There’s something magical about bringing friends and family together around your Sundance® Spa. A hot tub party combines relaxation, conversation, and entertainment in a uniquely intimate setting that few other gatherings can match. At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we’ve helped countless New Englanders create their own backyard oasis, and we’ve gathered the best tips for making your hot tub social event memorable for all the right reasons.

Planning Your Hot Tub Party

Finding the Perfect Guest Count

The first rule of hot tub party planning is respecting your spa’s capacity. Sundance® Spas are designed with specific seating arrangements and weight capacities:

  • Small hot tubs (like the Paisley™): Ideal for intimate gatherings of 4-5 people
  • Medium hot tubs (like the Edison®): Perfect for 5-6 guests
  • Large hot tubs (like the Optima® or Chelsee®): Can accommodate 6-7 people comfortably

Invite a few more people than your hot tub can hold at once, assuming not everyone will want to soak at the same time. This creates a natural rotation and gives guests space to socialize both in and out of the water.

Timing Is Everything

Consider these timing factors when planning your event:

  • Season-appropriate scheduling: Summer afternoons or evenings work well for refreshing dips, while winter evenings create a magical contrast between cold air and warm water
  • Duration: 2-3 hours is ideal for most hot tub gatherings
  • Time of day: Evening parties with underwater LED lighting create a particularly elegant atmosphere

Creating the Right Environment

Transform your backyard into an inviting entertainment space:

  • Seating arrangements: Set up comfortable dry seating near the hot tub for guests to cycle between soaking and socializing
  • Towel station: Provide plenty of fresh towels in an easily accessible location
  • Changing area: Designate a private space for guests to change into and out of swimwear
  • Weather considerations: Have umbrellas or a canopy available for unexpected weather, or heaters for chilly evenings

Setting the Mood

Lighting the Scene

The right lighting creates ambiance and ensures safety:

  • Utilize your Sundance® Spa’s SunGlow™ LED lighting system to create a colorful underwater display
  • Add string lights or lanterns around your spa area
  • Consider floating LED lights for additional water illumination
  • Ensure paths to and from the house are well-lit for safety

Sound Systems

Music enhances the atmosphere but remember these guidelines:

  • Keep volume moderate to allow for conversation
  • Create a waterproof way to control music (waterproof Bluetooth speakers work well)
  • Prepare a playlist in advance that matches your party’s vibe
  • Consider your neighbors when choosing volume and music style, especially for evening events

Temperature Settings

Finding the ideal temperature balances comfort and safety:

  • Standard setting: 100-102°F works well for most adult gatherings
  • Summer parties: Consider a slightly lower temperature (97-99°F) for refreshing relief
  • Winter gatherings: The standard temperature creates a cozy contrast to cold air
  • Always check: Test your temperature setting the day before your party to ensure it’s perfect and safe

Food and Drink Essentials

Hydration Station

Staying hydrated is crucial when hot tubbing:

  • Set up a water station with fruit-infused options
  • Provide reusable plastic drinkware (never glass around the hot tub)
  • Consider frozen grapes or watermelon chunks as refreshing, hydrating snacks
  • Remind guests to drink water between alcoholic beverages if those are being served

Hot Tub-Friendly Refreshments

The best food options are:

  • Finger foods that can be eaten in one or two bites
  • Non-greasy options that won’t leave residue on hands or in water
  • Room temperature or chilled items rather than hot foods
  • Served away from the hot tub to keep food and water separate

Great options include:

  • Vegetable platters with dips
  • Cheese and cracker assortments
  • Fruit skewers
  • Small sandwiches or wraps
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries for a touch of elegance

Alcohol Considerations

If serving alcohol, remember these important guidelines:

  • Encourage moderation as heat amplifies alcohol’s effects
  • Avoid glass containers completely
  • Consider lighter options like spritzers rather than heavy cocktails
  • Have plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives available
  • Remember that staying hydrated is even more important when consuming alcohol
A family at a hot tub party.

Hot Tub Etiquette for Hosts and Guests

Pre-Soak Preparations

Set clear expectations for guests before they arrive:

  • Ask everyone to shower before entering the hot tub to remove lotions, oils, and cosmetics
  • Suggest bringing two swimsuits if the party will last several hours (changing into a dry suit is more comfortable)
  • Clarify whether guests should bring their own towels or if you’ll provide them
  • Mention any specific rules you have about your hot tub

The Host’s Checklist

Prepare your spa the day before with these steps:

  • Test and adjust water chemistry for optimal balance
  • Clean or replace filters if needed
  • Perform a quick cleaning of the spa shell
  • Check that all jets and features are functioning properly
  • Ensure your cover is ready to replace after the party

Rules to Communicate

Gentle reminders about hot tub etiquette help everyone enjoy safely:

  • Keep food and drinks away from the water
  • Limit soaking time to 15-20 minutes per session
  • Exit the tub if feeling lightheaded or uncomfortable
  • Keep electronics away from water
  • Tie back long hair to prevent entanglement in jets

Creative Hot Tub Party Ideas

Themed Gatherings

Elevate your party with these themed ideas:

  • Movie night: Set up a weatherproof screen for viewing from the hot tub
  • Stargazing party: Choose a clear night and perhaps bring a star chart app
  • Sports viewing: Position a TV where it’s visible from the spa for game day
  • Wellness retreat: Incorporate aromatherapy using SunScents® and offer refreshing face mists

Seasonal Celebrations

Adapt your hot tub party to the time of year:

  • Summer splash: Incorporate cooling elements like frozen treats and refreshing beverages
  • Fall harvest soak: Decorate with autumn elements and serve seasonal treats
  • Winter wonderland: Create contrast with warm water and cool air, perhaps with a hot chocolate bar nearby
  • Spring renewal: Focus on relaxation and rejuvenation with spa-inspired refreshments

Special Occasions

Your Sundance® Spa makes milestone celebrations memorable:

  • Birthday gatherings: Small floating LED candles create a festive atmosphere
  • Anniversary celebrations: Add rose petals to the water and serve champagne poolside
  • Holiday parties: Incorporate subtle seasonal decorations around (never in) your hot tub

Health and Safety First

Soaking Guidelines

Ensure everyone stays safe with these essential practices:

  • Limit soaking sessions to 15-20 minutes with breaks in between
  • Have plenty of drinking water available to prevent dehydration
  • Know who should limit hot tub time (pregnant women, those with certain medical conditions)
  • Keep emergency contact information accessible

Weather Considerations

Be prepared for New England’s variable weather:

  • In summer, provide shade and cooling options nearby
  • In winter, clear safe paths to the hot tub and have warm robes ready
  • Have a contingency plan for unexpected weather changes

After-Party Care

Restore your hot tub to pristine condition:

  • Run a cleaning cycle after guests leave
  • Check and adjust water chemistry
  • Clean any debris from filters
  • Sanitize the area around your spa

Creating Lasting Memories

A hot tub party is more than just a social gathering—it’s an opportunity to deepen connections in a uniquely relaxing environment. Your Sundance® Spa from Great Bay Spa & Sauna creates the perfect centerpiece for memorable evenings with friends and family.

The combination of warm water, massaging jets, and good company creates an atmosphere where conversation flows naturally and stress melts away. By following these hosting tips and etiquette guidelines, you’ll create an experience your guests will talk about long after the bubbles have settled.Ready to upgrade your entertaining capabilities with a new hot tub? Visit our showroom in Portsmouth to explore our full range of Sundance® Spas, from the family-friendly 680™ Series to the luxurious 980™ Series. Our team at Great Bay Spa & Sauna can help you select the perfect model for your entertaining style.