Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Rental Recon
You don’t need a pool or waterfront property to offer your guests the ability to take a dip at your Airbnb. Hot tubs are an ever-more popular amenity these days, and they don’t have to be as costly as you might think.
How does one go about deciding which type of hot tub to add to their vacation rental? With so many on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your needs (and your wallet)! We’re here to break it down for you with Rental Recon’s TOP hot tubs for Airbnb.
What Are the Best Hot Tubs for Airbnb & Vacation Rentals?
- Best Overall: Essential Edgewater Above-Ground Hot Tub
- Best Budget Hot Tub: Inflatable Hot Tub
- Best Budget Spa Experience: Soaking Tub
- Best for Cabins and Cottages: Rustic Style Hot Tub
The Benefits of Buying a Hot Tub for Your Airbnb
As an Airbnb host, you know the secret to attracting guests is how you market your vacation rental. Some Airbnbs have large, well-equipped kitchens and others have warm, cozy fireplaces. A hot tub can certainly make your listing stand out in certain locations by providing your guests with something extra.
Does a Hot Tub Increase Rental Income?
A hot tub can be considered a luxury outdoor amenity, similar to a pool. These types of luxury or upscale amenities allow you to increase the price per night of your vacation rental. You can even create a spa experience for your guests by providing luxurious accessories to go with the hot tub, such as thick bath robes and head and neck pillows.
Airbnb hosts say that they get tons of bookings because of their hot tub and most guests name it as their number one or two reasons for booking. And just wait for the 5-star reviews to come in!
The Difference Between a Hot Tub, Jacuzzi, and In-Ground Spa
A hot tub is an umbrella term for a large tub of hot water in which bathers soak. Some models have jets or bubblers. Jacuzzi is simply a brand name of hot tub. An in-ground spa is basically a hot tub installed in the ground, which gives the hot tub more of a spa look and feel. They all offer hydrotherapy, recreation, and relaxation.
How to Maintain a Hot Tub
Hot tubs require maintenance similar to a pool. Ideally, you would want to use a reliable pool or hot tub cleaning service to handle this for you.
If you want to clean it yourself, you will need to buy special cleaning products, chemical strips, an underwater vacuum, and a surface skimmer. You’ll need to get into all the nooks and crannies of the tub, which is a lot of work. For myAirbnb, I don’t have the knowledge or patience to do this, so experienced cleaners are the way to go!
Is a Hot Tub a Liability for an Airbnb?
Unfortunately, a hot tub at your Airbnb will have some liability issues, such as electric shock, slipping and falling, and drowning hazards. You will want to have a good insurance policy that will cover it. A hot tub will sometimes add a small liability charge to your policy. Also, make sure your policy covers any potential damage to the hot tub.
Have your guests sign a liability release/guest agreement first before they can use the hot tub. The guest agreement can include any rules you would like, such as limiting how many people can be in the hot tub at once.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub for Your Airbnb
Types of Hot Tubs
Hot tubs can be acrylic, rotomolded, inflatable, or in-ground. The pros and cons for each type are described here to help you pick the best hot tub for your Airbnb.
Acrylic
Hot tubs with acrylic shells are the heaviest and most expensive on the market but are also the most durable and long-lasting. They have a wooden or wood imitation exterior with a glossy finish. They are the most popular among Airbnb hosts.
Rotomolded
Rotomolded hot tubs are not as nice looking as acrylic ones, but are less expensive and easier to install. They only need a 110V outlet and are made from lightweight material but are still very durable.
Inflatable
Even more affordable and easy to install (usually only needing a 110V), inflatable or portable hot tubs can be set up anywhere at any time. However, they are not as durable.
In-Ground
In-ground hot tubs, or built-in spas, are set in the ground which gives them a custom and seamless look. Of course, they are the most expensive to install.
Rustic Galvanized or Retrofitted Tub
A fun DIY project is to convert a rustic galvanized or old tub into an outdoor hot tub. There are plenty of websites with specific detailed instructions on how to do this.
Durability
In-ground, rotomolded, and acrylic hot tubs are more durable than inflated ones. They will be more expensive but longer lasting.
Power Outlet Required
Most hot tubs require a 240v outlet, but some inflatable ones use a standard outlet, so depending on which one you are buying and where you plan on putting it, you may need need to run a separate 240v circuit.
Size
You will want to match the size of the hot tub to how many people your Airbnb sleeps. You may get bad reviews if your Airbnb sleeps six people but the hot tub only holds two to four people.
Design
Think about how the hot tub will look in the Airbnb listing picture when choosing a hot tub. A basic, attractive model will probably suffice, but you may want to opt for one that is more stylish and has a sleek profile.
Can You Write Off a Hot Tub for Rental Property?
A hot tub is considered an improvement and any improvements that adds value to your rental property can be used as a tax deduction. Improvements are capital expenses, which means the deduction must be capitalized and depreciated over multiple years.
