The best temp is around 80 degrees. Although soaking your snake isn't going to hurt him, it shouldn't be necessary. If your snake is having trouble shedding then his environment needs to be reacessed. Ball Pythons typically do not enjoy baths, and get quite stressed by them. Balls being such timid animals in the first place, you will naturally want to be sure that you can keep all stresses to an absolute minimum. My 2cp