Running Hot Tubs for Airbnb Landlords: What You Need to Know

A guide on if it is worth getting a hot-tub for your holiday let and all the important information you need to know.

Is it worth getting a hot tub?

1. Do Hot Tubs Boost Bookings?

Yes — definitely. Hot tubs get more clicks and interest because Airbnb is all about creating an experience. A hot tub is a luxury feature that most people don’t have at home, so it instantly adds appeal.

  • Increased nightly rate potential
  • Higher weekend and off-season demand
  • Better visibility on platforms (“hot tub” is one of the most searched filters)
  • Year-round occupancy — especially valuable during colder months

2. Legal and Safety Requirements

Running a hot tub in a holiday let comes with clear responsibilities, and in the UK these are guided by HSG282 standards. To stay compliant and protect both guests and landlords, it’s essential to:

  • Empty and clean the hot tub after each guest turnover to ensure fresh water every stay.
  • Balance chemicals correctly each time and record the results.
  • Take photos of chemical readings as evidence before every new stay.
  • Display clear signage and instructions near the hot tub so guests know how to use it safely.
  • Include hot tub terms in the rental agreement, signed by guests before check-in, confirming they understand safety rules and liability.
  • Keep maintenance records and logs of cleaning, testing, and filter changes for accountability.

This not only protects guest health but also safeguards you legally and ensures the hot tub remains a positive feature, not a risk.

3. The Cost vs. Return

Installing a hot tub typically costs £2,500–£6,000 depending on the model and shelter. While it can add £50–£150 per night to your rates, the biggest value isn’t just in the price uplift — it’s in the occupancy boost.

  • Higher Occupancy Year-Round – Hot tubs keep bookings strong in the low season when many properties struggle to fill.
  • Premium Pricing – Even if the uplift mainly covers running costs, the extra bookings quickly repay the investment.
  • Better Guest Perception – Hot tubs increase perceived value, leading to stronger reviews and repeat bookings.
  • Stand Out From Competition – Especially powerful for rural retreats, romantic getaways, and luxury stays where the “experience” is key.

In short: a hot tub not only increases your nightly rate, it makes your property booked more often, which is where the real return lies.

4. Setting Clear Guest Rules for Hot Tub Use

Safety First

  • No glass or food in the hot tub area to prevent accidents, injuries, and water contamination.
  • Children must always be supervised.
  • Safety signs are displayed outside the property and near the hot tub with clear rules for guests.
  • Guests must sign a rental agreement confirming they understand the safety rules, UK laws, and liability terms.
  • We take a damage deposit and verify guest ID. Any damage caused must be paid for by the guest.
  • We are not liable for any accidents resulting from misuse of the hot tub.

Hygiene Practices

  • Guests must shower before use to help keep water clean and extend the life of the filtration system.
  • Limit each hot tub session to 15–20 minutes to avoid overheating and preserve water quality.
  • Staff must carry out a risk assessment at every turnover: check chemical balance, remove hazards, and follow the cleaning/refill process outlined in the training presentation.

Behaviour Guidelines

  • Clear safety signs (purchased from Amazon or suppliers) must be displayed outside and near the hot tub with all usage rules.
  • These same rules are included in the rental agreement signed by guests before arrival.
  • Signs serve as both a reminder for guests and a liability safeguard for us.

Maximum Occupancy

  • The maximum number of people allowed in the tub at one time must be clearly stated (typically 4–6, depending on size).
  • Overcrowding reduces water quality, stresses the system, and increases risk of accidents.Summary

Summary

Hot tubs are one of the most powerful add-ons you can invest in for a holiday let. When managed properly, they aren’t just a “nice extra” they become a major asset to the property.

Yes, a hot tub can add £50–£150 per night to your rates, but that uplift often just covers the running costs and maintenance. The real financial benefit is in the occupancy boost. Properties with hot tubs consistently fill more dates, especially in colder months and off-season periods where others struggle. That’s where the return comes from.

