Much like with public swimming pools and spas, showering before entering your own or a friend’s hot tub is a must.
It may sound like a pointless exercise given you’re about to immerse yourself in a tub of hot water, but a hot tub session is not a substitute for bathing or showering. Even if you feel clean, using the hot tub without showering beforehand can damage the spa and ruin the fun for everyone.
Here’s what you need to know about showering before using a hot tub:
Should I shower before getting in a hot tub?
Yes. Showering with clean, warm water is essential before entering a hot tub.
Anyone using your hot tub should make sure they have washed off any sweat, dirt and personal hygiene products in order to avoid damaging the tub and contaminating the water. The cleaner you are when getting into your hot tub, the cleaner it will stay for longer.
Avoid applying the following products to your hair, skin or bathing costume before entering your hot tub:
- Moisturisers
- Sun lotions
- Perfumes and aftershaves
- Fake tan
- Detergents
- Deodorants
- Soap / shampoo
- Makeup
When showering before entering your hot tub, avoid using soaps and other detergents as these can also contaminate the water.
What happens if you don't shower before using a hot tub?
If you don’t wash before using a hot tub, the water will quickly turn cloudy and dirty. Any substances left on your body will settle in the water. This not only looks unappealing, it also affects the chemical balance of the tub.
Various personal hygiene products and lotions, especially fake tan, can easily stain the shell and other parts of the hot tub, too.
Using your spa without doing your best to follow these guidelines can result in needing more hot tub chemicals to protect the water, which can be costly. It may also result in needing to completely drain and re-fill your hot tub more often.
The filter will need to work harder in order to break down these harmful chemicals and substances, too, so your hot tub may require more maintenance work in the future, which again can add unnecessary expense.
Should I shower after using the hot tub?
Yes. Your hot tub water contains chemicals like chlorine or bromine; these are needed to kill harmful bacteria and keep your hot tub clean and safe, but they can cause skin irritation if not washed off. Showering after each hot tub session is particularly important if you have sensitive skin.
When washing after using a hot tub, it is recommended that you use warm, clean water, and avoid very hot temperatures to prevent dryness and irritation.
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For more guidance and advice on maintaining your hot tub, visit our Hot Tub Maintenance page or our hot tub maintenance guide. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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