Have you been dreaming of stepping into the warm, bubbling water of your hot tub as the steam drifts off the water’s surface and into the evening air?
There’s nothing quite like it!
But have you ever wondered what the best hot tub temperature is?
Whether you’re looking to maximize your hydrotherapy benefits, or simply want to keep your spa running as efficiently as possible, setting your spa to the right temperature is key.
And we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about your hot tub’s temperature.
From what factors affect your spa’s temperature settings to simple troubleshooting steps to follow should you ever discover it’s become cold, you’ll find it all below!
Hot Tub Temperature 101: What Affects Your Hot Tub Temperature?
Everyone’s experience is different, and if you’re someone who always seems to crank the water to scorching each time you step into the shower, you may be wondering; how hot is too hot? (105℉…105℉ is the answer).
Ultimately, the ideal temperature can depend on a variety of factors, from personal preference to seasonal temperature changes.
Let’s explore some of the top things that can influence the perfect temperature for your spa.
1. Personal Preferences
First and foremost, your hot tub temperature should cater to your personal preferences.
While some people like to bake in the heat, others prefer a more moderate temperature that won’t leave them overwhelmed.
One of the benefits of owning your own hot tub is that you can easily customize it to suit your taste, and effortlessly change it should your partner prefer a different experience during their solo soaks.
After all, it’s your personal retreat. Don’t hesitate to experiment to find the perfect temperature to leave you refreshed and relaxed.
2. The Climate
Another important factor that will influence your spa’s temperature will be your climate.
It’s no surprise a hot tub in a cold climate that drops below zero would require a very different setting than a spa that’s sitting in your Californian backyard.
For example, with the balmy temperatures in San Diego and Orange County, you may consider keeping your spa at a lower temperature, aiming somewhere between 100 and 102℉.
This will allow you to enjoy the soothing heat of the water, claiming the various hydrotherapy benefits within, without overheating.
3. Your Installation (indoor vs outdoor)
While the climate plays a key role in what temperature is best for your spa, your installation is equally influential.
With outdoor installation, you’ll have to take into consideration the weather and temperature fluctuations throughout the seasons.
An indoor spa, however, doesn’t face the same fluctuations, with the room and spa easily being kept at one temperature, maximizing energy efficiency.
4. Health Considerations
One element you’ll never want to overlook when it comes to setting your hot tub’s temperature is your health.
It plays a crucial role in the best temperature, and if you have specific health conditions, such as hypertension or heart issues, a lower temperature will be ideal.
Of course, should you have any health concerns, we recommend talking to your doctor before enjoying that first soak.
They’ll be able to give you the best advice on what temperature would be most therapeutic and safest for you.
5. Your Age
The final factor that’ll influence the ideal temperature for your spa will be age; specifically, whether it’s adults or children in the water.
If you’re enjoying a moment in the water with adult friends and family, you may consider setting your water temperature between 100℉ and 102℉.
However, if your children are enjoying a hot tub birthday party, you may want to turn things down a bit.
To ensure your spa remains safe and the kids don’t overheat or become dehydrated, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t exceed their body temperature, not exceeding 97℉.
Oh No! Your Water Has Gone Cold!
One of the most disappointing issues when it comes to your hot tub temperature is discovering icy cold water when you’d had your heart set on a soothing soak.
So, while we’re on the topic of the best hot tub temperature, let’s explore how you can troubleshoot this issue so you can get back to your regularly scheduled enjoyment!
Cold water can be the result of a few issues, such as:
- Clogged filters
- Damaged heater
- Malfunctioning sensors or switches
- Low water levels
So, if you’ve discovered frigid water, here are some steps to help you diagnose and repair the issue.
Clogged Filters
Your filters come into contact with every contaminant in your water, and without proper care, they can become clogged.
This can impact the flow of water through your system, quickly leading to cold water.
If your water isn’t able to circulate properly, it can’t be heated by the heating element, resulting in your water temperature plummeting.
This is one of the easiest things to troubleshoot and repair, so it should be first on your list when it comes to diagnosing the culprit of your cold water.
How to Diagnose and Repair a Clogged Filter
The first step in diagnosing if your filter is clogged is checking the water flow in your spa. You can do this by turning on the jets or waterfall.
If the flow of water seems weak, you’ll want to pull out your filter(s) to clean and inspect them.
Once you’ve taken them out, rinse them using your garden hose, or under the faucet of your sink.
