Many portable Bluetooth speakers are rated waterproof, so they survive the pool. What the rating doesn’t promise is that they’ll sound good straight after. Water sitting in the grille or on the passive radiators (those rubbery panels on the ends of many models) makes everything sound flat and wobbly.
Shake and drain first
Hold the speaker with the grille facing down and give it a few gentle shakes. Then stand it on its end on a towel for a few minutes so water can run off.
Play a cleaning tone through it
This works just like on a phone, and often better, because a Bluetooth speaker has a bigger driver. Connect your phone to the speaker, open the phone speaker cleaner, and run the water mode at a medium-high volume. Many people notice water spitting out of the grille within seconds. Watch the passive radiators, too; they’ll flick off droplets as they move.
Keep the volume sensible
Unlike a phone, a big Bluetooth speaker can play a low tone very loudly. You don’t need full blast. Medium to high is plenty, and it’s kinder to your ears and your neighbours.
Dry the charging port before charging
This matters most. Waterproof speakers are usually only waterproof with the port flap closed, and some have open ports that are rated only when dry. Leave the speaker to air-dry before plugging it in. Charging a wet port is how corrosion starts.
Salt and chlorine
After the sea or a chlorinated pool, many manufacturers suggest a gentle rinse in fresh water so salt or chemicals don’t dry on the grille. Check your speaker’s manual first, then dry and run the tone as above.
