You’ve just purchased a new hot tub. It’s hot and ready to go.  You’ve invited friends over for a test dip…but before that test dip, here are a few tips to make your experience and theirs a perfect one.

1. Nude or not nude? Be sure to let your guests know what the rules of the “house” are. There is nothing more embarrassing than having your guests strip to the buff when you and your partner have opted for suits. If you’ve opted for nudity, it is really important to tell your guests before the date so they have a chance to decline. As gracious hosts, you want your guests to be comfortable. A mix of suits and nudity doesn’t work for either group.  Either way, do only what’s comfortable for you!
2. Opted for suits? If suits are worn, make sure you tell your guests to rinse theirs thoroughly in plain water.  Most suits carry soap power residue from the washing machine! Even a small amount of soap powder can cause a mountain of bubbly foam when the jets are turned on. It’s hard to get rid of all that foam and its ugly to look at.
3. B. Y. O. T.  It’s a great idea to ask guests bring their own towels and take them home for drying. Eliminating a big stack of laundry to wash & dry is a winning idea.
4. Shower before soaking. Ask all guests to do a quick rinse off before soaking. Washing all of the lotion, deodorant & sweat down the drain instead of leaving it behind in the tub will help keep your new hot tub water clean.
5. Open cuts & sores? Make it a rule to stay out if you have open cuts or sores (and ask guests to do the same) and never discuss your scars! Ditto about asking others about their birthmarks, warts or scars.
6. Love in the tub? If you’re with your lover, hold the passions until you reach dry land. Intimacy is best done in private.
7. No foamy stuff, please! Ask guests to refrain from adding bubble bath, bath oil or any foreign substances to the hot tub.
8. Photo op? Not a great idea. Don’t take pictures without getting everyone’s permission first. Better yet, don’t take pictures. There’s nothing drearier than showing the office gang the photos of your Saturday night hot tub party.
9. What to eat? Light finger foods especially fruit are the best choices when soaking and make good party fare for guests. Potato chips are the worst thing to eat in a hot tub.  Potato chips or other snack foods (crackers, goldfish) if spilled into the hot tub accidentally make a gummy mess that’s hard to clean up.
10. Save alcohol for after soaking. Alcohol in the tub can be deadly. Hot water is a stimulant and alcohol a depressant on your system. Alcohol’s effects are felt very swiftly in a hot tub at 104°. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages for guests-iced tea is a great choice.
11. Share the jets! Many hot tubs today have different types of jets at each seat. By changing seats, you’ll get to sample the effects of each jet.  Let everyone have a turn in front of all jets for the best experience.
12. Pets in hot tubs? Cute, but NO! Pets in hot tubs are not recommended both for the pet and the water quality!
13. Children? Kids love hot tubs, but NEVER leave children alone in a hot tub-even for a minute!

Sit back and relax. Enjoying your new hot tub.  Having friends over to share the hot tubbing experience is one of life’s biggest pleasures. Follow our tips for a successful, healthy time for all. We’re always open to suggestions from readers. Any other hot tub etiquette tips we should add to this list?

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.