Hot tubs are a common solution in all kinds of wellness spaces, including sports clubs, city spas and hotels. They are also a frequent component of hydrotherapy, a holistic treatment used to alleviate conditions including stress, anxiety and insomnia, and physical ailments like bone and muscle injuries. For users to obtain the full benefits, maintaining the right hot tub temperature is vitally important.
The hot tub temperature should be between a minimum of 26°C and a maximum of 40°C for the ideal wellness experience. It is not recommended to bathe for more than 15 minutes at a temperature above 36.5°C, as it can cause hyperthermia. Lower temperatures are recommended for most people, including children. Here, we briefly outline the principle designs and solutions to maintain hot tub temperature.
Hot tubs are a wellness solution perfectly suited to a resort or hotel. Whether they be indoor or outdoor, they can be placed as a private water feature for individual rooms in boutique style hotels or as a commercial spa service for all the hotel’s users. Hot tubs or spas accelerate the return on investment as this type of offering is becoming increasingly fashionable.
They can also add the unique value-added service of hydrotherapy. Each jet in a spa is designed to massage specific parts of the body and provide a therapeutic effect.
This quick return on investment is estimated by optimised construction times, among others. On-site work is minimised with this lightweight solution with multiple prefabricated models as an option. Stainless steel and acrylic spas are easy to clean and maintain, as the components can be recycled, are non-contaminating and are manufactured using processes with a low environmental impact. In addition, it’s a stylish ergonomic material that perfectly blends with the environment design.
Whether it’s made from stainless steel, acrylic or glass mosaic tiles, the quality and durability of a hot tub’s construction materials are key elements. Overall, a hot tub shell should be attractive, durable, energy-efficient and able to withstand years of constant use. The various materials have the following features and benefits:
Stainless steel
- Designed to be, partially in-ground or above-ground.
- A completely sustainable material that is 100% reusable and recyclable.
- Excellent durability and resistance.
- Highly hygienic and with outstanding sealing, reducing the use of chemicals.
Acrylic
- A stylish premium finish.
- In-ground, partially in-ground or above-ground.
- Useful for treatments including chromotherapy.
Glass mosaic tiles
- Ideal for curved surfaces.
- Non-slip.
- Easy to clean.
However, the major design element that will affect hot tub temperature is insulation. The hot tub’s interior is insulated with a thick layer of expanding foam. Some manufacturers fill the entire cabinet while others insulate just the underside of the shell and the interior floor. If you live in a cold climate, it’s a good idea to check the hot tub interior for adequate insulation before you buy.
Once the shell materials have been chosen, mechanical solutions can be installed to optimise hot tub temperature. Air treatment plays an essential role in achieving this; Fluidra, for example, offers dehumidification systems with built-in UV disinfection to efficiently disinfect the air. This technology supports optimal humidity levels to create a comfortable environment. They also support health and safety in the facility, eliminating airborne pathogens including coronavirus.
Benefits of UV dehumidification systems
- Adaptable to any space.
- Controlled by smart technology that manages airflow according to filtration results.
- Remove potential pathogens from the air.
- Create an atmosphere with just the right humidity to maintain room temperature.
In regard to the water temperature itself, heat pumps are a high-tech, environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. By using thermal energy from the air, they generate energy savings by adjusting the water temperature for optimum performance. Other features include wireless remote control, alarm history reports and a home automation system.
Benefits of heat pumps
- Significant savings since 80% of the energy used to heat the pool comes from the air.
- Adaptable power levels to maintain the ideal water temperature.
- Optimised cooling circuit and intelligent defrost logic facilitate flawless functionality even in freezing conditions down to -12°C.
- Extremely durable titanium heat exchanger.
- Vertical blower system that makes them suitable for installation on any surface.
- Compact and quiet.
- Plug-and-play solution.
Some customers may also wish to fit a cooling system. These installations facilitate year-round use by adjusting the water temperature to a warmer or cooler setting depending on the weather. Clients or guests can cool the water to enjoy a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon, then raise the temperature in the evening for a relaxing, muscle-relieving soak.
Other technology is also useful to maintain an optimum hot tub temperature. Integration of a user-friendly remote control system in spas is one of the newest innovations in the sector, such as Fluidra Connect. Some models even allow you to operate the hot tub through a smartphone app and control the heat pump, dehumidifier, the lighting, pumps, water jets, temperature and runtime.
Overall, there are various factors that impact the maintenance of an optimal hot tub temperature. These should be taken into account at the design stage to ensure the installation is as energy-efficient, durable, and above all, comfortable for users as possible.