DESTINATION HOT TUBS

DESTINATION HOT TUBS

Holiday locations now have a wealth of compliant spas to choose from...

HOLIDAY BOOKERS continue to look for hot tubs as part of their vacation wish list.

The holiday market continues to recognise hot tubs as essential for attracting the best level of bookings. Key words and phrases such as ‘staycation UK with hot tub’, ‘hot tub staycations UK’, and ‘UK staycations with hot tubs’ all appear on a list of the most common staycation Internet searches. So, there is great appeal for the appropriately named Vacation Range, from Superior Wellness, that is ideal for holiday homes, cottages, B&Bs and Airbnb.

Ready to order now, you can choose from the Vacation Lounge or the Vacation Social depending on your customers’ needs. Great for guests who want to relax on holiday, the Vacation Lounge hot tub is suitable for five to six people and offers the perfect combination of one lounger and five seats. This 13 amp hot tub has R10 insulation and 25 jets.

 

SOCIAL TIMES
Superior’s Vacation Social is an all-seater hot tub for up to seven people, ideal for larger holiday rentals that need a hot tub big enough to fit all guests in. This 13-amp hot tub has R10 insulation and 26 jets. Not to be out-shone, Sunbeach Spas remain the exclusive supplier of hot tubs and related products to a number of holiday parks around the UK, including multiple sites with both Coastfields Leisure and Country & Coastal Holidays along the east coast, and also Lady’s Mile Holiday Park in the south.

“We continue to bring new holiday park companies on board, and most recently have been awarded a new contract to supply over 100 of our 344S spas and 100 saunas to a brand new park over the next six months,” reveals Sunbeach’s Wayne Green. Sunbeach’s 344S plug-and-play spa is now in its third regeneration and remains by far the spa of choice for most of our holiday park clientele.

Wayne confirms: “They appreciate its simplicity of design, combined with a good feature set for its price point - enough features to make it great for customers to have fun and relax in, but also be easy to maintain by site staff. The 344S features award-winning R10 insulation system, making it cost-effective to run, too. “For the next level in lower-cost, eco-friendlier running, it is also heat source pump compatible and pairs wonderfully with the iNHEAT range of heat pumps exclusively available from Sunbeach Spas,” Wayne shares.

“Our iNHEAT heat pumps are available with outputs from 3kW to 21kW, with either on/off switching or inverter controls, and can be retrofitted onto a wide range of spas and swim spas.” Matthew Lowe, Sales Manager with Coastfields Leisure Ltd, endorses the Sunbeach offering: “We have been in partnership with Sunbeach Spas now for over five years, we chose to use them initially due to the energy efficiency and ease of installation of the 344 tub. We are currently using almost exclusively the 344 spa,” says Matthew.

“We picked this model due to it looking the part, excellent build quality, great energy efficiency, ease of installation and we have not been disappointed,” adds Matthew. Coastfields currently have around 100 tubs on our fleet units and Sunbeach look after all the warranty and aftercare needs including the care chemicals and filters. There is also a stock of chemicals and filters in Coastfields’ shops so retail customers, who also have the same tubs, can keep them in perfect condition.

 

Matthew enthuses: “We are also currently near completion of another lodge development at Grange Leisure Mablethorpe utilising the 344 tub. It’s been a pleasure to work with Sunbeach Spas and look forward to many more years of excellent service.“ Relative newcomers to the holiday hot tub sector, Certikin offers a range of four true-hydrotherapy hot tubs, specifically designed for the holiday-let market for both guests and operators.

The commercial spas don’t just comply but some exceed the all-important health and safety requirements enforced by HSE and Local Authorities. The premium, energy-efficient smart spas feature an ozone generator, 24- hour filtration duration; a spa frog in-line chemical dosing system and have no perishable items such as headrests, diverter, or air valves fitted.

In addition, and going above and beyond the HSE and BISHTA guidelines, the hot tubs also feature a fast drain valve, reducing drainage time to 9-10 minutes; a reduced heating time of 3-5 hours with an additional energy source; tamper proof 2-3 button control panel and a silent, energy-saving circulation pump to protect the high-speed pumps.

They can be operated via a Smartphone App and Wi-Fi control that allows the operation of up to 100 spas. The Sevilla Plug and Play model features one lounger and five seats and has 46 hydrotherapy jets and relaxing LED colour-therapy lighting. Due to its low power consumption, it is ideal for parks with limited electricity supply.

The Cordoba comes with 40 hydrotherapy jets, StarLightTM corners, Central LED colour therapy lighting and accommodates six people. The smallest hot tub in the range is the four-seater Porto whilst the largest is the very spacious seven-seater Valencia.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The main aim of the introduction of Health and Safety Guideline 282 (HSG282), that came into effect in early 2017, was to reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks associated with spas and hot tubs. The guideline covers all spas and hot tubs in a commercial setting i.e. all those hired out and used by more than one party such as holiday destinations and lets.

