How a Hot Tub Can Boost Your Airbnb or Vacation Rental Business

Max Piggott

If you let out a holiday property, a hot tub is one of the simplest ways to make your listing more appealing. It gives guests something to look forward to and something to mention in their reviews. Handled well, it can help with occupancy, reviews and the rate you can charge.

Stand out from other listings

Guests browsing Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com have plenty of choice. A hot tub helps your property stand out from similar listings without one.

Why it works:

  • "Hot tub" is an amenity guests can filter for, so it puts your property in front of people looking for it.
  • A good photo of the hot tub makes your listing more eye-catching in search results.
  • Many guests are happy to pay a little more for a private hot tub.

Bookings and revenue

Features like a hot tub can help justify a higher nightly rate. How much difference it makes depends on your location, property and season, so compare similar listings in your area before setting prices.

Where it can help your earnings:

  • Higher nightly rates, as guests pay for the extra comfort
  • Better occupancy outside summer, since a hot tub works in any season
  • More repeat guests who enjoyed their stay

Bookings all year round

A swimming pool mainly appeals in summer. A hot tub works in every season:

  • Winter: a hot soak on a frosty evening is a big draw for winter breaks.
  • Summer: guests can relax in the evening after a day out exploring.
  • Spring and autumn: good for cooler evenings and enjoying the view.

Better guest experience and reviews

Good reviews drive bookings, and a well-kept hot tub is one of the easiest ways to impress guests.

How a hot tub helps your reviews:

  • Guests take photos and share them, which is free publicity.
  • Extras like this often feature in positive reviews.
  • Guests who enjoyed it are more likely to come back.

Make the most of it in your listing

Mention the hot tub clearly in your listing copy. For example:

  • "Relax in our private hot tub under the stars."
  • "Unwind in your own hot tub after a day out."
  • "A private hot tub just for your group."

Listing checklist

  • Use good photos of the hot tub, ideally both day and evening shots.
  • Put "hot tub" in your title and description so it shows up in more searches.
  • Tick it in the amenities section so guests don't miss it.

Appeal to more types of guest

A hot tub broadens who your property appeals to:

  • Couples: romantic breaks and anniversaries
  • Families: something for parents to enjoy once the children are in bed
  • Groups of friends: a natural place to get together
  • Guests looking to relax: a quiet soak at the end of the day

Dealing with maintenance

Some owners worry about the upkeep. With a simple routine it is very manageable:

  • Regular cleaning: make sure the water is clean, fresh and tested for each new guest.
  • Clear instructions: leave a short guide on using the hot tub safely.
  • Use the cover: it keeps debris out and the heat in.

Is a hot tub worth it?

For many holiday let owners, yes. It makes your listing more appealing and gives guests a reason to book, leave a good review and come back. Plan for regular cleaning and water care and it can earn its place.

Hygiene and safety routine for guests

A hot tub at a holiday let is used by different people every week, so it needs a stricter routine than one at home. In the UK, hot tubs used by paying guests fall under the HSE guidance HSG282, which covers risk assessment, water treatment, testing and records. BISHTA has a helpful summary of HSG282 responsibilities.

When Task
Every changeover Test and record sanitiser and pH, check the water is clear, clean the waterline, rinse the filter, check the cover and its locks
During a stay Test and record as often as your risk assessment sets out, or use a service that does this for you
Weekly Chemically clean or swap the filter; many owners keep a spare set so one can be soaked while the other is in use
Regularly Drain, clean and refill, more often than at home because of the higher bather load
Yearly Review the risk assessment and have the spa serviced

Guest instructions to leave

  • Shower before using the hot tub.
  • Maximum number of bathers and recommended soak time.
  • No glass in or near the hot tub.
  • No alcohol before or during use.
  • Children must be supervised, and the water should be 36°C or below for under-12s.
  • You shouldn't use a hot tub while pregnant.
  • Anyone with a medical condition should check with their GP before use.
  • Replace and lock the cover after use.
  • Who to call if there is a problem.

Insurance and booking terms

  • Tell your insurer you have a hot tub and check your public liability cover includes it.
  • State in your house rules that use is at the guest's own risk and subject to the rules above.
  • Explain how the hot tub is cleaned between stays. Guests appreciate knowing.
  • Decide what happens if the hot tub is out of action, so refund disputes are easier to settle.

Running costs vs extra income

Work it out with your own figures:

Item How to estimate
Electricity Your tariff (see the Ofgem price cap) and weekly use
Chemicals and filters Higher than at home; allow for spare filters
Water changes and cleaning time Your own time or a cleaner's
Servicing For example a Gold maintenance service
Extra income The difference in nightly rate between your listing and similar ones without a hot tub, times nights booked, plus any extra off-season bookings

Which models suit rentals

  • Size: match seats to how many guests the property sleeps. The Thunder Bay seats 5 to 6 and the Victoria 6 to 7.
  • Heating: a dedicated 32 amp supply heats faster between changeovers than a 13 amp plug and play spa.
  • Remote control: Wi-Fi control lets you check temperature and lock the spa between stays. See our guide to the Balboa bwa app.
  • Cover: a lockable cover in good condition is essential.

Choosing a hot tub?

Compare our hot tubs and swim spas, or visit our showroom near Gatwick.

Back to blog