There are a number of web pages and blog posts that deal with the rules of gay bathhouses. Although some of these statements are entertaining, they do not adequately reflect the true, unspoken rules that relate to all gay bathhouses. There are a number of considerations that must be recognized while visiting a gay bathhouse, so pay attention to the following information:

1) Be sure to take an official identification card when checking in at the baths. Most baths will not allow you to enter unless you have provided a current and official ID, like a state-issued ID card or a driver’s license. Bathhouse owners are required to collect the names of their members, but they do not divulge this information to third parties.

2) Take cash, especially if you want your visit to be discreet. Credit card records and receipts are not a good idea for married men who visit the baths. Also, take enough cash to pay the entrance fee and a few extra dollars for incidentals (lube, drinks, etc) but don’t take too much money or valuables into the bathhouse because it’s not a good idea to store too many valuables within the lockers and private rooms for obvious reasons. Therefore, only take what you need, and be sure to leave expensive watches and jewelery at home.

3) Put your cell phone on vibrate and store it inside a locker or room while at the baths. Cell phone usage is generally prohibited in public areas, and should be avoided while at the baths.

4) Generally speaking, sex at the baths is allowed in private rooms or group sex areas, like orgy rooms, porn lounges, and in other play spaces within the bathhouse. Sex is usually not allowed in the bathrooms, showers, Jacuzzis, or in the other wet areas for reasons related to sanitation. It’s not cool to sit in a Jacuzzi or pool that is filled with cum and lube, so save the sex for the private rooms or play areas.

5) Rudeness at the bathhouses should not be conveyed or tolerated. If someone, who you are not interested in, approaches you or otherwise shows an interest in you, nicely let it be known that you are not interested, and then go about your business. You will appreciate this tact when the same courtesy is demonstrated toward you by an uninterested party.

6) Drugs and alcohol are not tolerated at gay bathhouses for a number of legal reasons. Smoking, however, is allowed at certain bathhouses that feature a smoking lounge or an outdoor area for smokers.

7) Barebacking is not allowed in most gay bathhouses for obvious health concerns, but bathhouse management and attendants cannot look behind closed doors to monitor the sexual behavior of their members. Most gay bathhouses distribute free condoms at the front desk or somewhere within the facility. The Melrose Spa in Hollywood, for example, offers free condoms in a dispenser, and other gay bathhouses in the USA operate similarly.

8 ) Why do gay men use Poppers? Poppers are used by gay men during sex in order to enhance their sexual experience. Some gay men claim that experiencing an orgasm while sniffing poppers is a wonderful experience, while men claim that poppers give them headaches. Some bathhouses and gay sex clubs sell poppers under the name of “video head cleaners” and “room odorizers”. No matter what it’s called, it’s all the same stuff, and the strength of the poppers depends on the brand. Some of the more popular brands are “Locker Room”, “Jolt” and “Jungle Juice.” These items can be purchased at the baths, online, or at an adult book store. They should not, however, be used with Viagra because this mixture can cause serious health problems or death for users.

9) Gay bathhouse employees tend to keep a list of visitors who cause trouble, fight, create disturbances, or who otherwise make it onto the manager’s 86‘d list, so it’s best to act civilized while at the baths. This includes showing respect to employees and patrons, respecting the facilities and bathhouse property, and making sure that your room is left relatively clean upon checkout. Bathhouse attendants tend to keep track of visitors who abuse bathhouse property, and those visitors are usually banned from future visits or reprimanded. The best bet is to treat the bathhouse as though it is your own property.

Sticking to these gay bathhouse guidelines will not only help you enjoy a quality visit now, but will contribute to more enjoyable future visits.