A hot tub can be a place to unwind, spend time outside, and sit with the people you enjoy. Those are good reasons to want one, without needing to promise a medical benefit.
If health is part of your buying decision, it helps to separate what has been studied from what a particular hot tub can do for you.
What the sleep research says
A 2019 systematic review in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that warm baths or showers before bed were associated with better sleep quality and a shorter time to fall asleep. Warming one to two hours before bed was associated with shorter sleep onset.
That research covered baths and showers. It does not establish that buying a hot tub will treat insomnia, or that every person will get the same result. The study temperatures are not a recommendation for your spa settings.
Comfort is personal
When you visit the showroom, think about how the seats fit, where the jets sit, and whether you can get in and out comfortably. A long feature list tells you less than a layout that suits the people who will use it.
We can help compare the spas. If you are buying one to manage pain, recover from an injury, or address a health condition, ask your healthcare provider whether hot-water immersion fits your care plan.
Use it safely
The CDC's hot tub guidance recommends:
- Keep the water at or below 104°F (40°C).
- Avoid alcohol before and during hot tub use.
- Keep children younger than five out of hot tubs.
- Talk to a healthcare provider before using a hot tub while pregnant.
- Shower before getting in and avoid using a hot tub when you have diarrhea.
Clean-looking water still needs regular testing and maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and the CDC's guidance on disinfectant and pH levels.
Find a spa you'll enjoy using
See Dip's spa collection, or visit our Farr West showroom to compare sizes and seating. Contact us to talk through your space, delivery access, and the people who will use it.