You can still transmit bacterial infections and viruses in large pools, even though the pathogens and fecal matter have more space to live. So if the same amount of germs are in a hot tub, the water is way more concentrated, and the risk of infection is even higher, experts say.
Regular soaking in a hot tub may provide several health benefits, such as muscle relaxation, pain relief, and improved sleep. Some studies suggest a wider variety of health benefits, but more research is needed to determine the specifics of hot tub therapy with particular conditions.
Pseudomonas and Legionella (which can cause Legionnaires' disease) are bacteria that can defy disinfectants and live in slimy areas of hot tubs, pools and water parks. These bacteria can enter the body through the skin, eyes or nose, Hlavsa explained.
Vasodilation. If you find that your legs ache when it's especially warm outside, this could be down to something called vasodilation. When we get hot, our veins enlarge in size to increase blood flow to the skin.
On average, you should aim to completely drain it about three to four times a year. Lucky for you, the time it takes to drain your hot tub is usually around an hour or so. One hour of time spent cleaning roughly four times a year is only four hours of your time to ensure that you are resting in a sanitary hot tub.
The volume of blood your heart pumps will also rise, especially in a hot tub. That's a result of the pressure of the water on the body, which increases the heart's workload, he explains.
If you have not winterized your spa and won't be using your hot tub for extended periods during the coldest months, the very lowest you should set your hot tub temperature is 80° F. This will prevent your hot tub from freezing.
Sitting in the warm waters of a hot tub, your core temperature will rise and you'll begin to sweat. This will flush any toxins from your body through your pores. Hydrate. It's important to drink plenty of water while in a hot tub to replenish your body's fluids as you sweat.
Soaking in hot tubs can increase your risk for dehydration. The hot water is causing your body to use systems that take up more water than usual. Softub accessories include a floating drink holder. In addition, the hot water can mask some of the signs of dehydration, putting you at added risk.
One method in aiding muscle recovery is to ice your muscles (or soak in cold water) for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a 10 to 20 minute hot tub session. In doing this, you will help reduce the muscle soreness felt the following day after exercising.