The Best Hot Tub for Airbnb: Above-Ground Hot Tub
If you aren’t ready to take the plunge (no pun intended) and invest in a built-in hot tub, an above-ground hot tub might be a great option for you.
Amazon.com
- Relax with passive therapy or switch to an invigorating massage at the touch of a button
- Product dimensions – 74” Diameter x 34” H | Weight – 630 lbs. | Water capacity – 300 Gallons | Filter – 50 Square Foot | Gauge – 12
- Relax in minutes by plugging into any standard 120V/15A outlet, GFCI cord included
- True all-season stainless steel Balboa heater for year-round enjoyment | Heavy-duty, insulated tapered cover with locking clips included
They provide all the great features of an in-ground variety and can heat their own water, unlike soaking tubs. They also have a pretty self-contained electrical circuit, so you don’t typically have to worry about running lots of new lines out to your yard.
If a guest is seeking out an Airbnb with a hot tub specifically, they typically won’t differentiate between an above-ground or an in-ground one. After all, once they’re relaxing in the nice hot water and enjoying the massaging jets, they certainly won’t notice the difference!
Above-ground hot tubs are my runner-up pick because they’re great for those who can’t afford or simply don’t want to make a permanent alteration to their home’s yard. They allow you to reap all the benefits of a built-in spa without the commitment or the large price tag.
Best Budget Hot Tub: Inflatable Hot Tub
A bit of a newcomer to the market, inflatable hot tubs are a fantastic choice for the Airbnb owner on a budget. They can be put up and taken down with relative ease as well, meaning you don’t have to deal with the hassle of cleaning and draining a large volume of water nearly as often as with other models.
Amazon.com
- TOTAL RELAXATION: Pampering yourself is easy in this relaxing heated water surrounded by soothing bubble jets; Lean your head back on the included headrests and enjoy the multi-colored LED light system
- FITS UP TO 6 PEOPLE: Provides relaxation at the touch of a button for up to 6 people with the easy-to-use control panel; The easy to use control panel activates the 170 high powered bubble jets surrounding the interior of the spa for a refreshing massage; Dimensions: (L x H): 85 x 28 inches; Cord length: 25 feet
These also heat up their own water, so there is no need to try to finagle a way to funnel hot water out onto your patio in large quantities. They’re even less permanent than above-ground options, making them great choices for people wanting to try out offering a hot tub without committing to a construction project or a large bill.
Rental owners in colder climates can save time and money with an inflatable hot tub as well! You don’t have to worry about maintenance during the colder months because you can simply store the hot tub away. There is the added hassle of inflating and deflating over and over again, but only you can decide if that outweighs the benefits for your situation.
Best for Budget Spa Experience: Soaking Tubs
Soaking tubs are gaining popularity along with a rise in homeopathic remedies and a focus on inner and outer well-being. The benefits of these tubs can be remarkable, so it’s no wonder that guests love when they’re offered as an amenity! Pro tip: place two of them next to each other for a cute couple’s retreat!
Amazon.com
- JAPANESE INSPIRED DESIGN - Inspired by classic Japanese Ofuro style bath tubs, our stand alone round soaking bath tub makes an excellent addition to bathrooms in contemporary or minimalist design.
- VERSATILE CONSTRUCTION - Our freestanding copper bath tubs fit well into smaller bathroom spaces. Outer dimensions - 45" Dia x 36" H. Inner dimensions - 39" Dia x 31" H. Integrated built-in seat dimensions - 24" L x 12" W x 15" H. Our copper soaking tub with a built-in bench seat is a comfortable and stylish choice for your bath time.
The downside to these tubs is that their price can sometimes rival that of a real, functioning hot tub! In the case of soaking tubs, you are paying for a solid and well-crafted piece of metal rather than one made of plastic, rubber, or other synthetic materials.
There is also the issue of filling the tub with hot water. Unlike factory-made hot tubs, these cannot heat their own water. I recommend running a hot water line into your yard in order to make filling them as hassle-free as possible for your guests. This is, of course, an added cost, which is why these tubs don’t perform so well in the price category. They are still much cheaper than a built-in hot tub, however.
Wondering what else you’ll need to provide a spa-like experience for your guests once they get out of the hot tub? Be sure to read all of my TOP Airbnb bathroom essentials HERE!
Best for Cabins and Cottages: Rustic Style Hot Tub
Last but not least, a rustic bathtub out on the deck can still function as a great way to unwind. I find that this works really well in rentals with a more rustic setting such as a cabin or a cottage. Better yet: one with a great view!
As with the soaking tubs, you would need to find some way to fill it with hot water. The most effective way would be to run a hot water line out to wherever the tub is placed. This could be as simple as having a spigot outside the house, depending on the layout.
Make sure and check out our comprehensive hot tub hosting guide here…>>
