Hot tubs can be used year-round and are fun for the whole family. But sometimes, it can seem like your hot tub is taking forever to warm up. So how fast should you expect it to heat?
Hot tubs heat at a rate of 3°F-6°F per hour, but large hot tubs, one without insulation, or those exposed to the elements, may take longer. If you want your hot tub to heat faster, leave the cover on or purchase other accessories to boost your hot tub’s heating capabilities.
Ready to learn more about how you can get your hot tub to heat up faster? Let’s look at some tips and tricks as well as information to troubleshoot why your hot tub won’t heat up.
How Long Does it Take to Heat up a Hot Tub?
How long it takes your hot tub to heat up widely depends on the type and size of the hot tub you have, as well as how well it is insulated. On a smaller scale, the ambient temperature also plays a part in how fast your hot tub will heat up.
Generally, hot tubs will heat at a rate between 3ªF and 6°F per hour. However, this rate is affected by the following factors.
Base Temperature
Obviously, if you start with a partially warm hot tub, it will rise to a comfortable temperature much quicker than one that is cold. This is why some people fill their hot tubs with warm water to help the process go faster.
Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature determines the base temperature of your hot tub if you aren’t adding water. Additionally, if it is very cold surrounding your hot tub, it will take longer to heat as the heater will need to work harder to bring the water to the same temperature.
In the same way, if it is warm outside and the sun is on your hot tub, it won’t take nearly as long to heat up.
Hot Tub Size
More water means your hot tub will take longer to heat up; it’s as simple as that. Ensuring you have a hot tub heater rated for the size of your hot tub will also help speed up the heating process.
Tub Insulation
Different hot tubs have varying levels of insulation. While a hot tub with more insulation might be more expensive, it will heat up much quicker than one without any, especially when used in cold ambient temperatures.
Why is Your Hot Tub Taking So Long to Heat Up?
While many factors affect how long it takes your hot tub to heat up, if you notice that your hot tub is taking too long to heat, it could be for one of the following reasons.
Malfunction
Something may be wrong with the heating element for your hot tub. The electrical equipment associated with a hot tub usually lasts about 5-10 years. Towards the end of this range, sometimes the heater will begin to heat slower than it did before.
Sometimes sensors can also go bad. So if your hot tub isn’t heating and you don’t have any of the other problems on this list, you may want to call a specialist to take a look.
It’s Too Cold Outside
Although hot tubs are meant to be used year-round, there are some days when it is just too cold to heat your hot tub. This is typically a problem only smaller or not-insulated hot tubs experience.
Hot tubs with too little insulation or a small heating element simply can’t get warm in frigid temperatures because as soon as it heats up a fraction of a degree, the ambient air causes it to cool again.
The Filter is Dirty
A dirty filter can actually keep your hot tub heater from turning on. So if you feel you’ve waited an appropriate amount of time, but the hot tub is still cold, you probably want to check the status of your filter.
How Can You Make Your Hot Tub Heat up Faster?
If your hot tub is heating slowly, but there are no mechanical or ambient issues, there are some things you can do to get your hot tub to heat up faster.
Leave the Cover On
Leaving the cover on while your hot tub heats is part of the insulation. It helps keep the warm air trapped and directs it back into the water. If your hot tub cover has holes, you may want to start looking for a replacement.
Use a Spa Blanket
A spa blanket (on Amazon) is like a helper for your hot tub cover. You put a spa blanket over the surface of the water to help keep the warmth in to help the water to heat up faster.
Hot Tub Placement
Where you put your hot tub is important to how fast it heats. When exposed to all elements, like the wind, it will take longer to reach a proper temperature.
Consider putting your hot tub under a canopy, awning, or under the roof of your porch. This will help it heat faster than if it is out in the open.
Start with Warm Water
As mentioned previously, one of the ways to get your hot tub to heat faster is to start with warm water. Just ensure that you use warm water from your tap (not hot water) and cover it after filling the hot tub, so it doesn’t cool back down.
Use a Portable Immersion Heater
For those who are exceptionally impatient, portable immersion heaters (on Amazon) can be inserted into the hot tub to help it heat more quickly.
They aren’t as cheap as some of the other solutions on this list, but they can be a great investment for those who live in cold climates and other areas where a hot tub will be difficult to heat regularly.
Simply insert the portable heater into your hot tub and wait while it works its magic!
Does a Hot Tub Warm Up Faster with the Jets On?
Despite common belief, running the jets the entire time your hot tub heats will not help it to heat faster. This is because the motion in the water causes the water to cool.
Instead, you should start heating your hot tub with the jets off. Once the hot tub is about 75% of the way to the temperature you want it to be at, that’s when you turn the jets on. This will help the hot tub to heat evenly and quicker from this point forward.
What is the Best Hot Tub Temperature?
The best hot tub temperature will depend on your personal preferences. Hot tubs can be heated up to 104°F.
Most people claim that 102°F is the most comfortable hot tub temperature, but temperatures between 100°F and 104°F are also popular. If you have children, however, you will want to stop your hot tub at 95°F as this is the safest temperature for them.
Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit. Try the lowest hot tub temperature you think you would like, and turn it up a little if it is too cold.
Final Thoughts on How Fast Do Hot Tubs Heat Up
Overall, the speed at which your hot tub will heat up will depend on its size, insulation, and equipment. But if you want it to heat up faster, there are several things you can do, like keeping the cover on or buying an immersion heater, which can speed up the process.
If you ever find your hot tub won’t heat at all, something could be wrong, so don’t be afraid to call a professional for help.
