Can children go in a hot tub?
Intro, what parents actually want to know
You’re looking at the hot tub and thinking about your favourite people, your children. Can they enjoy it too, and can you relax while they do? You want straight answers, not waffle. Here’s the simple truth. Children under five should not use a hot tub. From five and up, kids can enjoy a soak with rules, cooler water, and an adult right there.
That balance gives you family moments you’ll remember, and it keeps them safe.
If you’re weighing babies specifically, read our guide, Can babies go in hot tubs?, for the clear no and the reasons behind it.
Under fives, a clear and caring no
We love seeing families enjoy their garden spaces, but under fives are a firm no. Their skin is sensitive, their bodies heat up quickly, and balance is still developing. Even a short dip carries risks. Keep little ones out, keep the cover on and locked when the tub isn’t in use, and treat the spa like a kitchen hob, out of bounds without you.
Ages 5 to 12, yes with firm rules and you nearby
Older children can join in, and it can be brilliant when the tone is calm and the rules are clear. No child under 12 should be left alone with the hot tub, covered or uncovered. Controls stay locked. The cover clips on as soon as you finish. During the soak, you are within arm’s reach. That’s the standard. It sounds strict, it’s how you turn worry into confidence.
Temperature, time, and posture, the trio that keeps kids safe
Warm water is lovely, roasting water is not. Set the tub to 36 to 37°C for children rather than adult temperatures. Short sessions work best, aim for 10 to 15 minutes, then a cool-down out of the water. Jets can stay on low. Ask kids to sit tall with shoulders out to shed heat. No dunking, no breath-holding games, and remind them not to swallow the water. A hot tub is for soaking, not for swimming.
Water quality, hygiene, and when to skip a soak
Clean water is non-negotiable, especially for young skin. Before kids get in, check sanitiser and pH are in range and that filters are clean. If the water looks cloudy or has a strong odour, pause and fix it. If a child has diarrhoea, fever, a rash, ear infection, or open cuts, today’s not the day. Keep chemical products stored high and locked away, and test water routinely so the grown-ups’ next soak is good to go.
Slips, steps, and the no-standing rule
Let’s talk surfaces. Wet acrylic is slippery, and seats are contoured for sitting. They’re comfy, not climbing frames. Set the rule, sit, don’t stand. No walking the edges and no jumping in. Fit non-slip steps with a handrail for getting in and out, and put a towel or mat on wet decking. The goal is simple, calm in, calm out.
Drains, hair, and sit-smart reminders
Teach kids to give drains and suction points space. Never sit on or block a drain. Tie long hair back so it can’t get near outlets. If you use a booster seat for smaller children within the allowed age range, make sure it’s secure and helps keep the upper torso out of the water. Good posture helps too, sit tall and relaxed, not tucked under a powerful jet.
Hydration, cool-downs, and after-care
Warm environments dehydrate. Keep water bottles within reach and encourage sips before, during, and after. Plan natural breaks, ten to fifteen minutes in the tub, ten minutes out in a robe. If it’s chilly outside, move indoors for the cool-down rather than lingering on a cold patio.
A quick rinse after the soak is a good habit for skin comfort.
Simple “house rules” you can print
- Max water temperature for kids, 36 to 37°C.
- Ten to fifteen minutes per session, then a break.
- An adult within arm’s reach at all times.
- No heads under, no breath-holding, no swallowing water.
- Sit, don’t stand, contoured seats can be slippery.
- Keep clear of drains and fittings, hair tied back.
- Use steps and a handrail, no running on wet decking.
- Skip the soak if unwell or the water isn’t crystal clear.
- Test sanitiser and pH before kids get in, keep filters clean.
- Cover on, straps locked, controls locked when finished.
Short FAQ
What age can kids start using a hot tub?
From 5 years old with an adult right there and the rules above in place. Under fives are a no.
How long can kids stay in?
Ten to fifteen minutes, then a cool-down outside the tub. Short and sweet beats long and risky.
What temperature is safe for children?
Aim for 36 to 37°C. Lower is fine if they’re small or the weather is warm.
Do kids need to keep their heads above water?
Yes. No dunking, no breath-holding, and never swallow the water.
Where can I read about babies and hot tubs?
See our guide, Can babies go in hot tubs?, for the full picture and why the answer is no.
Can children go in a hot tub? The final word
You want happy memories, not close calls. So here’s our stance, clear and calm. Children under five should not use a hot tub, even for a quick dip. From age five, children can enjoy the spa with you supervising, cooler water, and short sessions.
Keep the temperature at 36 to 37°C, keep time to 10 to 15 minutes, and keep posture sensible, bottoms on the seats and shoulders out. Make water quality a promise you keep every time, test before they get in and say no if the water looks off or anyone is unwell.
Stop breath-holding games and head dunking. Remind them not to swallow the water. Reduce slips with non-slip steps, a handrail, and a strict no-standing rule on those comfy contoured seats that can be slippery when wet.
Teach drain awareness and tie hair back. Offer drinks, plan cool-downs, rinse off, then lock the cover and controls when you finish. Follow this plan and your hot tub becomes what you hoped for, a safe place to chat, laugh, and unwind together.
If you’re choosing your first spa, or upgrading for family life, we can help you pick a model with a lockable cover, simple child-safe controls, and easy water care.
And if you have little ones under five, keep them out for now, then bring them into the fun when they’re older and ready.
