Everything You Need to Know About Water Sex

There’s something about sex in water that feels inherently freeing.

Maybe it’s the sense of adventure or the amplified closeness. Or perhaps it’s the allure of wading into literal unknown waters.

That said, there are hazards to keep in mind — from slipping and getting an infection to accidentally breaking laws you’d rather avoid.

But if you’re up for the excitement and willing to learn how water changes the experience, there’s no reason not to take the plunge.

If you’re in a shower

When your shower is roomy enough for more than one nude body, shower sex can be playful and intimate.

The stream of water tends to pull you and your partner close — and we mean very close.

Pros

Showers give you an excellent chance to try standing positions that can be harder to pull off on a bed or sofa.

They’re also ideal for solo exploration. Use a shower session alone to discover what sensations you enjoy.

It’s even okay to use the showerhead to stimulate external spots like nipples, labia, or the clitoris.

Just avoid directing water into your genital canal, because that can disrupt your body’s natural pH balance.

Cons

Shower sex often happens standing, which raises the chance of slipping. An anti-slip shower mat can add cushioning and grip for your feet.

Try this

Standing sex may feel awkward at first — especially if you and your partner are different heights — so try this beginner-friendly move.

Position the receiving partner nearest the wall.

If they prefer to face the wall, they can press into it for stability.

Alternatively, they can lean their back against the wall and tilt their hips toward the stimulating partner.

In a tighter shower, they can brace their hands on the opposite wall for extra support.

If you’re in a bathtub

Bathtub time isn’t only for bath bombs and relaxation. Tub sex can be a cozy way to get physically closer to your partner.

Pros

Unlike shower sex, bathtubs let you sit or lie down comfortably while being partially or fully immersed.

Cons

Sitting in warm water can increase the chance of infections.

Adding bubbles, bath salts, or oils to the tub may raise your risk of a urinary tract infection.

While water itself won’t directly spread a yeast infection from one person to another, sexual activity in water could contribute to transmission.

So it’s best to avoid water sex until any infection you or your partner has cleared up.

Try this

Being in a tub doesn’t mean you’re limited to underwater activity.

For a mix of sensations, sit on the tub’s edge while your partner performs oral sex, or switch roles.

If slipping is a concern, stabilize yourself by holding onto a nearby countertop or grab bar.

If you’re in a hot tub

If a bathtub feels too cramped, a hot tub can be a roomy alternative.

Pros

Those jets feel great on your back — now imagine weaving that into foreplay.

Many hot tubs include seats and ledges that support position changes comfortably.

Cons

Despite rumors, sex in a hot tub doesn’t prevent pregnancy.

You have the same risk of conceiving in hot water as you do on dry land.

Also, submerging an external condom (the kind worn on a penis) in hot, chlorinated water can cause it to degrade, which increases the chance it will tear or fail.

If preventing pregnancy is a priority, ensure you and your partner have agreed on reliable birth control before getting in.

Try this

For a steady, rocking sensation, straddle your partner as they sit on the seat while you face them.

For extra stimulation, settle near a few jet streams.

If you’re in a pool

Pools offer far more room than tubs or hot tubs — they can feel almost limitless.

Pros

There’s lots of space to explore both depth-wise and horizontally, and the added buoyancy can make movement easier.

Cons

Like tubs and hot tubs, pool water can harbor pathogens that lead to infections.

The CDC reports hundreds of recreational water–associated outbreaks over the years, resulting in many illnesses and a number of deaths.

It’s also important to avoid breaking local rules — steer clear of public pools.

Private pools are generally cleaner and more private, and you won’t have to worry about legal issues.

Try this

If the deep end feels intimidating, head to the shallow end and use the steps.

Lie back and wrap your legs around your partner’s shoulders while they sit on the stairs; this lets them stimulate you from the front.

If you’re in an ocean, river, or lake

Sex in an ocean, river, or lake can be wildly thrilling, especially if you’re trying to avoid being seen.

Pros

There’s a lot to love about open-water encounters: the rush of being outdoors, the bliss of losing yourself in the moment, and the feeling of blending with nature.

Cons

Unlike controlled shower or tub water, you can’t be sure how clean natural bodies of water are.

They can harbor unwanted germs and parasites you don’t want near your genitals.

Also make sure you’re not violating local ordinances or state laws.

When possible, pick a secluded body of water on private property to be on the safe side.

If that’s not an option, move to a shallow area where you can stand but far enough from shore that you won’t be visible to passersby.

Try this

If the water is deep and private, consider using a floatation aid.

Lie face-up on a raft or inner tube while your partner uses the gentle motion of the water to grind against you.

General tips and tricks

Keep it private. Your bedroom usually locks, but water-based encounters — especially outdoors — are often more exposed. The last thing you want is a citation for indecent exposure or a criminal record.

Sex isn’t your only option. Explore different forms of stimulation with your partner; what you enjoy in water might differ from what you prefer in bed. Consider practical choices like tampons for swimming if applicable to your situation.

Silicone lube is essential. Water-based lubes wash away easily, and plain water isn’t an effective lubricant. Use silicone-based lubricant.

Condoms still work. If you plan to use a barrier, put an external condom on before entering the water.

Ejaculating into the water is unlikely to cause pregnancy. It’s very unlikely that semen dispersed in surrounding water will lead to pregnancy. High temperatures can kill sperm outside the body within seconds.

But pregnancyisstill possible — even in a hot tub. As on land, pregnancy can occur if semen is deposited inside the vagina, so take appropriate precautions if you want to avoid conceiving.

STIs can be transmitted too. Have an open conversation about testing and consider internal (female) or external (male) condoms to reduce risk.

Aftercare matters. Whatever water activity you choose, clean up afterward, urinate to help prevent UTIs, and rehydrate — hot water can dehydrate you, and sexual activity is physical exertion.

The bottom line

In short: be cautious and enjoy yourselves.

Sex in water can be a thrilling way for you and your partner to become even closer — and, yes, a little wet.

Just talk through risks and concerns beforehand so you’re both comfortable and make sure you won’t inadvertently traumatize or expose anyone if you’re in a more public setting than your own backyard.