To get between the pleats, you can use a special tool called a filter flosser which creates smaller streams of water that are better able to get into all the nooks and crannies.
For an even deeper clean, dilute some filter cleaner in a basket of water and let your filter soak for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
After it’s done soaking, rinse it off and inspect it for any damage, such as rips, tears, or pleats coming out of the end caps.
Once you’re confident they are in good condition and clean, reinstall them into your spa and fire up your jets to get your water circulating and heating.
Low Water Levels
The water levels of your spa will need to be topped up weekly, with evaporation typically reducing your water levels by about one inch each week.
If you’ve forgotten to top-up your water, you could run into water that’s not quite as warm as you’d expected.
How to Diagnose and Repair Low Water Levels
Easily the most straightforward issue to diagnose and resolve, low water levels can be determined by simply looking at your water levels.
Ideally, your water should be covering roughly half of the skimmer. This ensures your water is properly able to circulate through your system while being low enough for debris to be skimmed off the surface.
If your water is below your skimmer, use your hose to refill it to the expected height.
Once you’ve topped it up, get the water circulating and give your heater some time to do its magic.
Malfunctioning Sensors or Switches
A malfunctioning sensor or switch can disrupt your hot tub’s ability to maintain your water’s set temperature accurately, especially if it’s a heat sensor that’s not working.
If you notice that your control panel is flashing error codes, or the temperature being displayed on the control panel isn’t matching what you’re feeling, it’s likely your sensors aren’t working properly.
How To Diagnose and Repair Malfunctioning Switches
Detecting malfunctioning sensors or switches can be a challenge, mainly because there is such a wide range of symptoms.
Some common signs include:
- Temperature fluctuations
- Inability to adjust temperature settings
- Erratic behavior with the hot tub’s heating cycle
However, the best place to start looking is your control panel.
Most times, when sensors or switches are malfunctioning, you’ll notice your control panel throwing error codes.
Some codes to look out for include:
- COOL
This error code signals that the water is 20 degrees cooler than your set temperature.
- ICE
If your system detects that your water is 55℉, this warning will show up on your control panel.
- SN3
This code occurs when your heater is deactivated, or the temperature sense is not working as expected.
- SN1
Much like the SN3 error code, this code also signals there’s an issue with your heater, often that the hi-limit sensor is not working.
- FLO
FLO errors can show up in a couple of distinct ways, either flashing or solid, and signal that there is an issue with your circulation system.
If your control panel is throwing error codes, whether it’s one of the five listed above or any other, you’ll need to reference your user manual to determine their meaning and next steps.
Damaged Heating Element
Hot tub heating elements typically last around five years, however, this lifespan can quickly be reduced if your water is frequently left unbalanced.
Imbalanced water can result in scale or corrosion, reducing the effectiveness of your heater over time.
Whether you’re at the five-year mark or it’s due to damage, diagnosing and replacing a damaged heating element isn’t a DIY-worthy project, and should be handled by your local hot tub technicians.
If you’re concerned your heater may be the culprit, schedule a service appointment.
The SmartTub System®️ – Your Secret Weapon
If you’re seeking a better way to control and monitor your spa’s temperature, the SmartTub®️ System for your Jacuzzi®️ hot tub or Sundance®️ Spas model is the perfect solution.
This innovative technology allows you to connect and control various functions of your spa right from an app on your phone.
With their data connection, you can even control your spa from afar, like while you’re on vacation and want to check up on its status!
Beyond that, with its SmartHeat Mode, your spa is able to learn your usage habits to expertly adjust the temperature to maximize energy efficiency.
This ensures your water is always ready to welcome you into its toasty depths, without needing to maintain its high temperature every hour of the day.
Embrace Blissful Heat With Aqua Paradise
Finding the ideal hot tub temperature for your spa is a personal journey, and is influenced by various factors, from its installation location and local climate, to your overall health and who’s in the water.
Whether you’re seeking the perfect hot tub to amp up the heat of your backyard or are looking for all the basic necessities when it comes to keeping your water crystal clear, the experts at Aqua Paradise are here to help!
Our team is well-versed in what you can expect for your spa, from the moment it’s installed to years down the road when your first repair rears its head.
Whether you have questions about how to treat your water or what temperature would be best based on our sunny climate, they can help with it all.
With five convenient locations throughout San Diego and Orange County, including one in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, Carlsbad, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Hills, we’re right around the corner.
Contact us, or visit your nearest location today to find pure bliss right in the comfort of your backyard.
