There is a common misconception that hot tubs are strictly a cold weather thing. Something you fire up in November and cover up by May. If that has been your approach, you have been leaving a lot of enjoyment on the table.
A hot tub in the summer is one of the most underrated backyard experiences there is. Here is why, and more importantly, how to make the most of yours all season long.
Why Summer Hot Tub Use Makes Perfect Sense
Think about what you are actually using a hot tub for. The jets, the hydrotherapy, the quiet time to decompress at the end of the day. None of that goes away in the summer. In fact some of it gets better.
After a long day in the heat, a soak in a well-maintained hot tub at a comfortable temperature feels completely different than it does in January. Evening soaks in the summer are something else entirely. The air is warm, the stars are out, and there is nowhere you need to be. It is the kind of relaxation that is hard to replicate any other way.
For households that have both a pool and a hot tub, summer is the perfect time to use both in the same evening. Cool off in the pool, then wind down in the spa. It is the backyard resort experience at its best.
Setting the Right Temperature for Summer
This is where most people get tripped up. In winter, most hot tub owners keep their water around 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, that can feel overwhelming rather than relaxing.
The sweet spot for summer hot tub use is typically somewhere between 95 and 100 degrees. Some people prefer it even lower on extremely hot days. The goal is for the water to feel warm and therapeutic without feeling like you are climbing into an oven.
Lowering the temperature also has a practical benefit: your hot tub does not have to work as hard to maintain the set temperature when the ambient air temperature is high, which means lower energy costs during the summer months.
Keeping Your Water Balanced in Hot Weather
Summer heat creates some unique challenges for hot tub water chemistry. Warmer water, combined with more frequent use and exposure to sunscreen, body oils, and sweat, means your water can get out of balance faster than it does in cooler months.
Here are the key things to stay on top of:
Test more frequently. During peak summer use, test your water at least two to three times per week rather than the once a week schedule that might be fine in winter.
Watch your sanitizer levels closely. Heat accelerates the breakdown of chlorine and bromine, so you may need to add sanitizer more often than usual to keep levels where they should be.
Shock regularly. A weekly shock treatment helps break down the organic contaminants that build up with heavy use.
Keep the cover on when not in use. This is especially important in summer. Direct sunlight degrades your sanitizer faster and heats the water beyond your target temperature.
Stay on top of pH. Slightly out of balance pH can cause skin and eye irritation, and it makes your sanitizer less effective. Aim to keep pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
Making the Most of Your Summer Evenings
The best thing you can do with a hot tub in the summer is simply use it more. Set a comfortable temperature, keep the water balanced, and make it part of your evening routine. Even 20 minutes in the jets after a long day makes a difference.
If you have guests over, the hot tub becomes a natural gathering spot once the sun goes down. Good lighting, a cold drink, and warm water make for a pretty unbeatable combination.
Caldera Spas at Arthur Edwards
If you have been thinking about adding a hot tub to your backyard, summer is actually a great time to do it. You will get immediate use out of it and have it fully dialed in before the colder months arrive.
We carry Caldera Spas at our showroom at 929 Route 25A in Miller Place. Caldera is one of the most trusted names in the industry, known for exceptional hydrotherapy, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. Our team will walk you through every model and help you find the right fit for your space and your lifestyle.
Visit
aepools.com
or call us at 631-744-7189 to learn more or stop by and see them in person.
Arthur Edwards Pool and Spa Centre has been serving Long Island families since 1974.
