Hot springs etiquette is a thing! If you are unfamiliar with or need a refresher on the rules of soaking on your travel and hot springs adventures, take note: whether you are visiting a natural hot spring pool, a public facility, or even a clothing optional hot springs, here’s your guide to hot springs etiquette. This post includes tips on pets and partying, noise and nudity, and safety and sickness.
The next time you plan to take a dip in a hot springs pool, it is important to know the hot springs pool rules as well as tips for visiting hot springs. Planning a visit to a hot spring pool is relaxing, peaceful, and soothing, especially if the hot springs are in the great outdoors.
20 Practical Tips for Hot Springs Etiquette
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Many of the natural hot springs in Colorado (and around the world) are worth the effort of the hike or the backcountry drive. Even public hot springs in the heart of a downtown or a charming mountain town offer a relaxing soak and meditative moments.
Hot springs are becoming more and more popular—and crowded—all of the time. Discover hot spring pool rules to keep in mind while you soak to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for you and everyone else in the pool. Being respectful of others makes a world of difference and might help you avoid some awkward situations.
1. Leave It Better Than You Found It
Similar to hiking in nature and following the “Leave No Trace” principles, be sure to practice the mantra of “leave it better than you found it” when visiting hot springs. Some natural and free hot springs in Colorado and around the world can only be reached only after a hike.
Tips for visiting hot springs in the backcountry:
- Pick up after yourself!
- Check for all of your belongings.
- Pack out your trash.
>> Related: What to Pack for The Best Day Hikes
2. Leave the Glass Water Bottles Home
When Chris and I arrived at Strawberry Park Hot Springs outside Steamboat Springs, our bags were checked for any type of glass bottles. We watched as a couple was denied access to the hot springs because they had a drink in a glass container. Pool rules! And as those pool rules stated, there was no argument; they were not allowed into the outdoor hot springs even after promising to leave the bottle in their car! As you can imagine, having a bottle break around hot springs could be painful on bare feet.
Best Tips for Visiting Hot Springs * Bring a reusable, insulated metal water bottle.
3. Sunscreen and Lotion Tips
You will often see pool rules posted next to a public pool asking you to shower before entering the pools to remove dirt, sweat, bug spray, lotions, etc. You may not have that convenience at one of the outdoor free hot springs in Colorado. If that is the case, avoid using lotion on your body before entering and apply the sunscreen only to your face.
4. Be Friendly and Share
Be welcoming when other guests arrive, whether it is at a local pool, hot springs resort, or FREE hot springs in Colorado mountains. Sometimes we have the mentality of “I was here first.” Maybe you were but be willing to slide over, say hi, and be friendly.
5. Plan for the Weather
One of the tips for visiting hot springs in the winter is to be prepared for the snow. Be sure to bring flip flops, wear a winter hat if needed, and be careful entering and exiting the pool. Even in the summer, spring and fall, you may need a robe or a wrap.
6. Hot Springs Etiquette: It’s Not a Bathtub!
Don’t bathe in the hot springs. It is NOT A BATHTUB! Don’t use soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc. that can disrupt the precious balance of minerals.
Did you know that many hot springs contain minerals that some suggest are restorative and have healing properties?
These dissolved minerals may include: boron, calcium, chloride, sodium, sulfate, lithium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, silica, zinc, fluoride, phosphate and nitrogen.
7. Be Safe
Be careful entering and exiting hot springs, especially those in nature that might be surrounded by rocky terrain, might be slippery, or have a drop-off as you step into the pool.
Some of the more rustic natural pools often have slippery (maybe even slimy) surfaces. If that’s not your thing, you can wear clean water shoes.
Be mindful of the length of time that you have been soaking in the springs, drink plenty of water, and avoid drinking alcohol.
8. Don’t Be a Seat Saver
If you are visiting a public hot springs pool, hot springs etiquette suggests that you don’t save seats or lounge chairs. Loungers may be in high demand during busy times. If you plan to leave the pool and then come back, remove your items so that others can enjoy lounging as well.
