Flex 2 in saunas/steam rooms/ hot tubs

[CNLA]

Hi all, I just bought my first Fitbit- Flex2. Is it safe to use this in the sauna/steam room or hot tub?

[Julia_G]

According to Fitbit's published specs for Flex 2 it can operate -10 to 45 C (14 to 113 F).  Most hot tubs, steam rooms are below that in temperature (but do check) so it should be safe.  

My experience is saunas can get hotter than Fitbits can withstand and I take mine off before using the sauna.

I hope this helps.  Welcome to the Community!

[WavyDavey · Accepted solution]

Even though it appears OK based on the specs, I'm going to respectfully disagree with @Julia_G. If you look at the main Flex 2 page https://www.fitbit.com/in/flex2 it states:

Swim-Proof

Fitbit Flex 2 is the first swim-proof device from Fitbit, meaning it is water resistant to 100 meters. After swimming or getting the band wet, we recommend drying off the band because, as with any wearable device, it's best for your skin if the band is clean and dry. We do not recommend wearing Flex 2 in a hot tub or sauna. See www.fitbit.com/productcare for more details.

The device might handle it, but I'd hate for anyone to have problems and then have trouble getting warranty work based on the above statement. It may come down to if "we do not recommend" means "this may void your warranty".

[Julia_G]

@WavyDavey, thanks for linking to that information.  I think you have the definitive answer, although I would be extremely surprised if Fitbit did not honour the warranty if you used your device within operating parameters..

I have gone ahead and marked this as the solution, in case anyone else is looking for the answer.

[fourteen2]

What about using this device in a Hydrotherapy pool? It is heated to 35 degrees

[Bunnybear_05]

Ive worn mine in my hot tub. No issue.  It’s not like I sit with my wrist soaking in the hot tub water for hours. Most people relaxing in a hot tub tend to not soak their hands in the water for a extended period of time anyways. 

[fourteen2]

Thank you for your reply. 

I actually do exercises in the hydrotherapy pool, so my arm is in the water for some of the time.

[Bunnybear_05]

Some, yes. But for 30 mins at a time ? 

[fourteen2]

I would say at least 30-35 mins. 

[Bunnybear_05]

Hmmmm. I was thinking, we wear ours outside on 95 degree days. I don’t remember ever having any issue with the outside heat. 

Your not going beyond the water proof depth limit either. 

The flex 2 doesn’t have a actual screen like the Alta-Ionic....so no concern of condensation building up. 

Personally, I’d try it out and see what happens. 

[NellyG]

Fitbit says (on the specs page for Flex 2 in the store)

We do not recommend wearing Flex 2 in a hot tub or sauna. 

So Id be wary of doing that, but a hydrotherapy pool should be fine..

[fourteen2]

Thank you Bunnybear_05 for your answer.

However, I would not go ahead and try it in the hydro-pool and “see what happens”.  

I would like an answer from a personal from fitbit, as none of the instructions indicate whether or not it can be used in a hydrotherapy pool.

[fourteen2]

Thank you NellyG for your reply.

I understand that fitbit recommend not wearing the Flex 2 in a hot tub or sauna.  What I’m wanting information on, is it safe to use in a hydrotherapy pool that is heated at 35 deg?  The hydro pool is different from a sauna and hot tub, and I certainly would not take an outside temperature as a guide.

I really would like someone from fitbit to answer my question, as their instructions are too vague, and I don’t have the finances to be purchasing another, for doing the wrong thing with it.

Thank you for providing Fitbit Help!  I will try it. 

[NellyG]

I wear mine in a heated pool (26 degrees) so I doubt there would be a problem. But if you want an answer from Fitbit then you probably need to contact Support (link in my signature )

[fourteen2]

I contacted them and downloaded the manual.

Operating temp: 10-45°C or 14-113°F

Water resistant: Swim proof up to 50m.

[HeydyF]

Hey folks! I hope you are doin' great! 

In regards of your question, well, I would love being able to use my Flex 2 in a sauna or a hot tub, however, this will depend on the temperature because as you can see on the Flex 2 manual, the operating temperature is 14° to 113° F (-10° to 45° C) but generally speaking, I wouldn't recommend you guys to use it on those environments. 

The Flex 2 is swim proof up to 50 meters, which makes it perfectly to track your swims. 😉 

If you have further questions guys, let me know! 

[WavyDavey]

At my gym, the steam room is over 120F and the sauna is over 170F. 

[Impudent1]

I would say "DON'T DO IT." I just killed my Flex 2 last night in a hot tub and / or saunas.

I spent a couple hours at a spa that had a hot tub, dry sauna, steam sauna, and cold plunge. I spent up to 25 minutes at a time in each of the "hot" places, and and jumped in the cold plunge pool between each. My wrist may have been submerged for a good chunk of those times.

Granted, my evening may have been a worst case scenario for a fitness tracker (cycling between temperature extremes submerged), but I still would not recommend it.

Now, my phone doesn't see my Flex 2, and nothing happens when I double tap it. I have it in a bag of rice to see if  maybe can resuscitate it. A tiny bit of water emerges from it if I squeeze it.

History: My Flex 2 is (err was. May it RIP) approaching 1.5 years old. Didn't wear it in the shower. Used to wear it in the pool when I was on a swimming kick.

[HeydyF]

Hey @Impudent1, let me give you a warm welcome to the Community! Oh! Sounds pretty sad that your Flex 2 got damage after you used it in a sauna. Let me ask you this, by any chance, did you try to restart it? At least, does the light turn on when you plug it into the charging cable? Please try to restart and if it not works at all, let me know. 

I'll be around! 

[Impudent1]

Hi @HeydyF. Thanks for the warm welcome.

I have not tried that yet. I figured I'd give it four days or so in a bag of rice to dry out before I try charging it. Thanks for the suggestion on restarting it. Will try that too.