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4. After excessive bathing, spa treatment or Jacuzzi:[1]

One is not to have relations on a day of [excessive[2]] bathing [such as during a spa treatment in which one spent excessive time in a jacuzzi, steam room or sauna]. [Accordingly, some Poskim[3] rule that one should not bathe his entire body in hot water on Erev Shabbos. Other Poskim,[4] however, rule that the above restriction is due to health reasons, however, according to Halacha it remains permitted to have relations even on the day of a spa treatment Hence, we find that Torah scholars would have intimacy on Friday night despite having visited the bathhouse on Erev Shabbos. Other Poskim[5] rule that the above restriction only applies in close proximity to the spa treatment. Thus, it is permitted to have intercourse the night before, or the night after, the spa treatment.[6] Practically, one may bathe in hot water on Erev Shabbos, and it is even a Mitzvah to do so, even though he plans to have relations that night.[7]  Seemingly, this avoidance of intercourse only applies if the husband had a lengthy spa treatment and does not apply when the wife has had one.]

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[1] Michaber 240:15; Siddur Ya’avetz Mosach Hashabbos Mitos Kesef 7:2; See Ateres Zekeinim that perhaps this applies likewise to the day before and the day after; See Taharas Yisrael

[2] Makor Chaim of Chavos Yair 240; Aruch Hashulchan E.H. 25:3; See Upikadeta Navecha p. 51

[3] Siddur Ya’avetz, laws of Erev Shabbos, rules that one is to bathe his hands, feet and face in hot water; Kitzur SH”A 72 rules that one is not to bathe his entire body in hot water

[4] M”A 240:29; Elya Raba 240:23; M”B 240:54

[5] Elya Raba 240:23; Bach E.H. 25; Perisha E.H. 25; K’neses Hagedola 240

[6] Taharas Yisrael

[7] Setimas Kol Haposkim in 260: See Admur 260:1; Rama 260:1; Gemara Shabbos 25b

Ruling of Ya’avetz – Not to enter entire body into hot water: The Ya’avetz in his Siddur rules that one is to bathe his hands, feet and face in hot water. One is not, however, to enter into a bathhouse as doing so can cause difficulty in marital relations, which is supposed to be performed on Friday night, as is written in the laws of Derech Eretz. Practically, Admur does not mention this ruling of the Ya’avetz, despite him mentioning other matters [i.e. eating garlic] which are to be done to enhance Tashmish, and we thus see that he does not suspect for this at all. Therefore, it remains a Mitzvah upon all to bathe their entire body in hot water on Erev Shabbos as rules Admur. Furthermore, even according to the Ya’avetz, if one’s wife is not pure, one is to bathe his entire body in hot water. Furthermore, even when she is pure, it is likely that the Ya’avetz was referring to the bathhouses of the past which consisted of an entire lengthy bathing ritual of sauna, steam room and hot tub. Thus, mere showering in hot water was not being referred to, and hence remains a Mitzvah upon all to perform. To note, however, from Kitzur SH”A 72 which states that the Ya’avetz rules that one is not to bathe his entire body in hot water, without mentioning the idea of a bathhouse, as is the original words of the Ya’avetz.

[8] Makor Chaim of Chavos Yair 240; Aruch Hashulchan E.H. 25:3; See Upikadeta Navecha p. 51