Hot Tub? Good Idea?

Question

Hello BP Community.  We have a STR with a small back yard, not big enough for a pool, but big enough for a hot tub.  Thinking of the phrase, "Keeping up with the Joneses", we are contemplating adding a hot tub, because Airbnb is reporting that properties with pools and hot tubs get twice as many bookings.  I'm just wondering what y'all think about it.  Good idea?  Any risks that we should know about?  What has been your experience?  Thanks in advance.

Jay Hurst · Answer

Property in Colorado? you bet. In New Orleans the last thing I want is something else to make me hot and humid. I cannot imagine it would increase booking in nola.

Armani Colon · Answer

As many have already mentioned, adding a hot tub really depends on your market competition. I'd look into AirDNA comps to see performance with/without. In the Poconos, PA, hot tubs are standard for STRs and are a big draw. So from my experience here is what you can consider: Having a reliable technician or two on standby for unexpected issues. Also, very important to consider whether your cleaning team is comfortable with maintaining the hot tub and balancing the PH between each guest.

Our cleaning team empties, cleans and refills the water between each stay. Then update our guests about the process (because it can take hours to heat up to a reasonable temp), so they know what to expect. This helps with claims about dirty water etc.

Either way you go, the takeaway is being able to consistently maintain a certain level of service and being prepared to integrate this into your team's schedule/management work flows. Best of Luck!

JD Martin · Answer

Our caretakers hate them and say they're a major PITA. But I'm in Florida, and we don't get a lot of demand for a hot tub. We have a heated in-ground pool, and that covers pretty much everyone in the cooler months (not many cooler months in central Florida). If you were somewhere that severely limits the use of a pool, then it's probably worthwhile.

Stephen Keighery · Answer

I have a hot tub in my STR in New Orleans. That being said I don't think it's a massive drawcard.

Garrett Brown · Answer

@Colleen F. It does amazing if you keep it under shade. That is the major key with it. Ours stays around 78-80 even in the hottest months. It is also easy to change out water if needed on them as well to bring in cold water. It does great at my family friendly places for kids or smaller groups. I have better results with an outdoor bath/shower combo or hot tub for my couples designed cabins.

Colleen F. · Answer

@James R.   while the suggestion of an all temp spa might make sense for your climate. The cost is a lot higher.

Jeremy Wirths · Answer

@James R. Are there any in your market? Do the top properties have them? Your comp set have any? If no, someone has to be a first (not saying you’ll get your money back or should). If your design/decor/photography is top notch, are there other amenities you can add that the top properties have that you don’t?

Michael Baum · Answer

Yup @James R., probably not needed in NOLA unless all your competition has them.

What about a plunge pool?

Sean Wilt · Answer

Agree with the last poster about New Orleans.  That said, we have a hot tub at one of our STRs in North Carolina and it is a key.  It's really pretty easy actually.  We bought one new but at the low end of the price (about $5k).   Doesn't have fancy jets and a spa, but it's nice and fits 6 people.   We leave it on full time and have our cleaning people drain it after each stay. Sounds like a lot, but it's really pretty easy.  Been going on 4 years now and have never had a problem and it always gets great reviews.  We think it is for sure worth it and feel it has more than paid for itself over time!

Colleen F. · Answer

@Garrett Brown how does a cowboy pool do in that hot texas son. They look like they are mostly metal.

Hot Tub? Good Idea?

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