9. Be Respectful Of Others
Be mindful of the relaxing and quiet nature of soaking in natural hot springs. Keep your loud music at home, put your phones away, and don’t splash. Just be a good human.
If you are visiting a public hot springs, be mindful of giving people privacy in the locker room, following pool rules, and giving people space to relax.
10. Family Friendly Pool Rules and Tips for Visiting Hot Springs
Many of the hot springs in Colorado and around the world are designed with families in mind. Here are a few tips for visiting hot springs as a family:
- Keep an eye on your children.
- Be sure to play in areas that are designed for having fun, playing games, and splashing.
- Running and screaming are not meant for pools of any kind.
11. Cell Phone Usage & Photography
Be sure to follow the posted pool rules with regards to using your cell phone and taking pictures. Many people don’t appreciate having their picture taken in their swimsuit. Clothing optional hot springs will have stated policies prohibiting cell phone use and photography while using their facility. As such, be mindful of others and put your phone away. This may not be the time to be posing for your own Instagrammable moments!
If you do take pictures, make sure to exclude others from your shots or wait until you are alone in the pool.
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12. Stay Home if You Are Sick
This should go without saying, but some people still choose to ignore common sense.
Please stay out of the water…
- And stay home if you are sick.
- If you have an infection.
- If you have a contagious disease or skin condition.
- If you have an open wound.
Help everyone stay healthy as they enjoy the hot springs during their travels.
13. Be Mindful of Fees, Permits, and Parking
You are responsible for wilderness fees and permits in many locations. Be sure to check. For some hot springs where you will be required to hike in with the option to stay overnight:
- Make sure camping is allowed.
- Obtain the appropriate permits.
- Make sure that overnight parking is allowed as well.
14. Don’t Camp by the Hot Springs
Be respectful of others and take care of the environment. Camp ONLY in designated spots or at some distance from the hot springs.
15. One of the Top Pool Rules: Don’t Pee in the Hot Springs!!!
Enough said!
16. Hot Springs Etiquette Suggests You Party Elsewhere
Alcohol and drugs are not a good mix with hot springs. If you are visiting with a group, be respectful of others with your noise volume. Be quick to share and make room for newcomers.
When Chris and I visited the Strawberry Park Hot Springs outside Steamboat Springs, we encountered three men who thought it fun to make big entrances in the soaking pool. They were noisy, oblivious, and jumped off ledges creating huge splashes. Not cool!
17. No Pets Near the Pools—Pool Rules!
Many hot springs in Colorado do not allow pets. Those that do allow pets require that your dog is well-behaved, refrain from barking, and not make other guests uncomfortable. If you MUST bring your dog, be sure to have them sit away from the pools.
18. What to Wear for Hot Springs Adventures
Wearing the proper swim attire is one of the essential tips for visiting hot springs. This may mean that underwear, street clothes, pajamas, sweats, sports wear, thong swimsuits, and your birthday suit are not allowed. Street clothing can have a negative impact on the water by transporting contaminants into the pool. You may also risk discoloring your clothes.
The absorbent materials in cotton are never recommended for pools and hot springs as the fibers can break down in the water resulting in clogged pool filters which, in turn, create the need for expensive repairs.
This leads to the next point that considers “clothing optional hot springs.”
19. Be Mindful of Clothing Optional Hot Springs
There are many hot springs in Colorado that are both rustic and clothing optional—aka soaking in the nude. Some of them are free and located on public lands, some are in rivers along the side of the road, and some are established as clothing optional hot springs.
If you aren’t comfortable being naked in hot springs, you usually have the option of wearing a suit. With a little research online, you can determine in advance if the springs you want to visit are clothing optional hot springs or not.
Don’t stare, gawk, point, or take pictures.
20. Don’t Flaunt Your Nudity at Clothing Optional Hot Springs
When Chris and I were at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, our time overlapped with the evening clothing optional time. One gentleman strutted around the pool and seemed to want everyone to see that he was naked. Be mindful of others.
