Spiders in the Hot Tub

There you are, towel draped around your shoulders, ready to step into your hot tub and unwind. Then you spot it (oh boy). A fine web shimmering in the corner, or worse, a little spider scuttling under the cover. Gross. But before you panic and call an exterminator, rest easy: those spiders aren’t plotting against you. They’re just doing spa maintenance the old-fashioned way.

Section 1: Why Your Hot Tub Is Spider Attracting

It seems ridiculous to think your relaxing soak zone is also a spider resort, but it kind of is. Here’s what’s pulling them in:

• Warmth and moisture: The area around your spa stays humid, the equipment emits heat, and surfaces stay damp. Spiders love that.
• Food source: The steam, lights, and water attract gnats, flies and other tiny bugs. And where there are bugs, spiders follow.
• Shelter spots: Under the cover lip, between cabinet panels, behind deck railings. These are quiet, dark spots spiders like.
• Neglected perimeter: If the area around the spa has plants, mulch, or gaps under the shell, that’s an open invitation.

Section 2: Those “Hot‑Tub‑Spider” Moments

• Picking up the cover and finding a web draped between your hand and the hot‑tub lip.
• Sitting down and watching something tiny run across the edge of the water just before you dip in.
• Turning off the lights and realizing the insects around the tub are doing a full aerial display right before the spiders show up.
• Cleaning the cabinet or stepping area and discovering a cluster of egg sacs tucked away behind a panel or something.
• Maintaining your water chemistry like clockwork yet still finding spiders pulling up chairs (figuratively) under the spa cover.
• Ignoring the problem because you tell yourself “But spiders eat bugs, so maybe it’s okay.” Then remembering you pay to relax and chill in your tub, not run a spier  hospitality center.

Section 3: Making the Spa Area Feel More “Human” and Less “Spider Welcome Mat”

Your hot tub area doesn’t have to look like a fortress. A few tweaks will make it less appealing to spiders and their bug buffet.

• Keep everything tight and dry: Ensure the spa cover fits well and seals off the moisture escape routes. Replace worn cover skirts or brittle seals.
• Reduce the bug buffet: Turn off or dim bright lights near the spa at night. Light attracts insects, insects attract spiders.
• Clear the hiding spots: Trim vegetation around the spa, remove mulch or debris near the cabinet, and seal gaps or cracks.
• Use natural repellents: Spiders dislike citrus scents and some essential oils (peppermint, tea tree). Rubbing lemon peel around the shell or spraying diluted essential oil may help.
• Maintain water and cabinet hygiene: Balanced chemicals, a clean filter, dry skirting, and regular inspection of the cabinet underside all help.

Wrap‑Up: Regain Your Spa Space

Spiders in your hot tub area aren’t a sign you’re doing something wrong, you're not. Spiders are just opportunists. Warmth, bugs, and hiding spots. That’s what's on their daily bingo card. With a little proactive maintenance (and maybe a “No Spiders Allowed” cover seal), you can reclaim your soak time and keep the eight‑legged freeloaders at bay.

If you’ve got a story about your own spider encounter (or a clever workaround you tried), drop it in the comments. Your fellow tub‑owners will thank you.