Hot tubs

[Bellywobble]

I've been looking back through some old threads about hot tubs. Some of you had recently installed tubs and were just starting to use them and Enid was raving about hers.

Do you think that having a tub has clinched bookings?

How expensive are they to run?

We are seriously thinking about having one but as it would really stretch the budget I can't justify it just for ourselves, it would have to be good for bookings. Any thoughts?

What are the "must haves" and the "don't needs"?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Hells Bells]

From my personal point of view, if I had a warm swimming pool to use in summer ,I wouldn't even think about a hot tub.
Now, our place was built with a spa complex, with swimming pool, sauna and hammam, I think (in winter at least) that it is lacking in not having a hot tub, as the pool can sometines be chilly, despite being heated.

[visitslovenija]

Bellywobble,

We have had a hot tub for a couple of years. This year we have installed an outdoor pool.

I had fully expected to switch the hot tub off for the summer since I figured most people would us the pool.

Not so. Even with temps hitting 30deg here, the hot tub is very popular and is used more than the pool. How unexpected is that?

Ok it is used in the evening when it's cooler, but even so ....

I am certain that the pool has increased bookings, not so sure about the hot tub, though it may help with repeat bookings I guess.

My biggest problem with the tub is keeping the water clear - nobody showers before using it, even though we ask them to. Relying just on good pH and chlorine dosing doesn't do it. I am about to try some specialist dosing 'stuff' that is supposed to help, so we will see.

So all I can say is that with us it is very popular - even with a pool.

BR
Ralph
www.visitslovenija.eu

[lorca]

We´ve been wondering the same thing. We don´t have a pool - out of the question, even if we could afford one, as we have village properties (not far inland from bellywobble in fact). But our big house has a large roof terrace with beautiful views, and we were wondering if a hot tub/spa would significantly increase bookings (it would need to as money is pretty tight and it would be a big investment for us). I certainly fancy the idea of sitting in one with a glass of wine watching the sun go down over the mountain... but sadly it´s not about me...

Any thoughts?

[Hells Bells]

Lorca, in that situation,where there was no pool ,I would be more likely to book a place with a hot tub than one that did not have one.

[Mountain Goat]

I've never quite seen the attraction; the hygiene aspects and chlorine fumes aren't appealing either.

MG

[Rocket Rab]

Mmm, yes, hot tub wouldn't do it for me, either. Bit worried about the bacteria soup, or am I being namby-pamby?

[kteee]

It is really, really important to make sure they are looked after properly - much more so than a pool, we have one at home but personally I wouldn't want to use one that I wasn't responsible for maintaining - and I don't think I would want to use one that had been used by lots of strangers!

[enid]

the hygiene aspects and chlorine fumes aren't appealing either.

Well of course I vote yes. We used to charge for it but it's included in the rental now and very popular even in summer.

the hygiene aspects and chlorine fumes aren't appealing either.

Never had any chlorine smell - know what you mean as i have had in public spas - you do need to keep it clean just s you do the pool - as long as you do it regularly. Better to go in our hot tub than one at a commercial spa methinks. It automatically runs an extra clean after each use as well.

Has it increased bookings? I can't directly say but it is another thing that makes us different - we did get the spa and suana for us so we didn't cost in return for the gites

[kteee]

We don't use chlorine in our pool and hot tub, we use poolsan so no smell and it doesn't bleach your swimsuit either

[olive]

"the hygiene aspects and chlorine fumes aren't appealing" .
The hygiene aspects are appalling!

[la vache!]

Isn't the water filtered like in it is in a pool?

[enid]

Yes it is but it's the temp of the water that can cause bacteria to thrive. You do really need to be vigilant with maintenance - that's why I prefer my own t- I can vouch for my pool boy!

[Mountain Goat]

The last one we came across, was bubbling away seductively under a wooden cover. Lifting the cover there was a mouse, 4 paws up, bobbing around.

If that isn't enough to put you off.....

MG

[alifrank1]

We are seriously thinking about having one but as it would really stretch the budget I can't justify it just for ourselves, it would have to be good for bookings.

BW are you sure you need one? I can understand people having them in France because the temperatures don't get so high but on the Costas we are all desperate to get into something to cool us down It may help from October to April but after reading what a hassle they are to keep clean and the fact that bookings for that period probably won't improve drastically, I wonder if it will be worth the investment? Of course that's only my opinion