Holiday hot tub etiquette

So you’ve just come back from an exhilarating day of exploring the UK’s great outdoors. You may have been cycling or beachcombing on your fantastic holiday; either way that hot tub is definitely calling your name.

But before you and the family strip off and luxuriate in its warm, bubbly waters, remember to follow appropriate hot tub etiquette to ensure everybody has a good time.

Keep it clean
We understand how tricky bath time can be in general, but get everyone to take a shower before plunging into the hot tub. Remember time in the hot tub is the incentive and your excellent parenting skills should be able to use this as leverage. After all, that sandy beach may have felt great between your toes earlier, but you won’t love sitting in it for a whole week or two in the tub. Remember there’s a time and place for exfoliation and it’s not here. The same goes for the dirt and mud you’ll be wearing after a few hours of cycling. Think Ariel washing tab adverts.

Pass the ketchup
It may seem like a really good idea to enjoy a snack or even give the kids dinner in the hot tub.
Really? But unless your kids have been to finishing school, it’s highly likely that some of their dinner will sink to the bottom. Switch on the tub’s water jets and you could find yourself relaxing in warm soup. Croutons anyone?

Foreign objects
We know it’s difficult to detach your child’s iPhone from their hand, but let’s face it they are not
designed to survive a hot tub. You may have great insurance to cover such a scenario, but how long will you and your children survive waiting for a replacement? That return journey home could feel awfully long without their beloved iPhone. I spy with my little eye...something beginning with...scowly face.

Strictly after the watershed
We know it’s tempting to strip off in the hot tub once the kids are safely tucked up in bed. Maybe even crack open a bottle and share some intimate grown-up time. But remember walls have ears and cottages have windows. Whatever age, your kids won’t thank you for witnessing your scenes of ‘gross’ behaviour in the tub. If you’re really lucky they’ll Facebook you in all your glory. You have been warned.

Follow these few simple rules and your hot tub water quality and your integrity should exceed the length of your holiday.