Alongside the financial upside, hot tubs also:

  • Improve visibility on booking platforms (one of the most searched filters).
  • Increase perceived value, leading to stronger reviews and repeat bookings.
  • Allow you to market your property as a premium, experience-led stay that stands out in competitive markets.
  • Build trust with guests and landlords alike when managed safely under HSG282 standards, with clear signage, agreements, and proper maintenance records.

In short: a hot tub done right isn’t just about charging more per night it’s about keeping your calendar full, maximising occupancy, and positioning your property as a premium choice all year round.

Hot Tub Care: Emptying, Refilling & Balancing pH for Cleaners

A comprehensive guide for cleaning professionals on maintaining hot tubs to ensure safety, longevity and customer satisfaction. This presentation covers the complete process from draining to refilling and proper chemical balancing.

Why Hot Tub Care is Important

✅ Guest Safety

  • Clean water prevents bacteria, viruses, and skin irritations.
  • Proper chemical balance keeps water safe to use.

✅ Guest Experience

  • Clear, fresh water makes the hot tub inviting and enjoyable.
  • A well-maintained tub leads to better reviews.

✅ Protects the Hot Tub

  • Prevents damage to pumps, filters, and surfaces caused by dirty or untreated water.
  • Regular care extends the life of the equipment.

✅ Legal & Hygiene Standards

  • Holiday lets must meet health & safety requirements.
  • Regular cleaning shows professionalism and avoids complaints.

All equipment needed

Filter System

The filter system traps dirt, oils, hair, and debris from the water as it circulates. Keeping the filter clean is essential for clear water, proper chemical balance, and preventing damage to the hot tub’s pumps.

Chlorine / Bromine Granules & Tablets

These are the sanitising chemicals used to keep the hot tub water safe and hygienic. They kill bacteria, control algae, and maintain clean, clear water. Granules dissolve quickly for fast adjustments, while tablets dissolve slowly to provide a steady release of protection.

pH+ and pH-

These chemicals balance the acidity and alkalinity of the hot tub water.

  • pH+ (pH Increaser): Raises the pH level if the water is too acidic.
  • pH- (pH Reducer): Lowers the pH level if the water is too alkaline.

Keeping pH balanced is important to protect the hot tub equipment, make sanitiser (bromine/chlorine) work effectively, and keep the water comfortable for guests’ skin and eyes.

Hot Tub Spray & Cloths

Hot tub spray is a specialised cleaner designed to remove dirt, oils, and residue from the shell of the spa without damaging the surface. Used together with soft cloths, it helps keep the hot tub hygienic, streak-free, and looking fresh for the next guests.

Chlorine Dispenser

A chlorine dispenser (often called a floating dispenser) slowly releases chlorine or bromine tablets into the water. This keeps sanitiser levels consistent between cleans, helping to control bacteria and maintain safe, clear water without the need for constant manual dosing.

Filter Cleaner Attachment

The filter cleaner attachment connects to a hose and is used to deep clean hot tub filters. The multiple nozzles spray water between the pleats of the filter, removing trapped dirt, oils, and debris quickly and efficiently. Regular use keeps filters working properly, ensures clean water circulation, and extends the life of the filter.

Hose Pipe (Near Hot Tub)

The hose pipe is used to refill the hot tub with fresh water after it has been drained and cleaned. Positioning it near the hot tub makes the refill process quick and convenient. The hose should be placed into the filter housing when filling so the water flows correctly through the system and helps prevent airlocks.

Spa Hoover

A spa hoover is a handheld vacuum designed to remove leaves, grit, hair, and other small debris from the bottom of the hot tub. It helps keep the water clear, prevents blockages in the filter system, and ensures the hot tub looks clean and inviting for guests.

Video tutorial

This video will guide you step by step on how to empty, refill, and balance the chlorine and pH levels.

