Hot tubs are often seen as the ultimate garden indulgence - a symbol of comfort, maybe even a little luxury. But there’s a bigger question bubbling beneath the surface: are hot tubs good for us?
Spoiler alert: yes. But not just in the “this feels amazing after a long day” way. Hot tubs genuinely offer some serious physical and mental health benefits. And once we understand what’s really going on behind that gentle steam and those soothing jets, it’s hard to unsee the potential.
Are hot tubs good for you?
Let’s unpack the evidence together - here are 11 health benefits of hot tubs that make them a solid addition to anyone’s wellness toolkit.
1. They Help Soothe Aches and Pains
Ever finished a day on your feet and felt like your back’s filing a complaint? We’ve all been there. The heat and buoyancy in a hot tub ease pressure on our joints and muscles, giving real relief to things like backache, arthritis and even nerve-related discomfort.
Hydrotherapy jets can stimulate blood flow, which encourages healing. It’s why so many physios and pain specialists recommend regular soaking - it’s gentle, non-invasive, and surprisingly effective.
2. They Improve Sleep Quality (Without Knocking Us Out)
Many of us struggle to wind down at night. But sitting in a hot tub before bed can do something clever to our internal clock. When we’re warm and relaxed, our core body temperature rises. Then, as we cool off after the soak, our brain gets the message - time to sleep.
It’s a natural trigger that encourages deeper, more restful slumber, without reaching for melatonin gummies or white noise apps.
3. They Lower Stress and Calm the Mind
When life gets loud, the hot tub becomes a pocket of quiet.
The gentle hum of jets, the warm water on our skin, the absence of screens and responsibilities - it all adds up to a drop in cortisol (our stress hormone) and a rise in endorphins (our feel-good friends). It’s not just physical relaxation; it’s psychological release.
And let’s be honest… sometimes we need a place that allows us to breathe. The hot tub gives us that pause.
4. They Support Our Heart Health (Yes, Really)
We don’t need to be marathon runners to give our cardiovascular system a bit of love. Soaking in warm water causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves circulation and helps lower blood pressure.
Our heart rate increases slightly during the soak - a light, passive workout for the cardiovascular system. Several studies have even linked regular hot tub use with improved vascular health in people with hypertension. It’s subtle, but powerful.
One study in Japan, tracking over 30,000 middle-aged individuals, indicated that daily hot-tub bathing was linked to a 28% reduction in overall cardiovascular disease risk, a 26% decrease in stroke risk and a 46% lower incidence of intracerebral haemorrhage.
5. They Speed Up Muscle Recovery After Exercise
We might not all be athletes, but we’ve all had that post-leg-day waddle. Hot tubs increase blood flow to our muscles, which helps clear out lactic acid and reduce inflammation.
Whether it’s after a gym session, a run, or just an overly enthusiastic attempt at DIY, a soak can loosen tightness and support faster recovery. It’s like a sports massage… without the awkward small talk.
6. They’re Great for Joint Health and Flexibility
As we get older, joints don’t bend and stretch quite like they used to. The good news? Being in water reduces our effective body weight by up to 90%, so we can move more freely with less strain.
Hot tubs create an environment where our joints get a break. Over time, this kind of gentle movement in water can increase flexibility and make everyday tasks feel easier - whether that’s kneeling down in the garden or reaching the top shelf without a wince.
7. They Can Help Manage Chronic Conditions
From fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue to migraines and MS, hot tubs can offer symptom relief for those dealing with long-term health issues.
While they’re not a cure (and shouldn’t replace medical care), regular use has been shown to reduce pain levels and improve quality of life. The warmth relaxes muscles, the buoyancy eases strain, and the mental space it creates is just as valuable.
8. They Give Our Skin a Natural Boost
This one might surprise us. Hot tub usage can be really good for your skin. Hot water improves circulation - and better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin. Warm water and healthy skin can go hand in hand.
Soaking in a hot tub opens your pores, which means your skin can better release oil and dirt. Think of it as giving your skin a chance to breathe and cleanse. The result? A healthy glow, improved tone, and that fresh-faced feeling.
Of course, we still need to moisturise after soaking (hot water can be drying), but as part of a regular routine, the benefits are real.
9. They Encourage Mindfulness and Mental Clarity
There’s something about water that brings stillness. We stop checking our phones. We breathe slower. Our minds quiet down.
A soak in the hot tub creates the perfect setting for a bit of mindfulness, without feeling like we’re forcing it. Even just staring at the steam rising or listening to the gentle bubbling can create space in our head we didn’t realise we needed.
10. They’re Surprisingly Good for Immune Function
When we’re less stressed and better rested, our immune system gets a boost. Add improved circulation into the mix, and our body is more efficient at moving white blood cells and flushing out toxins.
It’s not a magic shield against every bug going around, but the immune support is real - especially when paired with other healthy habits.
11. They Bring Us Closer to the People We Care About
Hot tubs don’t just work on us as individuals - they bring people together. Whether it’s a quiet chat with a partner, a laugh with friends, or some quality time with the family, the hot tub creates moments of connection we might not get elsewhere.
And in a world that’s constantly trying to pull us in a hundred directions, that shared stillness can be gold dust.
So… Are Hot Tubs Good for Us? Without a Doubt.
After everything we’ve seen, there’s no question about it - hot tubs are good for us, both physically and mentally.
They support joint health, help us sleep better, reduce stress, aid recovery, and give us space to breathe. They’re not a gimmick or just a garden showpiece. They’re a genuine wellness tool, hiding in plain sight.
So if we’ve been wondering whether it’s worth adding one to the garden or upgrading our old model… well, we already know the answer. Sometimes, doing nothing - just sitting, soaking, letting go - is exactly what we need to feel better.
No fuss. No prescription. Just warm water, a bit of quiet, and time to look after ourselves. And when people wonder if hot tubs are bad for you - we know the answer.
