Hot Tubs and Heatwaves: How to Keep Enjoying Your Spa When the Temperature Soars
When the UK is basking in a rare heatwave, a steaming hot tub is probably the last thing on your mind. Between fans, paddling pools and iced drinks, your spa can start to feel like an odd fit for the weather. But here at Hot Tubs Staffordshire, we think that’s a shame — because with a few simple adjustments, your hot tub can go from a winter warmer to a summer cool-down spot, without costing you a penny extra to run.
Here’s everything you need to know about looking after your hot tub, and yourself, during a heatwave.
Turn the Temperature Down, Not Off
The instinct in hot weather is to switch your hot tub off completely, but that’s not necessarily the best move. Instead, try dialling the temperature right down to somewhere between 27°C and 30°C.
At this lower setting, the water feels refreshing rather than hot, but it’s not so cold that your body works against you. Plunging into ice-cold water actually triggers your body to try to warm itself back up — the opposite of what you’re after on a scorching afternoon. A gently cool tub, on the other hand, helps bring your core temperature down while still letting you enjoy the massage jets, buoyancy and general relaxation a spa is built for.
It’s a great way to get more use out of your investment all year round, rather than having it sit idle for the two or three weeks a year the UK actually gets properly hot.
Your Running Costs Will Actually Drop
One silver lining of a heatwave is that your energy bills for the hot tub should fall, not rise. With the sun doing a lot of the heavy lifting, your heater barely needs to kick in to hold a lower temperature, and the pump and filtration system carry on doing their job as normal — keeping the water clean, circulating and ready to use.
If you know you won’t be using the tub for a few days while you’re away or the weather is at its peak, dropping the set temperature even further (down to around 20°C) will ease the load on your equipment and save a bit more on running costs. It’ll heat back up quickly once you’re ready to use it again.
Keep an Eye on Water Chemistry
Warm weather changes the chemistry inside your tub faster than you might expect, so it’s worth paying a little extra attention during a hot spell:
- Test more often. Sanitiser (chlorine or bromine) burns off more quickly in strong sunlight and warmer water, so test every day or two rather than your usual weekly check.
- Watch your pH. Heat tends to push pH upward, which makes your sanitiser less effective even if your levels look fine on paper. Aim to keep it in the recommended range for your system.
- Shock the water regularly. Suncream, sweat and body oils build up faster when the tub is being used more often in summer, so a weekly shock treatment helps keep the water clear and your sanitiser working efficiently.
- Top up the water level. Evaporation speeds up in hot weather, particularly if the cover is left off for long periods. Keep the level topped up so your pump isn’t left running dry.
Look After Your Cover and Filter
Your cover isn’t just for keeping debris out — in summer, it also helps regulate how much heat the water picks up from direct sunlight. Popping it back on between uses will stop the water creeping above your set temperature on a baking hot day.
Your filter will also be working harder if you’re using the tub more often. A quick rinse every few days, plus a deeper clean every couple of weeks during busy periods, will keep water flow strong and prevent unnecessary strain on the pump.
A Few Safety Reminders for Hot Weather
Even with the water running cooler, a hot tub is still warmer than the air on most days, so it’s worth taking a couple of sensible precautions:
- Stay hydrated — keep a cold drink to hand and sip regularly while you soak.
- Keep soak times shorter than usual, especially in the middle of the day.
- Avoid the tub during peak UV hours if you can, and use sun protection if you are using it midday.
- Keep an eye on children, who can overheat much faster than adults.
- If you’re already feeling the effects of the heat, it’s best to cool down and rehydrate before getting in.
Don’t Forget — Hot Tubs Aren’t Just for Summer
Of course, British heatwaves never last long, and before you know it the temperature will have dropped back down again. The great thing about owning a hot tub is that it works just as hard for you in October as it does in July — offering warmth, relaxation and hydrotherapy benefits whatever the season.
If you’re thinking about adding a hot tub, swim spa or sauna to your home, or you need help getting the most from the one you already own, the team at Hot Tubs Staffordshire is on hand. Based in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, we’ve been supplying and supporting spas across Staffordshire and Cheshire for over 50 years.
Get in touch with our friendly team today, or pop into our showroom to see our full range of hot tubs, swim spas and wellness products.
