I agree with randy if a ball python cant get the tail section off it could restrict the circulation. I always soak Jojo in warm water the way i guage it if it feels too hot it probably is. I make the water cool enough to where i can put my hand in it and it doesnt feel hot. Usually tap water is around 78 degrees. But when i do soak Jojo i always put a branch in the sterilite container i use that way he can climb out and soak up the humidity if he wants sometimes he will lay right in the water and just stay there. He will also drink if he is thirsty and 80% of the time he will leave behind a little yellow surprize. I sometimes put a heat pad under the sterilite set on low to increase the water temp to make the water evaporate faster and create more relative humidity.

But i agree with Will if a ball python wants to soak then it will just be sure to provide a big enough bowl. I use a small cat litter pan (its cheap and easy to clean) for jojo since he is 36" long and for Coco i use a 6" plastic pot base and both of them take advantage of it. Also periodic misting could help greatly with shedding.