Hot Tub Cleaning & Refill – Step by Step Overview

  1. Switch Off
  1. Hoover Debris
  1. Drain the Water
  1. Clean the Hot Tub
  1. Remove Rinse Water
  1. Remove Filter
  1. Clean the Filter
  1. Refill the Hot Tub
  1. Add filter back in hot tub
  1. Turn hot tub back on
  1. Add Bromine
  1. Add PH +
  1. Water Testing & Chemical Balancing
  1. One last Hoover
  1. Put chlorine dispenser in hot tub
  1. Close the lid

Step 1

Switch Off

  • Turn off the hot tub using the main switch so it is no longer running.


Step 2

Hoover Debris

  • Use the spa hoover to remove any bits or dirt from the water before draining.

Step 3

Drain the Water

  • Place the submersible pump inside the centre of the tub and pump the water out onto grass or an area where it can spread and dissolve.
  • This process from fully full to empty should take around 25 minutes.

Step 4

Clean the Hot Tub

  • Once empty, spray the inside of the tub with hot tub cleaner and scrub thoroughly with a cloth.
  • Once you have sprayed and clean the whole of the inside of the hot-tub, use your hose and filter attatchemnt to rinse away all cleaner residue.

Step 5

Remove Rinse Water

  • Push all the water into the middle of the hot-tub.
  • Then use the submersible pump again to remove the rinse water so the tub is completely empty ready to be filled up.

Step 6

Remove Filter

  • Take out the filter system carefully and set it aside.

Step 7

Clean the Filter

  • Jet wash the filter using your hose and attachment to remove dirt.
  • Make sure it is fully clean, if need be grab a spare filter in the spot you was shown at the property.

Step 8

Refill the Hot Tub

  • Place a hose directly into the filter housing without the filter and begin refilling.
  • This will take around 30–45 minutes. Water level should sit above the top jet as shown on picture below.

Step 9

Add filter back in hot tub

  • Pick up your clean filter.
  • Screw the clean filter into the housing spot until it is fully tight.

Step 10

Turn hot tub back on

  • Turn the Button on at the spot shown to activate the tub, wait until you hear it running.

Step 11

Add Bromine

  • Run the jets and add 1 lidfuls of bromine. Let it run for around 15 minutes so it can dissolve and be pushed around the tub.
  • If unsure better to put too little at the start as we can add more later on.

Step 12

Add PH +

  • Run the jets again and add a lidful of pH+.
  • Leave for another 15 minutes to dissolve the PH in the tub.

Step 13

Water Testing & Chemical Balancing

  • Put the dip stick in vertically for a one second.
  • Then check pH, alkalinity, and bromine levels.
  • You can check if they are correct by matching the colours to those shown on the box as shown on pictures below and video.
  • If pH is high, add pH–. If pH is low, add pH+. Adjust until test strip colours are balanced.

Step 14

One last Hoover

  • Give the spa one last hoover to remove any final debris.

Step 15

Put chlorine dispenser in hot tub

  • Put the two chlorine tablets into the dispenser.
  • Then place the dispenser into the hot-tub.
  • Note (these are chlorine tablets and not the granules).

Step 16

Close the lid

  • Close the lid securely — the hot tub is now ready for the next guests.

Final notes

Emptying, refilling, and balancing the chemicals in a hot tub typically takes around 1.5–2 hours, and the water usually needs 12–15 hours to fully heat back up. For back-to-back guest stays, we let guests know the tub will be ready the following day, and we provide complimentary wine and biscuits as a gesture to make up for the delay.

On some changeovers, a full empty and refill may not be necessary. In many cases, you can simply remove and clean the filter system, hoover the remaining water to clear debris, and the hot tub will be guest-ready again. You can also use Foam Away, which quickly removes bubbles caused by moisture and oils.

Every month, we run a whirlpool cleaner (200ml) directly through the system with the filter removed. This deep cleans the internal pipework and jets, removing any build-up from repeated use.