With a hot tub, cold weather doesn’t have to be dreaded this winter. And you can reap many benefits of using your hot tub in winter. Instead of shutting down your hot tub during the colder months, you can make the most of using your hot tub in winter.

Picture this: The snow has fallen, the sky is dark, the stars are out, and the air is brisk and pure. You take the cover off of your tub and the steam rises. Your only one step away from pure bliss!

What better way to make it through this frigid time of year than by heating things up outside? With your hot tub, you can venture outside and enjoy a little pick-me-up, all while relaxing in warm, soothing water. Not only is it fun, there are significant health benefits of using your hot tub in winter.

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the health benefits of using your hot tub in winter. And, we’ll give you a few tips on how to safely enjoy it, too.

Pain Relief

One of the health benefits of using your hot tub in winter is pain relief. Winter can be a painful season – whether you are shoveling snow, trying not to slip and fall on the ice or having to endure tense drives on bad roads, it can take a toll on the body. And for many people, cold winter weather leads to inflammation and stiff joints & muscles.

Hitting the hot tub is also an ideal way to manage the pain of an arthritis flare-up brought on by cold temperatures. The heat of the water relaxes muscles and also works to lessen painful inflammation while sending healing blood flow to injured joints.

A soak in your hot tub before physical activity will warm up your muscles and make you less susceptible to injury. And a soak afterwards with the massaging jets helps to relax your muscles and relieve any post-workout aches and pains.

This spa therapy of muscles and joints is also known as hydrotherapy and is used by athletes to help speed up recovery from injuries. The natural healing power of the water delivers welcome relief in the harshest of winters.

Boosting Your Immune System

With the colder months come the cold and flu season. Aside from getting a flu shot, eating well, and getting enough sleep, the hot water in your spa may actually help you fight against these viruses.

Another of the health benefits of using your hot tub in winter is that a soaking improves your circulation and elevates your body temperature, which can aid your immune system. If you do get a cold, your spa can relieve congestion in your nose, sinuses, and chest. And, what better way to air your sinuses than to inhale steam from a hot tub? Breathing in steam is one of the most natural ways to banish a cold.

Regular dips in the hot tub have been found to elevate white blood cell production. As the heated water improves your circulation, the level of these tiny healing cells is accelerated. The blood carries them throughout the body, and they go on the attack anywhere germs or toxins are located. As a result, your chances of getting a virus can be reduced.

Stress Relief

One of the best times for a soak in your hot tub is after a hard day of work. Soaking for 30 minutes helps you relax and sleep better. While we encounter stress all year round, it’s indisputable that the holidays can increase our stress because schedules get so much busier than usual.

You can easily slip into overload with shopping, entertaining, and attending events added to your already busy days. Surrounding your body in the warmth of hot tub water can be the antidote you need in the form of a full-body relaxation response. According to the research, this act slows your breathing, lowers blood pressure, and kicks off a release of endorphins.

The warm water and jets massage soothe tired and tense muscles, helping stress melt away while giving you a break from life’s stresses. Soaking in your hot tub can help boost your mood, improve your mental health, and help you sleep better at night.

Warmth On A Cold Winter Day

A hot soak is an ideal way to warm up on a cold winter day. There’s no need for heavy boots or multiple layers to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors when you can just sit back and relax in your outdoor hot tub in winter, and enjoy nature in warm comfort.

Your hot tub lets you relish the outdoors in winter without freezing and without the need for layers of winter outerwear. You can immerse in yourself in the warm water while enjoying the view of the snow falling while not having to worry about shivering in the cold.

This warmth and relaxation gives the perfect reason to head outside and get some fresh air in the winter, instead of staying cooped up indoors all winter long. So, if it’s too cold to go for a walk, a soak in your hot tub can give you the outdoor exposure you crave.

So, now you’re sold on using your hot tub in winter, but compared to the rest of the year there are a few additional safety considerations. We previously wrote a blog with tips on using your hot tub in winter, so here are some of our best safety tips for you.

Soak Times and Temperature

When the weather is cold it can be tempting to take an extra-long soak. We recommend that, regardless of the weather, 20 – 30 minutes is the ideal amount of time to soak in your hot tub. So set your timer and enjoy!

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the water in your hot tub shouldn’t go above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. High water temperature can lead you to suffer from heatstroke, or you could become drowsy and fall asleep, posing a risk of drowning.

Due to cold weather, your exposed head and shoulders may confuse your sense of internal temperatures and you may be tempted to raise the temperature too high. So play it safe and keep the temperature of your hot tub around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stay Hydrated

When your body gets warm, staying hydrated helps your body stay regulated. Make sure you have water with you and keep on sipping. And, just like during the summer, be cautious about alcohol intake. It is never a good idea to be intoxicated while in your hot tub.

Wear a Hat 

This may sound counterintuitive but it really can help. A hat can help you keep your hair dry and keep your bodies heat from escaping through the top of your head. A knit hat or baseball cap both work great to help regulate body temperature.

Keep The Area Around Your Hot Tub Clear

Before heading out for a soak, make sure to clear a path to your hot tub if it has snowed. Consider placing some anti-slip mats around your tub to make sure no one slips and falls on their way to or from the tub. To help bathers get in and out of your tub safely, also consider adding a sturdy handrail or some conveniently placed steps.

Little splashes from getting in and out of your hot tub can create ice buildup during cold weather. So even if there’s no ice when you get in, there could be when you get out. Keeping a pair of hot tub shoes, sandals, or slippers with good grip nearby can also help prevent slips and falls.

After The Soak

Before you excitedly hop into the hot tub, take a moment to prepare for after the soak. Have an exit plan for getting safely indoors when you’re soaking from head to toe with freezing cold winds whipping around. Make sure everyone has towels, bathrobes, slip-on shoes, and a hat. Make sure your shoes or slippers have a good tread in case there is ice on the ground.

Bottom Line

Now that you know some of the health benefits of using your hot tub in winter, we encourage you to get out and take advantage of your tub year round! And, if you’re ready to invest in a hot tub of your own, you’re always welcome to visit our showroom to see our in stock spas. We put affordable luxury within reach with 24 months, 0% financing up to 100% of your purchase. As always, we’re here for you if you have any questions about using your hot tub, taking care of it, or need supplies. Reach out to us today for more information!