To Hot Tub or Not To Hot Tub?
by Robin Fowler

To hot tub or not to hot tub? That is the question among many vacation rental owners. Is it the best choice for your property?

Should you install a hot tub in your vacation rental? That is one of the big questions that seems to be asked by many vacation rental owners. The truth is, hot tubs are a huge draw to potential renters, and many vacation rental owners report that most of their inquiries ask specifically if the property has a freestanding hot tub. If you are considering installing a hot tub in your rental property, here are a few things to consider:

• A hot tub will add value to your vacation rental property
• A hot tub will give you a leg up with the local competition, meaning that your property might be more appealing to potential renters than others in the area without such an amenity
• A hot tub will make your property more attractive, fun, romantic, etc.
• Many vacationers not only prefer hot tubs in their rentals, but will only rent properties that include them

So, it seems like a no-brainer when it comes to the question of whether to install a hot tub or not. But, you should think about the potential risks and downsides involved, too.

• There will be extra maintenance required. Extra maintenance means extra expense. This includes the cost of having someone maintain and fix the hot tub, as well as the cost of chemicals to keep it safe and hygienic. There is also an increased risk of damage by your renters. You might consider increasing your damage deposit if you put in a hot tub
• Depending on where your property is, there are going to be various building codes and other regulations, such as where you can put the hot tub, the type of arrangement it is in (on a deck, patio, etc.), and dealing with health inspections to make sure that it is safe for your guests to use
• There is an increased liability whenever you have an amenity of this nature on your property. You must take any precautions necessary to safeguard against children or anyone getting hurt in or around the hot tub. This might include installing a temperature timer, a hot tub cover, and detailed instructions for guests. Regular maintenance will help as well

You might be considering installing jetted bathtubs in your vacation rental as a way to get around a full hot tub installation. While these are a very nice touch in a bathroom, keep in mind that they only hold one or two people. Most renters are looking for a hot tub that will hold four or more people, as well as offer a certain type of ambience, such as under the stars on a deck or patio. Having a hot tub also seems to be somewhat of a necessity for properties located in colder climates where guests enjoy skiing.

A hot tub can be a great investment and excellent addition to your vacation rental property. In the vacation rental ownership game, it seems that hot tubs are the way to go. If you decide to install one on your property, know the risks and expenses of having one, and know that you will be offering renters one more amenity that will help your property stand out from the rest!