The Apple Watch – a wondrous blend of technology and style, a companion for both your most productive days and your leisure-filled evenings. Yet, dear reader, one question often arises: Can I wear my Apple Watch in a hot tub?
The short answer is no - it is highly recommended that you don't wear your Apple Watch in a hut tub. The combination of water, high temperatures, and fluctuating pressure found in a hot tub makes it a perilous environment for your Apple Watch. Even the latest models, while resilient in many ways, are not immune to the effects of prolonged exposure to such conditions.
However, allow us to guide you through the nuances of Apple Watch water and temperature resistance, so that you may protect your prized timepiece while still indulging in life’s luxuries.
Apple Watch owners want to know, can I wear my apple watch in the hot tub?
The majority of Apple Watches are water resistant (whilst taking into consideration the age of the device of course) but there is a difference between this and being waterproof, which they are not - this is a very important distinction as all Apple Watches will break at a certain point due to water depth, pressure or temperature.
There are therefore certain activities that should be avoided with Apple Watches which will be detailed later in this article.
Apple Watch Water Resistance
First off, Apple Watches are not waterproof! Each watch has a depth at which it will break and certain activities that it can’t be worn during. Apple Watches are fine for regular exercise as sweat, along with brief contact with water such as washing your hands or getting caught in the rain won’t cause a problem. However, this is where the similarities end and the watches’ levels of water resistance varies.
It’s important to note that water resistance doesn’t last forever and it can lessen over time depending on age and the chemicals your watch has been exposed to (in soaps, chlorine, perfumes etc…) and the amount of care put into looking after the water resistance.
These watches should be able to cope with the depth of water of a hot tub for a limited amount of time however due to the added consideration of the temperature, we don’t advise wearing your Apple Watch in the hot tub.
The combination of water, high temperature and varying pressure make it a risky decision that we don’t think is worth taking for the sake of a few seconds, which could be better placing your watch away from the hot tub or charging it whilst you're enjoying yourself.
Apples recommended operating temperatures: comparing the temperature tolerances of different Apple Watch models. (Image Copyright: Apple Inc)
Apple Watch Temperature Tolerance
Apple Watches are specifically designed to work between the temperatures of 0° and 35°C (32° to 95°F) whilst the Apple Watch Ultra has a wider range of temperature tolerances and it works between -20° to 55°C (-4° to 130°F).
Like most devices, Apple Watches shouldn’t be left in the sun or in hot places (hot cars for example) for long periods of time as it can affect the watch’s performance, charging and display screen usage.
As for hot tubs, the average temperature is between 36-38°C (97-100°F) so is just above the top of the temperature range. It is therefore advised that you take off your Apple Watch when using a hot tub (even with an Apple Watch Ultra we still urge care and don’t advise taking the risk with a watch of that price).
The Science Behind Hot Water and Rubber Gaskets
Your Apple Watch (depending on the series) will have different features that increase the water and temperature resistance but how do they actually do this? Well, there’s plenty of science behind the components of your watch and how they help.
For example, watch gaskets (which your Apple Watch will have multiple of) are there to protect your watch from external substances (liquids and solids like dust alike) by sealing the small gaps between the surfaces and joints of the watch.
Another feature that helps protect your Apple Watch from water damage is the design of the speaker. Water that enters is ejected in order to protect the sound quality of the speaker and limit any damage.
Apple offers tests for water seal and depth to check your Apple Watch because water resistance deteriorates over time. It can be damaged by exposure to different chemicals and even general day to day life leaves scratches and possible cracks that will lead to the watch becoming at risk of water damage.
If your Apple Watch gets too hot it will try to self-regulate its temperature which could result in the screen dimming and apps closing. If this happens a red thermometer will appear on the screen meaning you should take off the watch and place it in a cooler place (out of direct sunlight) for it to cool down.
Water Ejection Feature and Its Importance
If you have the app to go with your Apple Watch (highly recommended especially if using it for sports and exercise) then there is a feature that allows you to track the number of laps, the distance and the number of calories burned in swimming mode. There is also a feature on swimming mode that shows you an exercise summary to allow for progress to be identified through the work out statistics including heart rate.
Helpfully, whilst you’re swimming your Apple Watch has a Water Lock feature which is activated without your interference which stops water droplets from affecting your screen and causing it to respond unnecessarily.
Whilst each Apple Watch has a certain level of water resistance it isn’t advised to submerge the watch in water for too long despite the rating. The temperature rating is much more clear cut and recommendations are to follow the temperature guidelines and remove the watch from the high temperature situation (a sauna maybe) and place it in a cooler area.
A step-by-step guide to turning on the water ejection process on your apple watch
Swimming Pools, the Ocean, and Your Apple Watch
There are some differences in the types of water your Apple Watch can cope with. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra is water resistant up to 100 meters but for diving it can only cope with up to 40 meters. It’s important to note these differences to be aware of your activities and the capability of your watch.
The guidance surrounding the Apple Watches in the sea is different from the advice about what to do when your watch is in normal, clean water due to the saltwater. After swimming in the sea (or a pool due to the chlorine which should apply to your hot tub as well), your watch should be rinsed with water that’s fresh and clean and then dried with a lint-free cloth to ensure no damage is caused to the screen.
An Apple Watch submerged in water, showcasing its water resistance.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Apple Watch
After exposure to chlorinated water or saltwater:
- Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
- Rinse it gently under lightly running, cool, fresh water.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat the watch dry.
- Ensure you activate the water ejection feature afterward.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the lifespan of your Apple Watch, ensuring it remains functional and aesthetically pleasing.
For more information and a step by step guide to cleaning you Apple Watch check out this video by ZDNET
Video showing the cleaning process of an Apple Watch.
Conclusion and Best Practices
In summary, while Apple Watches can handle daily water exposure and even swimming in pools or the sea, the hot tub presents a unique set of challenges. The combination of heat, water, and pressure can quickly overwhelm your watch’s water resistance, leading to costly repairs - or worse, a permanently damaged device.
For the sake of preserving your beloved Apple Watch, we recommend erring on the side of caution and removing it before stepping into a hot tub. And should you own an Apple Watch Ultra? Even then, we suggest limiting its exposure to such environments, particularly given the investment such a device represents.
Should you ever be in doubt, consider scheduling a depth and water seal test to ensure that your watch remains at peak performance, regardless of the adventures you embark upon.
After all, your Apple Watch is not just a watch - it’s a reflection of your style, your activity, and your life. And what is more important than safeguarding such a treasure?
Following these steps allow you to enjoy your apple watch safely around water
Check out our full range of Silicone Sport Apple Watch Straps For Wearing In Water