Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Rental Recon
Adding a hot tub to your Airbnb property is a bit like having a love affair. There’s the initial excitement, the thrill of attracting more guests, but oh, the maintenance—it’s like navigating the highs and lows of a relationship. It’s not all champagne bubbles and candlelit soaks; there’s work involved.
Think of it as a potential game-changer, a feature that could elevate your property to the top of guests’ wish lists. But, and it’s a significant but, it’s not all about the glory. The hot tub demands attention, commitment, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet.
Consider the costs, both financial and in terms of your time and effort. It’s a question of balance—balancing the allure of a hot tub against the commitment it requires. So, before you dive into the world of hot tub hosting, weigh the enchanting allure of bubbly delights against the realities of maintenance. Only then can you decide if the love affair with your hot tub is truly worth it.
Ensuring a Safe Soak: Does Vacation Rental Insurance Cover Hot Tubs?
When considering the inclusion of a hot tub in your Airbnb property, it’s crucial to review your insurance coverage to ensure you’re adequately protected in the event of accidents or liabilities related to the hot tub. Proper Insurance, a specialized insurance company catering to short-term rental hosts, offers policies designed to address the unique risks associated with hosting.
Their coverage includes protection for damage to your property, liability coverage for injuries or accidents that may occur on the premises, and coverage for personal property within the rental. However, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy, as coverage specifics can vary.
Hosts should communicate with their insurance provider, explicitly mentioning the presence of a hot tub, to confirm that their policy adequately covers any associated risks. Taking these precautions helps hosts mitigate potential financial and legal challenges, offering peace of mind when providing a hot tub amenity to guests.
To Drain or Not to Drain: Balancing Conservation and Cleanliness
Maintaining a hot tub requires a delicate balance between conserving resources and ensuring a clean and enjoyable experience for your guests. Regular maintenance is key, but the decision to drain the hot tub after each use depends on various factors.
Consider installing a hot water spigot near the hot tub to speed up the refilling process. This is particularly useful for hosts with same-day turnarounds, ensuring the hot tub is ready for the next guests. Check your water heater capacity to avoid long wait times for refilling.
Same-day turnarounds pose a unique challenge in terms of heating time. The time it takes to heat a hot tub can vary based on factors such as the size of the hot tub, the starting water temperature, and the power of the heater. Smaller hot tubs, designed for 2-4 people, typically heat up faster than larger ones intended for 6 or more people. Higher-wattage heaters can heat the water more quickly, and well-insulated hot tubs retain heat better.
As a rough estimate, it may take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to heat a cold hot tub from the ambient temperature to the desired temperature of around 100-104°F (38-40°C). If the hot tub is kept at a reasonable temperature and guests want to increase it, the additional heating time might be around 1-2 hours.
Scheduling heating cycles in advance can ensure the hot tub is at the right temperature for your next set of guests. Encouraging guests to plan ahead for hot tub usage can also help optimize heating times.
Incorporating Guest Feedback: Tips and Insights from the Airbnb Community
As part of the Airbnb hosting community, I’ve come across various comments from hosts facing similar dilemmas. Let’s delve into some real-life situations:
- Inflatables vs. Permanent Hot Tubs: Inflatables can be a good temporary solution, but investing in a permanent hot tub might enhance your property value in the long run.
- Navigating Maintenance Costs: Maintenance costs can vary significantly. It’s crucial to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re not overpaying for services.
- Leveraging a Hot Tub for Higher Rates: Some hosts have found success in increasing their nightly rates by offering a hot tub experience. This could be a valuable investment that sets your property apart.
Get Professional Hot Tub Servicing for Your Airbnb?
The average cost for a professional hot tub service can vary based on factors such as location, the extent of services provided, and the frequency of maintenance. Typically, hosts can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 or more per visit for routine hot tub maintenance.
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs associated with a hot tub service:
- Routine Maintenance Visit:
- Basic routine maintenance, including cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks, might cost between $75 and $150 per visit.
- Draining and Refilling:
- If a hot tub requires draining and refilling, additional costs may apply. This can range from $150 to $350, depending on the size of the hot tub and the specific services provided.
- Emergency Calls:
- Some services may charge extra for emergency calls or unscheduled visits. Emergency call fees can range from $75 to $150 or more.
- Additional Repairs:
- If the hot tub requires repairs or replacement parts, additional costs will be incurred. Repair costs can vary widely based on the nature of the issue.
- Contract or Subscription Plans:
- Some hot tub service companies offer contract or subscription plans that cover regular maintenance visits for a fixed monthly or annual fee.
It’s important for hosts to inquire about the specific services included in the quoted price, whether it covers emergency calls, and if there are any additional charges for specific tasks. Additionally, hosts should consider obtaining quotes from multiple service providers to ensure competitive pricing.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a professional hot tub service should align with the host’s budget, level of expertise, and the desire to provide a well-maintained and enjoyable amenity for Airbnb guests.
Hot Tub Rash Awareness: Ensuring Guest Comfort
Occasionally, hosts receive feedback about skin irritations, commonly referred to as hot tub rash.
Hot tub rash, or dermatitis, is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For Airbnb hosts, it’s crucial to prevent this by:
- Water Maintenance: Ensure proper levels of sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. Regularly test and balance the water chemistry.
- Clean Water Sources: Use clean water to fill the hot tub. Regularly drain and replace the water to avoid bacterial overgrowth.
- User Hygiene: Educate guests on proper hot tub use. Encourage showering before entering, and discourage the use of lotions or oils.
- Filtration: Maintain a well-functioning filtration system to effectively remove bacteria.
Promptly address any reports of skin irritation, and conduct water testing if needed. These practices contribute to a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience for Airbnb guests.
Educate your guests about the proper use of the hot tub and the importance of reporting any skin issues immediately. This not only ensures their safety but also contributes to the overall positive experience.
Airbnb Hot Tub Rules: Setting the Standards for a Safe Soak
Establishing clear rules for your hot tub is essential to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all your guests. Here’s a set of guidelines that you might find useful:
- Glass-Free Zone: For safety reasons, no glassware or bottles are allowed in or around the hot tub area. Provide plastic or acrylic drinkware for guests.
- Time Limits: To allow all guests the chance to enjoy the hot tub, request that they limit their soak time to a specified duration, e.g., 30 minutes.
- No Solo Soaks: For safety reasons, guests should refrain from using the hot tub alone. Always have a buddy, especially during nighttime use.
- Shower Before Soaking: Maintain water quality and hygiene by requesting all guests to take a quick shower before entering the hot tub.
- Keep It Clean: Avoid using oils, lotions, or any substances that might affect water quality. Guests should not add personal cleaning products to the hot tub.
- No Diving or Horseplay: To prevent accidents and injuries, guests should refrain from diving or engaging in rough play in and around the hot tub.
- Children Policy: Establish a strict policy that children under a specified age, e.g., 12, are not allowed in the hot tub. Remind guests to supervise their children accordingly.
- Video Surveillance: Enhance safety and security by mentioning that the hot tub area is under video surveillance. This is to ensure compliance with rules and the protection of all guests and the host’s property.
- Respect Quiet Hours: If the hot tub is in a shared space, remind guests to be mindful of quiet hours and keep noise levels to a minimum during designated times.
- Emergency Procedures: In case of an emergency or if guests witness any unsafe behavior, they should contact you immediately. Provide emergency services contact information for medical emergencies.
We utilize this signage at our properties that have hot tubs.
By incorporating these tips and rules into your hot tub hosting experience, you can create a safe, enjoyable, and memorable stay for your guests. Happy hosting!
Make sure and check out our best hot tubs for hosts here…>>
