David Lloyd Spa Etiquette: What the Rules Actually Say
Spa etiquette at David Lloyd is mostly common sense, but a lot of it is also written down. The membership terms set out what you can and cannot do in the pool, sauna, steam room and spa, from showering first to filming. This guide covers those written rules, where members say the friction usually comes from, and what to do if someone breaks them.
The Written Spa, Sauna and Steam Room Rules
These come from David Lloyd’s published membership terms, which apply to every member and guest. Individual clubs also display their own signs, and the terms say you must follow those too.
Changing Room and Pool Etiquette
The terms ask members to behave appropriately, respectfully and politely, and to dress appropriately, for example by not wearing a swimsuit in the clubroom. The club can ask you to leave if it thinks your behaviour or appearance is not suitable.
Children and Age Limits
Children aged 15 or under must not use the sauna, steam room or spa. Children aged 8 and over must use the men’s or women’s changing rooms according to their sex, or a family changing room where the club has one. In the pool, children aged 11 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a member over 18, and one adult should not supervise more than three children at once. Our swimming pool guide covers session times.
Where Members Say the Friction Comes From
The written rules cover the basics, but members tend to raise the same few things: skipping the shower, grooming or skincare in the heat rooms, long sessions at busy times, phones and loud conversation in quiet areas, and differing comfort levels about changing and drying off in open areas.
The terms only ask members to behave and dress appropriately for most of these, so expectations differ from person to person and club to club. Weekday evenings are when members most often report it. Some clubs also restrict spa access at set times, which our facilities guide covers.
What to Do if Someone Breaks the Rules
David Lloyd’s terms say it can suspend or cancel the membership of members who behave inappropriately or abusively. Members report mixed experiences of how quickly clubs act, so put serious concerns in writing.
David Lloyd Spa Etiquette FAQs
Do you have to shower before using the David Lloyd spa?
Yes. David Lloyd’s membership terms require you to shower and use the toilet before entering the pool, spa, steam room or sauna. The rule covers children as well as adults. Staff and lifeguards can ask you to follow it, so showering first avoids any awkward conversations.
Can you shave or exfoliate in the sauna or steam room?
No. The terms do not allow shaving, exfoliating, using oils or conditioners, or eating in the pool, spa, steam room or sauna. Do your grooming in the changing area instead. Staff can ask you to stop if you break the rule.
Can you take photos in the David Lloyd spa or changing rooms?
No. Photographs and video are not allowed in changing areas, the pool, sauna, steam room, spa or toilets. Elsewhere in the club, anyone who appears must know and give permission, and you must not photograph children other than your own. Staff can ask you to stop and may ask to see and delete images after a complaint.
Can children use the David Lloyd spa?
No. Children aged 15 or under must not use the sauna, steam room or spa. Older teenagers are not covered by that rule, but follow your club’s signs. Younger children can use the pool under the supervision rules in the terms.
Can you wear fins or use a snorkel in a David Lloyd pool?
No. The terms do not allow snorkels, masks, fins, flippers, radios or lilos in the club pools. Floats and inflatable items are only allowed at set times, so ask at reception. Fins are common in technique drills at many pools, but here the written rule is a ban.
David Lloyd Spa Etiquette: The Short Version
Shower first, keep grooming out of the heat rooms, leave your phone out of the spa, and follow the signs and staff at your club. The written rules are short, and most friction comes from what they do not spell out. If something goes wrong, tell the duty staff at the time and escalate in writing if needed. Our membership types guide shows which tiers include spa access.
Your turn What unwritten spa rule would you add, or what tip would you give a new member? Share it in the comments below. Please keep it to behaviour and tips rather than individuals, and leave out names, staff and club-specific accusations so we can approve it quickly.
