There’s nothing better than relaxing in your hot tub on a cold winter day. You feel warm, cozy, and totally relaxed… until you step out and grab a towel that’s icy cold. Instant shivers.

Towels and robes get cold fast when they’re left outside. If they’re hanging on a hook, sitting on the steps, or lying on the ground, they can pick up dirt and even get wet from snow or rain. And if they get wet in freezing weather, they can actually freeze solid. Not exactly the spa experience you’re going for.

Wouldn’t it be way better to wrap yourself in a warm, clean towel or a toasty robe the moment you get out?

Sure, you could buy an electric towel heater. But they’re usually big, expensive (often $300–$600), and not always reliable. Plus, plugging one in outside—especially in winter—isn’t fun.

The good news is that you can make your own outdoor towel and robe warmer using things you probably already have at home. I use this trick every time I hot tub in cold weather, and it works amazingly well.

What You Need

• Towels and/or robes
• 3–4 microwaveable heating packs (the kind used for camping or sore muscles)
• 1 cooler or large insulated container

How to Make It

1. Warm your towels or robes in the dryer for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat the microwaveable packs according to the instructions.
3. Put one or two hot packs at the bottom of the cooler.
4. Place your warm towels or robes on top.
5. Add the remaining hot packs on top of the towels.
6. Close the cooler lid tightly.

Why It Works

The cooler traps the heat inside, keeping your towels and robes warm on both sides. It also protects them from snow, dirt, and anything else winter throws at them.

You’ll end up with warm, clean towels and robes that make winter hot tubbing feel even more luxurious—without spending hundreds of dollars on an electric heater.

Bonus tip: If you wear sandals or flip‑flops to the hot tub, toss them in the cooler too. They’ll stay warm and clean, and you won’t track dirt into your water.

Stay Warm Out There

With this simple DIY towel and robe warmer, there’s no reason to be “freezin’” when you hop out of your hot tub this winter. Give it a try and tell us how it works for you.

Have another Hot Tub DIY you’d like to see us tackle? Email it to store@lakeshorepoolsandtubs.com and it might be featured in a future Tip post.