Many State College couples are celebrating Valentine's Day with a new tradition -- a bubbly, relaxing, quiet evening in a hot tub at Nittany Hot Springs.

Jon Boyles (senior-mechanical engineering) and Page Langhorne (junior-elementary education) celebrated at Nittany Hot Springs, 511 E. Calder Way, Saturday night. The two said they enjoyed their first visit on Boyles' birthday and decided to come back again for Valentine's Day.

"We're trying to make it a tradition," Boyles said.

Couples account for most of the customers at Nittany Hot Springs, Assistant Manager Chad Karp said.

Karp said couples began calling as early as November to reserve hot tubs for Valentine's Day.

"We were booked up for Valentine's Day a month ago," he said.

While couples especially enjoy the springs, the facility accommodates larger groups as well.

Karp said each of the seven small tubs can hold up to six people, and the big tub holds up to 10 people comfortably. Even larger groups have rented the big tub, he said.

Although the tubs are in private rooms, any group can rent all eight tubs at once, he said.

Scott McCarron (junior-labor industrial relations) said his fraternity, Psi Upsilon, 232 E. Nittany Ave., rented five tubs and TVs for Super Bowl Sunday. McCarron said the group of 18 had a great time watching the game.

People can rent tubs at an hourly rate, and special group rates are available, Karp said. People should call a day or two in advance if they want to rent a tub for the weekend, he said.

Tubs are usually available on shorter notice during weekdays, he added.

McCarron and Jennifer Witoshkin (junior-human development and family studies) rented a tub Tuesday night. Witoshkin, a member of Penn State International Dancers, said she goes to Nittany Hot Springs when her muscles are sore from dancing.

"I come to Nittany Hot Springs to de-stress all the time," she said. "I live here."

Each room is equipped with a three-jet-speed tub, a private outdoor patio, and a shower. A stereo-cassette player is also provided and, for an extra $1 an hour, couples can rent a TV.

Weekend rentals are $10 an hour per person; the third and fourth person are free. The fifth through the 20th person costs $2 an hour per person. Gift certificates, good for one year after they are purchased, cost $10.