Things to Bring to the Hot Springs
I like to have either my tote bag or my favorite crossbody bag for travel with me. The crossbody bag makes it is easy to carry essentials such as lip balm, gum, a snack or two, and your water bottle.
Not only will you want to refresh yourself on your hot springs etiquette, but you will also want to come prepared for your hot springs experience. Click the link below to Discover my Amazon Favorites in my Beach Gear List.
- Swimsuit
- Flip Flops
- Hat
- Face Sunscreen (you likely won’t be putting your face in the water)
- Sunglasses
- Towel or Wrap
- Microfiber Towel
- Flotation Device if allowed
- Tote Bag
- Reusable Insulated Water Bottle
- Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the etiquette for hot springs that are clothing optional?
Don’t gawk or point. It is often your choice whether or not you wish to soak with or without your swimsuit at a clothing optional hot spring.
Are hot springs sanitary?
The thermal water at many hot springs is “spring water in its natural state. The water’s high temperature kills most harmful bacteria, and it is monitored to U.S. standards for safe drinking water.” ~ NPS.gov
How long should you soak in hot springs?
Try not to exceed a soak time of 15 to 20 minutes. This does not mean you have to leave the springs, but sit out of the water at regular intervals and stay hydrated.
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Final Thoughts on Hot Springs Etiquette: 20 Practical Tips for Your Hot Springs Adventures
Chris and I have loved exploring a variety of hot springs in Colorado and have gathered tips along the way. Some hot springs are rustic, some are popular, many are peaceful and relaxing. These tips on hot springs etiquette are essential to enjoying your soak as well as to protecting the environment of natural springs.
Create your own adventure and relaxing escape by exploring the hot springs near you or planning to visit a new destination while traveling. Discover the best practices for hot springs etiquette as well as for protecting these fragile places for all to enjoy.
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These are great tips for visiting a hot springs. The tips about glass containers and leaving them better than you found them are my favorite tips!
Thank you for sharing this guide! I grew up going to lots of hot springs in Idaho and Utah, and i’ve always been disappointed at how people treat them. It seems like people think they’re going to a waterpark! This is a great guide for anyone who hasn’t been to a hot springs before.
I love visiting hot springs, and I wish these etiquette tips were more well known! this is a really helpful guide for anyone planning on visiting one!
Love this! I did not know the glass water bottle part!
Thank you for the info! I appreciate the tips about cell phone usage and not saving seats.
Excellent idea for a post. We have done hot spring pools in a few countries. I’m always unsure of etiquette. We will be in Tbilisi in the fall, also has famous hot springs. I’m sure we will check it out.
We do love to visit hot springs. Some great tips to ensure everyone can enjoy them. I must admit I smiled when I saw your note about a hot spring not being a bathtub. I just wish more people would be a bit quieter at places like this to enjoy the surrounding nature a bit.
Great advice- although these tips are important for more than hot springs 🙂 Simple kindness goes a lot way, especially when traveling to a new place!
I love hot springs! So good for your body and soul! Lovely article!
Most of these seem very obvious to me… but then when you visit hot springs there are sometimes folks that treat it like their own bath/rubbish bin. I will never understand those folks! Here’s to amazing hot springs experiences with friends 🙂
I have been to several natural hot springs in Tuscany and I really wish all these tips were written for all to read at these points, my top being bringing pets to the scenes and having dog hairs on your face, people literally bathing and using glass bottles!! I’m a culprit to saving space for my family to stay together especially when its crowded and I’m changing this.
Great tips!
Thank you for sharing! I have always wanted to go to hot springs but wasn’t sure what exactly to do! I will keep these tips in mind and start planning my trip!
I think the only hot spring I’ve been to was Iceland. I like your list! Some of the rules seem obvious, but definitely worth spelling out (don’t pee! or party elsewhere)!
Great advice. Hot Springs are for everyone and everyone should follow the rules.
I hope this finds more people as these are such practical and handy tips that makes everyone’s experience in hot springs much better!