Contrary to popular belief, hot tubs are not just for winter use. They can also provide soothing and relaxing sensations even in the hottest summer months. However, as the summer sun blazes, it might be heating up more than you like. It might begin to feel less like soaking at a spa retreat and more like simmering in a crockpot. Why is this?
Did you know there are ways to keep your hot tub at the right temp all summer?
There are a couple of different reasons why a hot tub may be overheating in warmer weather, and the most obvious one is, in fact, the warmer weather. Other causes could include how you use the hot tub cover, filtration cycles, and the location of the tub.
Let’s go through the causes of overheating and some tips to keep things cool and at the right temperature for optimal hot tub use.
Why Do Hot Tubs Overheat in the Summer?
Before we get into why a hot tub overheats, let’s first discuss what temperature a home spa should be at. Most hot tubs are only able to run at a highest temperature of 104°F. Between 102°F and 104°F is ideal for shorter soaks, typically between 15-30 minutes.
For longer soaks, the temperature should be kept between 98°F and 100°F for both a comfortable and safe experience.
Once it goes over 104 degrees things become murky and often unsafe and there are some factors that contribute to this.
Ambient Temperature
Ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the air surrounding an object. If the air around the hot tub is excessively warm, it will naturally raise the temperature of the water. This also occurs at the opposite end of the spectrum; if air is cold, it will cool off the hot tub water.
As summer months bring about high heat and humidity, it can and will raise the temperature of your home spa.
Solution: To keep warm air from overheating the hot tub, a simple solution is to turn down the spas temperature. 95 °F or less is ideal. You can also drain the water a few inches and add cold water to the top. This will decrease the temperature of the entire spa.
Hot Tub Location
Have you ever noticed how your skin feels cooler in the shade versus direct sunlight? The same thing occurs with any object left in the sun, including hot tubs. Direct sunlight naturally heats up objects, sometimes to painful levels.
Solution: Instead of placing your home spa in a high sunlight spot, put it in a shady area or have a patio umbrella with a base that can be adjusted, as the shade tends to move with the sun.
Hot Tub Cover Usage
Covers are essential when it comes to hot tub care. They keep out bugs, animals, and debris, ensuring the spa remains clean and sanitary. However, covers also trap heat, which in colder months, is good.
In warmer months, though, it’s not so good. Trapping heat when your hot tub is in direct sunlight can create a greenhouse effect, further raising the temperature of the water.
Solution: An easy solution is to open or prop up the cover, even if it’s only slightly so that the heat doesn’t get trapped and can escape. You can also leave the cover off completely during cooler times of the day.
Filtration Cycles
Even if a hot tub’s heater is turned off, the filtration cycles can still be happening. These cycles run water through a filtration system to ensure it remains sanitized and clean.
However, this circulating water creates friction and heat, which will raise the temperature of the hot tub even when you don’t want it to.
Solution: Use the spa’s control panel to reduce circulation time. This will limit the amount of heat that is generated. You can also change the settings to only run filtration cycles at cooler parts of the day, such as in the mornings or evenings.
Talk to the Hot Tub Store in Rochester Hills
Don’t worry if your hot tub overheats, its a common summertime issue. By using the simple tips and tricks we’ve mentioned above, you can make sure that your spa remains comfortable, safe and enjoyable with every use.
If you have questions regarding your luxury hot tub overheating or proper summer care, contact us here at The Hot Tub Store in Rochester Hills. Our spa professionals are always available for a chat and offer great tips. When you invest in a hot tub or premium swim spa, you want to get the most out of it, and we’ll do everything we can to help you make it optimal every time! Visit our hot tub and swim spa super store for unbeatable deals and savings today!