When temperatures climb into the triple digits, most Bakersfield residents know how to beat the heat—AC on blast, ice-cold drinks, and staying out of the sun. But what about your hot tub? While soaking in a warm spa might sound like a winter activity, the truth is, hot tubs can be just as enjoyable in the summer—with the right adjustments.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to safely enjoy your hot tub during a Bakersfield summer, keep it cool, and extend its use year-round.
Is It Safe to Use a Hot Tub in Summer?
Yes, but with precautions. Soaking in a hot tub during a Bakersfield heatwave requires a little extra care. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures—especially when the outside air is hot—can lead to overheating, dehydration, or fatigue.
That’s why it’s important to adjust your spa settings, limit soak time, and stay hydrated. Many spa owners even transform their hot tubs into cool soaking tubs during the hottest months—providing a refreshing way to relax outdoors.
Ideal Summer Temperature Settings for Your Hot Tub
Most people enjoy their hot tub at 100–104°F in the winter. But in the summer? That’s a recipe for overheating. Instead, try lowering the temperature to:
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85–95°F for a warm soak in the evenings
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78–82°F for a cooling soak during the day
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Turn off the heater entirely and treat it like a plunge pool
Pro Tip: Want to save energy? Set your spa to “economy” or “sleep” mode during the day so it doesn’t fight the outdoor heat, then turn it back on a few hours before you plan to use it.
Use Shade to Block the Bakersfield Sun
Bakersfield gets more than 270 sunny days a year—and your spa is likely soaking up a lot of rays. Blocking direct sunlight will not only help you stay cooler, but it will also:
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Reduce water evaporation
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Extend the life of your spa cover
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Keep your spa components from overheating
Try These Shade Solutions:
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Pergolas or gazebos
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Shade sails
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Large patio umbrellas
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Privacy screens or trellises with climbing plants
If you’re designing your backyard around your spa, Hot Tubs Plus offers accessories and guidance to help create a comfortable year-round spa space.
Soak Smarter: Time Your Use Around the Heat
The best time to use your spa in the summer is early morning or after sunset. During these cooler parts of the day, your body is less likely to overheat, and you’ll actually enjoy the experience more.
Avoid using your spa in the mid-afternoon unless you’ve significantly reduced the water temperature or turned off the heater entirely.
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Spa
Hot summer weather can take a toll on your spa. Make sure your maintenance routine is summer-ready:
1. Keep It Clean
Algae loves warm water. Check your sanitizer levels more frequently, and clean your filters every 1–2 weeks.
2. Protect the Cover
Your hot tub cover can absorb UV rays and wear down quickly in Bakersfield sun. Use a UV protectant spray and replace it if it starts absorbing water or cracking.
3. Top Off Water Levels
High heat causes more evaporation. Keep your water at the right level to avoid damaging the pump or heater.
4. Check for Overheating
Some spa systems can overheat in extreme temperatures. Make sure your hot tub has proper ventilation, especially if it’s installed in a deck or enclosure.
Convert Your Spa into a Summer Soak Pool
Want to really embrace summer soaking? Many spa owners turn their hot tubs into cool plunge pools by:
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Turning off the heater entirely
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Removing the cover during the day (just be mindful of debris)
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Adding a few ice packs or frozen water bottles (yes, really!)
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Setting the filtration to run during the cooler night hours
This gives you a refreshing, relaxing soak similar to a pool—but without the chlorine or high maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Spa Year-Round
Living in Bakersfield doesn’t mean you have to shut down your spa for the summer. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy cool dips during the day, warm soaks at night, and keep your spa in top shape all year long.
If you need help getting your hot tub summer-ready—or want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model—visit Hot Tubs Plus. Our team of spa experts is here to help you make the most of every season.
