Reciting Verses During Immersion
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Question
It is mentioned in books that certain verses should be recited during immersion in the mikveh. How is it permissible to speak then, as nothing should be a barrier between the heart and the lower body? And is there a difference if the person immersing is alone or when there are others in the mikveh?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
Regarding the recitation of sacred words with an uncovered body, there are two laws. A. Covering the nakedness. B. Barrier between the heart and the nakedness.
Water is considered a covering even though it is transparent. However, it is forbidden to look into the water while reciting sacred words.
When the lower half of the body is in the water, and the heart is outside the water, it is considered a barrier between the heart and the nakedness. However, when the entire body is in the water, it is not a barrier.
Even when the entire body is in the water, one can create a barrier with the arms between the heart and the nakedness. This means hugging the body with the arms without touching the body with the palms.
In the presence of other naked people who are not covered by water, it is forbidden to recite sacred words.
It is important to note points you did not raise: 1. It is forbidden to recite verses without a head covering. 2. It is forbidden to recite verses in an unclean place. And a bathhouse is considered an unclean place.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 200, and commentaries there.