10 ideas for the perfect hot tub party

10 tips and ideas to make sure your hot tub party is a success!

With Halloween, Bonfire night and – dare we say it – Christmas just around the corner you might have thought about hosting a cosy get together or even a party over the next few months but have you considered a hot tub party?

Hosting a hot tub party is the perfect way to show off your gorgeous spa and is bound to make the event memorable without having to be expensive or complicated! What better place to sit and watch the fireworks on Bonfire night or try and spot Santa’s sleigh shooting across the clear winter sky?

In order to help you plan the perfect hot tub event for you and your loved ones we have rounded up some great hot tub party ideas and useful tips to make sure your party is the event of the season.

1. Pick a fun theme to set the scene

Picking a theme or planning your event around a season or celebration is a great way to anchor your event and find inspiration for decorations, refreshments and even music or lighting schemes.

So why not host your next hot tub party with a spooky Halloween theme complete with pumpkin lanterns, ghostly fairy lights and Bloody Mary shots? If Halloween is not your thing consider inviting your friends to enjoy the firework display on Bonfire night from the luxury of your hot tub whilst sipping hot spiced cider. We do however not recommend bobbing apples in your actual hot tub due to the chemicals in the hot tub water!

2. Stage your hot tub

For a hot tub party it goes without saying that your hot tub is the main attraction so think of ways to draw attention to your hot tub and create a focal point. Lush and leafy plants in moveable pots are a great way for adding drama to the space surrounding the hot tub and also help create a sense of seclusion.  Privacy screens can be a great way to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere and can double up as a handy spot to hang your bathrobes and towels. Themed decorations such as pumpkins and lanterns or candles and mistletoe add to the fun and really set the mood for your event.

3. Add music and lights

Some hot tubs come with built in music systems and LED lights that can be set to one particular colour (think green for Halloween to make the hot tub look like a steaming witch’s cauldron!) or set to move through various colour settings. If your hot tub does not have any inbuilt lights then why not add a floating light system?

And don’t forget to light up the area around the hot tub so guests can safely enter and exit the spa and find their way around your outdoor space! Lanterns, torches or even fairy lights are an effective way to achieve safe lighting levels whilst at the same time adding a real wow factor.

4. Serve drinks

Choose drinks according to the theme of you party but don’t forget to offer plenty of non alcoholic drinks options as well! It is very easy to get dehydrated in a hot tub, especially if you are drinking alcohol at the same time, so make sure you keep your guests’ water glasses topped up as well!

Also consider how you want to serve the drinks and where your guests can put them down. Hot tubs make for slippery and uneven side tables and having to climb out of the tub every time you want to put down your drink is not ideal so consider investing in a floating spa bar! We love these floating drinks trays that add a touch of hot tub luxury. Pair them with smart plastic stemwear to avoid any breakages.

5. Offer nibbles

Nibbles and finger food are ideal for a hot tub party as they are easy to prepare, easy to serve and easy to eat but do try and keep food away from your hot tub! Crumbs and greasy fingers in your spa would affect the quality of your spa water and could compromise your filtration system.

Instead set up a buffet a few meters away from your hot tub and keep an eye on the quality of your water throughout.

6. Add a gazebo

Especially at this time of year the weather could be against you so consider adding a hot tub gazebo for some added shelter, allowing you and your guests to make the most of the occasion whatever the weather. This could be a pop-up version or a more durable structure that is part of your garden landscaping such as our gorgeous Italian steel gazebos or our range of bespoke wood gazebos! Adding a gazebo also offers more possibilities for decorations and lighting – after all, you can never have too many fairy lights at a party!

7. Plan some games or activities

Whether you invest in one of the best outdoor projectors so you can watch your favourite Christmas movie from the comfort of your own hot tub or you keep it simple with some waterproof playing cards, a floating games board or a round of all time classics such as “who am I” or charades, you’ll max up the enjoyment if you suggest some fun hot tub party games.

8. Keep your guests warm and cosy

Make sure your guests are warm and cosy by offering plenty of fluffy towels, robes and sliders so they don’t have to rush to get changed. Depending on your budget these could be party favours to take home, items made available to your guests while they are at the party or you could simply ask your guests to bring their own.

To add some extra creature comforts you could also let them snuggle into some warm throws around a fire pit or chimenea whilst enjoying some food and drink.

9. Look after your hot tub

A couple of days before your party make sure that your hot tub is clean and the water is balanced then add the appropriate chemicals as necessary. This shouldn’t be left to the last minute before your guests arrive! You should also check over your hot tub to make sure it is in good working order and that your filter cover, headrests and any other hot tub equipment are secure and in good working order. Never block or obstruct filters and suction covers in your hot tub.

Consider booking a hot tub engineer to carry out a mini service on your hot tub to make sure it is in perfect working order for your event or to refresh it after your party!

10. Enjoy responsibly

Make sure your guests drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take regular breaks from soaking in the tub. BISHTA recommends a maximum bathing time of 15 minutes before taking a break to avoid overheating and dehydration.

It is also a good idea to ask your guests to shower down before getting into the hot tub to stop fake tan, body lotion or deodorant from contaminating the water.

Too many people in a hot tub can also cause poor water quality, so keep your gathering small or if you have lots of guests try and use the hot tub in shifts.

You should manage the water quality after each shift and might want to consider a refresh service after your event.