Hot tubs are a popular way for people to relax and unwind. Most hot tubs come equipped with a timer that is preset to 20 minutes. This leads many hot tub owners to wonder – why 20 minutes specifically? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the 20 minute hot tub timer setting.
The Origins of the 20 Minute Timer
The 20 minute timer setting originated in the early days of hot tub manufacturing. Back then, hot tubs were not as sophisticated as they are today. There were concerns about health risks associated with prolonged exposure to hot water.
Doctors at the time recommended limiting hot tub time to 20 minutes to avoid dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms. Manufacturers wanted to help people use hot tubs safely, so they started including 20 minute timers as a standard feature.
The 20 minute guideline was an arbitrary time limit chosen by early hot tub manufacturers. There was no scientific data behind that specific number. It simply seemed like a reasonable cutoff point to maintain safety.
Over time, as hot tub technology improved, longer soak times became safer. But the 20 minute timer remained the industry standard. Consumers were accustomed to the 20 minute timer, so manufacturers saw no reason to increase it.
The Benefits of 20 Minute Soaks
Although longer hot tub sessions are now considered safe, there are still benefits to limiting time in the hot tub.
Here are some of the benefits of 20 minute hot tub sessions:
- Avoids overheating – 20 minutes allows your body to gradually adapt to the hot water without becoming uncomfortably overheated.
- Increases circulation – Shorter soaks stimulate blood circulation as your body heats up and cools down.
- Improves sleep – 20 minute soaks can boost relaxation and prepare you for sleep. Longer times can be overstimulating.
- Prevents dehydration – Prolonged exposure to hot tubs can lead to dehydration. A 20 minute dip hydrates while limiting fluid loss.
- Enhances focus – Brief mindful soaking encourages present moment focus. Longer times can lead to zoning out.
While 20 minutes is not a mandatory limit anymore, it still provides an ideal soak time for many hot tubbers looking to unwind and destress without overdoing it.
Modern Hot Tub Safety Features
One reason the 20 minute guideline remains in place despite being unnecessary for safety is that modern hot tubs now have other safety features to prevent problems from lengthy soaking.
Some of these modern safety features include:
- Precise temperature controls – Advanced systems allow users to maintain a safe 104-106°F temperature.
- Adjustable jets – Jets can be turned on or off to control hydromassage intensity.
- Thermal covers – Insulated covers retain heat while allowing excess moisture to escape.
- Built-in water care – Sanitizing systems like ozone generators help keep water clean.
- Circulation pumps – Pumps continually filter water even when the hot tub isn’t in use.
With these improved safety mechanisms, most people can comfortably sit in a hot tub longer than 20 minutes provided they stay well-hydrated and monitor their body’s reaction.
Programming Challenges of Changing the Timer
Since most people are now accustomed to the 20 minute timer, manufacturers have faced resistance to increasing the default setting. Some people fear longer intervals could lead to recklessness. Also, changing such an established industry standard comes with programming challenges.
Here are some reasons increasing the timer would be difficult:
- Cost of reprogramming computer boards – Changing the factory setting to 30 or 60 minutes requires reprograaming computer boards that control the timer.
- Perception that longer is unsafe – Customers may wrongly assume the max time is deemed “safe” and overdo it.
- No consensus on ideal time – Doctors disagree on the ideal soak duration making it hard to choose a new standard.
- Quality control issues – Inconsistent settings could frustrate owners and lead to tech support calls.
Rather than deal with these issues, most hot tub manufacturers have stuck with 20 minutes as the default. But many allow the timer to be overridden or provide instructions on changing the setting to allow for longer soaks if desired.
Changing the Timer Setting
Many modern hot tubs with digital controls allow you to program a longer session than the default 20 minutes. The steps vary by manufacturer but generally involve:
- Activating the control panel
- Locating the timer setting mode
- Using the buttons to set a new timer duration
- Confirming the change
So while 20 minutes remains the standard, you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Just be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. And remember to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol beforehand, and listen to your body’s signals when soaking beyond 20 minutes.
The Future of Hot Tub Timers
Will hot tubs eventually move beyond the 20 minute preset as technology continues improving safety? It’s possible, but unlikely to happen anytime soon for the reasons we’ve discussed.
Here are some potential changes we could see down the road:
- More adjustable timers – Timers that can be easily set from 5 minutes up to several hours.
- Personalized tub settings – Users input info like weight, age, health status to customize timers.
- Dynamic timers – Tubs with sensors to detect body temperature and adjust session time accordingly.
- Warning alarms – Timers that activate gentle alarms when a soak has reached the 20 minute point.
While these kinds of changes may enhance the hot tub experience, the simple 20 minute timer still satisfies most users. The ease of pushing one button for a safe, therapeutic soak remains appealing.
Conclusion
The 20 minute hot tub timer originated decades ago as a safety guideline based on limited medical knowledge. But even as hot tub technology has advanced, 20 minutes remains the standard setting.
Though not medically necessary, a 20 minute soak still provides benefits like stimulating circulation, preventing dehydration, and enhancing focus. And overriding the default for longer sessions is simple for most hot tub owners. Given the obstacles of cost and customer perception, 20 minutes will likely remain the norm for hot tub timers into the foreseeable future.