Bees respond to the salts and chlorine associated with hot tubs and pools.  Generally, when they are busy collecting pollen, gathering nectar, and building brood, honeybees are nearly unnoticeable.  But, the lack of any real winter here in eastern Washington state, a warm early spring, less than normal hive attrition and larger than normal spring hives, bees can be found near hot tubs and other heated water sources.  As soon as spring buds come along and pollen and/or nectar is widely available, this will not be a problem.  But if you are having problems with your bees frequenting the local spa or if you are finding large amounts  of bees in your hot tub, then there are some steps you can take to mitigate the problem.

First, the bees respond to salts and the chlorine that is carried with the water vapor from these sources.  If you can, simply close off access to the tub.  Otherwise, offer the bees a different source of salts.  Some folks say that keeping a water supply with sea salt will attract bees away from the other sources.  Others place salt blocks near the bee yard or near the water sources.  Then hope for pollen season to kick in so that their time is occupied with their usual activities.