Splish, Splash, Vroom... Grown Up Tub Toys

Come into my bathroom. It's 7 PM and I've just gotten home from work. I'm tired, I'm stressed, and I want to relax and blow off steam. The perfect place for me to go is my bathtub, which I fill with warm water softened by or bath salts, scented candles burning on the edge of the tub, a good CD on the stereo and, of course, accompanied by my collection of waterproof vibrators.

I love waterproof toys! They're potent, portable and extremely versatile: while they're great for solo use, they can also be used for some of the most arousing partner play ever. They can relax or arouse you, stimulate, titillate or sedate you after a long, hard day. And best of all, they clean up easily. If you haven't ever tried a waterproof toy, this Bulletin will give you some ideas for getting started and help you find the perfect waterproof toy for you!

Waterproof Toys in the Tub
My affinity for tub toys probably stems from my intense love of sweet-smelling, relaxing bubble baths. I can't think of a better way to improve on a sudsy bath then to add a sensual vibrator or two. If you want to relax, nothing is better than massaging your erogenous zones with a vibrator while soaking the rest of your body in a warm tub. Men, this works for you too! Any waterproof slimline vibrator will feel erotic if you run it over your shaft or down your thighs. And if you're a woman, the reclined position of your body in the bathtub means you're perfectly aligned for penetration with your vibrator.

There's only one drawback to using a toy in the tub: unless you have a posh bathtub for two, partner play can be limited. However, there are ways to get around a tiny tub. My husband and I have found that one of the best methods of foreplay is for him to sit by the tub and arouse me with a vibrator while I soak. We often begin with him washing my hair, and then we move on to vibrator play. Sometimes we hardly make it out of the bathroom before making love!

Waterproof Toys in the Shower
You'd be surprised at how many women have a waterproof vibe hanging on their shower knob or tucked in their shower basket. Again, for both men and women, external stimulation with a waterproof vibrator can be the ultimate experience in the shower. Many women have told me that having your lover use a larger, penetrating waterproof vibrator on you in the shower is the most amazing experience ever (unfortunately, my shower is too small for my husband and I to try this one!).

Another wonderful trick is to change the water temperature on your lover as you arouse them. I know a man whose lover enjoyed caressing him with a vibrator while she took the water from seductively hot to shockingly cold, and then back to hot again. He said the stimulation of the temperature, along with the vibrator, was so intense that he asked her to do it so often that she finally had to start saying no!

Waterproof Toys in the Hot Tub or Pool
On a dark night, the erotic combination of the hot Jacuzzi and the cold swimming pool can be incredible -- imagine how delicious it would be to add a waterproof vibrator to the scenario! Keep one thing in mind: the chlorine and chemicals in a hot tub or pool can erode or damage certain toy materials. In chemically treated waters, jelly, Cyberskin^TM and toys crafted from similar "lifelike" materials die quickly; it might be better to stick to slimline plastic massagers, pocket rockets or vibrating sponges, all of which are more resilient to harsh chemicals (and slightly less expensive!).

Once you find your perfect toy, try playing a version of Marco Polo with your partner. Like the game you played as a kid, you close your eyes while your partner swims around you. When you call "Marco!," your partner responds with "Polo!" Once you locate your partner, he or she rewards you with a touch from a vibrating toy. The difference? You have to keep your eyes closed so you don't know where you're going to be touched! Your partner can even leave the vibrator running so you can hear it and have an easier time finding your sweetie. My husband and I love this water sport!

Waterproof Toys in the Ocean
Remember the ocean has waves. If you don't want to lose your toy, you might want to equip your toy with a wrist strap. Also, salt and other elements in the ocean can easily erode many sex toy materials. Take the same precautions as you would in the pool or spa. That said, some of my best vacation memories are of being out in the waves, away from the beach, while my husband caressed me with a vibrator.

Lubricants & Water!
We always recommend using lubricant with any toy, but never more so than the water, which can quickly wash away natural lubrication. If you've ever had unlubricated sex, you know what a dry proposition that is; one that leaves you with a raw, chafing sensation. The moral of the story? ALWAYS use a lubricant when you're mixing love play with water, whether or not you're using sex toys.

When selecting a lubricant to use with water, you MUST remember one very important thing: don't select a water-based lubricant! Water-based lubricants are designed to dissolve in water for easy clean up. Once you get a water-based lube into water it disappears, leaving you drier than before. Our pick? A silicone lubricant, such as Pjur Silicone , is ideal for water play because it keeps its consistency for long periods of time in an aquatic environment. Trust me: don't purchase a waterproof toy without a silicone lubricant!

A Few Quick Notes on Waterproof Toys!
Finally, a few quick tips on keeping your waterproof toys lasting and perky:
Before you use the toy in an intimate area, always, always, always check the battery pack to make sure there isn't a defect. Turn the vibrator on and run it under the faucet. If it doesn't start smoking or sputtering, you're probably safe. Defects do happen and it's much better to catch them in your kitchen sink than in the hot tub on a moonlit night with your lover.

Your waterproof toys will last longer if you dry them off after each use, especially if they're made of a jelly material. Also, your batteries will last much longer if you store them outside of the vibrator after each use. Always remember that water carries sound well and makes even the quietest vibrator louder! There are no quiet and discreet vibrators in the water. Cleaning waterproof toys is easier than cleaning any other toy around! Just run them under a warm faucet after use. In fact, many of them can be run right through the dishwasher. In the end, waterproof toys are just like all love toys -- they can be relaxing or stimulating, a solo experience or a shared time with your partner. They store and clean up easily, are great for vacations and even look cool in your bathroom. So build up your toy collection and play in the water. I promise you'll love the feeling!