Why Should I Invest In A Hot Tub For My Holiday Let ?
Since the rise of Airbnb and the recent increasing popularity of staycations in England, property owners are finding they have to do more and more in order for their short-let to stand out from the crowd.
Between April 2016 and May 2019, the number of active listings on Airbnb tripled, from around 76,000 to over 225,000. The subsequent popularity of staycations has meant this figure is only increasing and competition is fierce to keep a steady stream of guests visiting your holiday let.
A great way of increasing the value of your holiday home is by investing in a hot tub, but what exactly are the benefits?
Stand out from the crowd
As we mentioned, holiday let hosts are having to get increasingly creative to maintain the popularity of their holiday homes. Having a hot tub is a luxury investment that not every holiday host is willing to make.
It’s never been easier for guests to find homes with a hot tub, thanks to Airbnb’s new filtering options.
Make sure to situate your hot tub in a natural sunspot, and to go the extra mile, you could build an outdoor bar nearby.
Enhances low-season bookings
It’s no secret that seasonality plays a large part in the holiday letting market. Increase those low-season bookings by investing in a hot tub to keep guests warm and relaxed in the winter months!
All year-round attraction
A hot tub can be used all year round and tends to attract guests during all four seasons so that they can relax in the comfort of their own home away from home whatever the weather.
Increased value for guests
Lastly, the presence of a hot tub can also contribute to the overall value and appeal of your holiday let, potentially increasing its market value and rental rates.
Guests are often willing to pay a premium for properties that offer exceptional amenities and a truly luxurious experience, making the investment in a hot tub a strategic and financially rewarding decision.
What about the maintenance ?
In order to keep your hot tub in prime condition for guests and comply with legal requirements, you will need to consider the following:
Servicing your hot tub
Make sure you book an annual servicing of your hot tub to ensure your investment stands the test of time and is in prime working condition for guests. A specialist will ensure your hot tube is in working order, change the water filter and usually provide a deep clean service too.
Cleaning your hot tub
Cleaning is vital from a health and safety perspective but also for prolonging the lifespan of your hot tub. Hot tubs need to be drained completely, then all surfaces deep cleaned. When refilling the tub, you will need to ensure the PH levels of chlorine and bromine are correct to keep the water as clean as possible.
Think twice before using regular household cleaning products, as these can be damaging to the tub and irritating to guests using the tub! If in doubt, always use hot tub-specific cleaning products.
Checking sanitation/ PH levels
Your hot tub’s PH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and the level can be increased with PH increaser granules. Outside of these levels, guests can suffer skin irritation and eye burn. Anything more acidic can actually damage the tub so it’s important to keep an eye on this.
To maintain sanitation between deep cleans, you can insert a small diffuser of hot tube-safe sanitiser to keep the water cleaner for longer.
HSG282 compliance
In order to comply with legal requirements, your hot tub will need to be HG282 compliant. This is to control the potential spread of legionella and other infectious diseases.
Overall, hot tubs are a sizeable financial investment for holiday let hosts, and require regular cleaning and maintenance. However, they provide plenty of benefits including increased guest satisfaction and low-season bookings and are a worthy addition to any holiday let.
Choosing the right hot tub for your holiday let
When it comes to selecting the perfect hot tub for your holiday let, there are several factors to consider. The size, features, and energy efficiency of the hot tub can all have a significant impact on your guests' experience and your overall investment.
Picking the right size
First and foremost, you'll need to determine the ideal size for your holiday let. The number of guests you typically accommodate will play a crucial role in this decision.
A hot tub that's too small may feel cramped and uncomfortable, while one that's too large may be a waste of space and resources.
Consider the amount of guests you plan on being able to host in your holiday let and go from there, you do not need to be able to seat everyone, but you have to be able to accommodate at least 70% as a rule.
Cost efficient
Energy efficiency is also a crucial factor when selecting a hot tub for your holiday let.
Look for models that are designed with energy-saving features, such as:
high-density insulation.
efficient heating systems.
low-wattage pumps.
This will not only reduce your operating costs but also contribute to your property's overall sustainability and environmental impact.
Adding a hot tub to your holiday let: Costs and installation
Investing in a hot tub for your holiday let can be a significant financial decision, but the potential benefits often outweigh the initial costs. The total cost of adding a hot tub to your property can vary depending on several factors, including the size, features, and installation requirements.
The Hot Tub
The cost of the hot tub itself can range from a few thousand pounds for a basic model to upwards of £10,000 for a high-end, feature-rich unit, but you can buy an inflatable hot tub for as little as £500 and most work very well for guests if they are properly set up.
In addition to the hot tub's purchase price, you'll also need to factor in the cost of installation, which can range from £500 to £2,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the project.
Electrical considerations
One of the key considerations when adding a hot tub to your holiday let is the electrical and plumbing requirements. Most hot tubs require a dedicated electrical circuit and may need to be connected to your property's water and drainage system.
Depending on the layout of your holiday let and the location of the hot tub, this can involve extensive electrical and plumbing work, which can add significantly to the overall cost.
Location at the property
To minimise the installation costs, it's essential to carefully plan the location of the hot tub and ensure that it's easily accessible for both guests and maintenance.
Consider factors such as proximity to the main living areas, access to electricity and water, and the overall aesthetic integration with the property's design.
Holiday Let Management
If you are interested in hassle free holiday let management for your holiday let property, get in touch and we can provide expertise on income, occupancy & make your investment hands off.