You have a hot tub and now want to throw the perfect hot tub party? One of the best ways to enjoy your hot tub with family and friends is to host the perfect hot tub party. You’ll get to show off your luxury hot tub and spend time with the people you love!
Since 2013, Penguin Hot Tubs have hired over 3,200 hot tubs across the UK with many of the hires being hot tub parties, so with our experience and feedback from customers, we thought we would collate the 8 essential tips on how to throw the perfect hot tub party so you don’t have to.
Before you post you hot tub party on social media (facebook, Instagram, twitter etc) be sure to keep these tips in mind so you know you’ll throw the perfect hot tub party.
1. Hot Tub Party numbers
The biggest mistake we find is that some people will hire a 6 persons hot tub and invite over 20+ guests for a hot tub party. This can be dangerous if not managed correctly. Your hot tub can only hold a certain amount of people comfortably, so make sure you don’t invite too many people to your hot tub party. You wouldn’t want to leave anyone out! Another option is to allow guests to get into the hot tub in shifts, which will allow you to maximise the space and manage the quality of the water after each shift by adding the appropriate chemicals provided.
2. Have extra towels
The amount of times our engineers have turned up to collect the hot tub from a party and witnessed the waves of towels hanging form the washing line are huge. The best option is to remind guest when inviting them to bring along a swimsuit and towels, however for whatever reason, some guests won’t or will forget to bring their towel. That’s okay! Just make sure to plan ahead with plenty of extra towels. By doing so, you’ll make sure everyone can (if they want to) get in and enjoy your hot tub.
3. Plan other activities
What’s a hot tub party without a few activities planned? You can pick activities to support your theme, or just pick your favourite summer games. Here are some fun summertime activities to get you started:
Cornhole
Ladderball
Horseshoes
Volleyball
Frisbee
Badminton
Bocce ball
KanJam
Giant Jenga
4. Clean and maintain your spa before the party
This probably goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway. Make sure your hot tub is clean and maintained well before your guests arrive by testing your water and then adding the appropriate chemicals provided by Penguin Hot Tubs at least two hours prior to your guest’s arrival. It’s also important that you have informed your guests that they should all have showered prior to entering the hot tub and shower after. It’s also important that your guests don’t ware fake tan or body lotions prior to entering the hot tub as this will contaminate the water and spoil for all your other guests.
5. Hot Tub Gazebo shelter
Either hire or buy a high-quality pop-up gazebo to shelter your hot tub guests from the rain or sun. Keep your hot tub party going regardless of the UK weather by adding a hot tub gazebo shelter. Be sure to anchor the hot tub gazebo securely by following the manufacturers guidelines.
6. Get your playlist perfected
An awesome playlist can make the difference between a great hot tub party and an awesome hot tub party. Make sure you have your tunes ready to go and a (preferably wireless) speaker to play them. The best way to create a soundtrack is to download a variety of music from the likes of Spotify and allow your guests to add their favourite as the day goes on.
Plan for at least three hours of music
Consider Volume
Focus on summer anthems
7. Food and snacks
It goes without saying that you are going to need to provide your guests with some food and snacks. Typical hot tub party food usually consists of barbecued items, but you don’t have to limit yourself. For example, if you are hosting a tropical-themed hot tub party, you can serve tropical-themed foods like piña coladas and coconut shrimp.
Or if you want to make it easier on yourself, you could make your hot tub party a potluck theme. You could have guests bring items from a menu you design, or just have guests bring whatever they would like. The world is your oyster!
8. Set up a drink station
Once your snacks are set, you will want to serve a selection of refreshing beverage so that guests have something hydrating to sip on. Tip: Always make sure that your guests are only drinking out of plastic cups to avoid any glass catastrophes near the hot tub.
We often get asked this question: “is it safe to drink alcohol in the hot tub?”, unfortunately the short answer to this question is “no” as drinking alcohol in the hot tub can speed up the process of inebriation, and can even up your chances of a hangover. But we understand that there are many people who still want to enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of beer (try using plastic cups) in the hot tub as it’s an enjoyable experience so we would suggest you provide your guests with plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages in close proximity to the hot tub. Please read our other blog ‘is it safe to drink alcohol in a hot tub’.
9. Hot Tub Party Theme
The best hot tub parties are themed, right? Picking a theme helps provide a framework for all party activities and makes your hot tub party unforgettable. You can decide how far you want to take your theme. You might want everything (food, invites, decorations) to be on theme, or maybe you just want guests to come dressed in costume. It’s up to you.
Or, you could just host a classic hot tub party, with no theme other than you just want it to look summery. Get some inflatables, such as beach balls and pool floats, set up some umbrellas for some shady spots, and have a cooler stocked full of refreshing beverages.
Need some ideas?
Hawaiian beach party theme
Beach and Surfing party theme
Funniest swimwear theme
Cocktail party night
Hot Tub games night with water proof playing cards
Hot Tub Cinema night with popcorn
10. Hot Tub Rules
Safety is a must at any hot tub party. Make sure to communicate some basic safety rules to guests before the festivities begin (you can include this information on your invitation).
If there will be small children at your hot tub party reduce the water temperature, make sure they always have proper adult supervision. Explain to them some basic hot tub rules – shower before and after entering and exiting the hot tub with soap and water, enter and exit the hot tub slowly, no jumping or diving, do not bring glass into the hot tub.
Important: Children who are big enough to be in a hot tub should not use it for more than five minutes at a time, especially at the maximum temperature of 104 °F (40 °C). Dropping the hot tub temperature to 98 °F (36 °C). degrees would allow for longer soaks – but never more than 15 minutes at a time. Provide children with plenty of water at the side of the hot tub in a plastic cup so they are able to keep hydrated whiles in the hot tub.
You should also make sure you have a first aid kit on hand in case of any minor mishaps. Set up a few tables with items like sunscreen, visors, and aloe. If you make sure to set up some basic guidelines before the party begins, everybody will be on the same page, helping to ensure you have a safe hot tub party.
About Penguin Hot Tub Hire
Since 2013, Penguin Hot Tubs Ltd has grown to become the UK’s largest award-winning hot tub hire company by providing the largest selection of affordable, luxury hot tubs for any occasion or event across the UK. In 2018, Penguin Hot Tubs (Hire) became the proud provider of hot tubs for the European Championships in Glasgow and Berlin.
About Penguin Hot Tubs and Swim Spas
Penguin Hot Tubs and Swim Spas brings to the market some of the most advanced Hot Tubs and Swim Spas, with a stylish and contemporary look, they are sure to blend neatly into any home.
Since 2013, Penguin Hot Tubs and Swim Spas have been devoted in creating and supplying elaborate products which help to improve people’s health and lifestyle. Penguin Hot Tubs and Swim Spas products provide relaxation, stress relief, enhance wellbeing and support beneficial aquatic exercise.
All our products are carefully designed and manufactured, and we strive to constantly improve ourselves and the products we deliver. We embrace new technologies and understand the importance of delivering reliable and durable spas which help to improve our customers lives.