We have had 3 red or cedar wood hot tubs over 35 years, (yes they do wear out), measuring 5' X 5' in a semi-private location during during the day and completely private at night with small external lights for guidance. It canhold 6 people comfortably.
We have a full size gas swimming pool heater for them so the tub can be usable within an hour of deciding. Compared to spas hot tubs contain many times the amount of water so a regular heater would take too much time to get to at least body temperature.
We have always announced that we go in naked and guests are invited to go or not as they wish. Probably 75% of first timers that accept the invitation go naked intitially and those returning for another visit will go naked after that. For first timers there's always a lot discussion about it and a tour of the hot tub area prior to the invitation. My wife's leading the discussion to jump in has freuently been the key to positive decisions.
In discussing the issue with others, the big fear factor for women is the getting into and out of the tub naked; i.e., probably being seen unflatteringly in their opinions. When they see there is no issue at night and people turn to give them privacy in daylight they become more comfortable.
I don't think alcohol is a factor although most evening dips are after dinner so some alcohol has been involved during the evening. Impulse seems to be more of a deciding factor. It just seems like a great way to end a fun evening.
Probably age differences in the guests is the biggest limiting factor in deciding whether to go in at all and whether or not to be covered when doing so.
My wife and I are both in our early 80's so our experiences with first timers have diminished significantly over the last 20 years. Damn it.
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