The guidance aims to:
• Reduce the risk of Legionella and microbiological contamination
• Emphasise the operator’s responsibility
• Ensure testing is frequent and planned (at least three times a day)
• Highlights that results should be recorded
• Stresses there should be a written action plan if required

The Lovibond® Professional Pool and Spa Photometer Kit enables the operator to measure all the tests mentioned in HSG282 from one case. Contained within the kit is an MD 100 Professional Photometer for the measurement of chlorine, bromine and pH and an SD 80 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Pen. All kits are supplied complete and ready to use. They use premeasured reagents which when added to the hot tub or pool water sample form a colour the intensity of which is proportional to the amount of substance being tested.

A typical test procedure would be
• Take a sample of the water to be tested in a sample cell, place it in a photometer and zero the unit
• Add tablet reagents and allow the colour to develop
• Return cell to photometer and read
• Record results and take appropriate action

Each HSG282 test kit purchased receives access to a FREE online Training Course. The training course covers:
• What is HSG282
• What to test for and why
• Correct Sampling
• Overview of pH, TDS, Chlorine & Bromine
• How to use photometers, comparators & TDS Pens
Importantly, the kit measures both chlorine and bromine so, if different disinfectants are used across your site, the same kit will cover both. Contact support@lovibond.uk for more information.

THE PERFECT FIT

THE PERFECT FIT

Hot tubs that add desirability to your holiday offering…

A hot tub not only adds a touch of luxury but can also increase occupancy and revenue by up to 60%. The year of 2020 has been a year to remember with a huge demand in holidaying in the UK and in particular choosing accommodation that allows you to have your own space and privacy. This trend is set to continue in 2021 with many properties up on bookings for the year. According to Google, holiday cottages with hot tubs was the third most searched holiday phrase this year, up by 300% compared to the previous year.

A HOT TUB NOT ONLY ADDS A TOUCH OF LUXURY BUT CAN ALSO INCREASES OCCUPANCY AND REVENUE BY UP TO 60%.

A hot tub allows families and loved ones to reconnect and spend quality time together – something we all appreciate even more so after the Lockdowns of 2020. People are also focusing on their wellness much more and a hot tub can help with this – soothing aches and pains, reducing anxiety and stress and relieving headaches. All reasons that may inspire a customer to book a holiday property with a hot tub. A Platinum Spas Holiday Let hot tub is the perfect addition to holiday cottages, holiday parks, leisure parks and glamping locations. Platinum Spas is part of the UK’s leading distributor Superior Spas, soon to become Superior Wellness. Renowned for quality and innovation at affordable prices with unrivalled warranties. The Holiday Let hot tub is designed to be minimal maintenance to offer site or cottage owners the perfect solution. Specific to the holiday sector, the Holiday Let hot tub seats five people with 40 jets – perfect for families or a group of friends. Platinum Spas are also looking at introducing a holiday let hot tub for four people – perfect for a couple or small families. The hot tub meets the HSG282 regulations; which are the guidelines for businesses to be able to offer a hot tub for financial gains.

CONSTANT CARE

Many people ask about the pitfalls and problems as it surely can’t be all about increasing revenue. Gareth Ward, Sales Director, Superior Spas advises: “We do get a number of queries from potential buyers and this is a common question. The constant upkeep, care and maintenance is the biggest downfall. “You need to look after your hot tub and ensure you provide the care and maintenance it needs and stick to the guidelines. However, the increase in revenue you will receive in terms of price per night and occupancy will outweigh any time and money spent on the upkeep,” continues Gareth and adds: “We recommend that the hot tub is replaced approximately every five years depending on usage. No matter where you are you are always in control with your hot tub. You can add theWiFi module to monitor the status and access the settings of your hot tub from anywhere in the world.

“THE INCREASE IN REVENUE YOU WILL RECEIVE IN TERMS OF PRICE PER NIGHT AND OCCUPANCY WILL OUTWEIGH ANY TIME AND MONEY SPENT ON THE UPKEEP.” - Gareth Ward, Platinum Spas

REMOTE CONTROL

The app provides you with the interface to control all of your hot tub functions, transforming your mobile devices into a remote control using a wireless or cellular internet connection. You can set your temperature settings and choose your preferred setting for water care including super energy savings and weekender. To use this app, you need the in.touch 2 modules from Gecko Alliance. There is no compatibility with the in.touch first generation. Connect it to any smartphone or tablet. The perfect app for owners who want to connect their hot tubs to the internet – saving you time and money.

DESPITE UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND, Platinum Spas have still been able to supply their market- leading Holiday Let hot tub through their bespoke manufacturing facilities in China

STOCK LEVELS 

Although this year has seen unprecedented demands for all types of hot tubs, Platinum Spas have still been able to supply the holiday let hot tub. Gareth reassures: “We have seen a huge increase in demand this year for our holiday let hot tub and the lead times have increased due to this. “I would advise you to plan in advance and order your hot tub now to ensure it arrives in time for the start of the season for next year. Don’t wait until the new year as you may miss out on additional revenue by not having one sooner.”

Superior Spas work with the largest dealer network across the UK, who distribute the holiday let hot tubs on their behalf. They don’t offer any special arrangements such as lease or buy-back offers and currently work with Sykes Cottages as their preferred hot tub supplier, is the personal touch and the proximity. They are on hand to answer your queries and some offer training and guidance tailored to you. “They also offer a great service and I would advise you to purchase from them rather than an online hot tub retailer where the service level may be poor and they could be a long distance from you.”

Platinum Spas
T: 01246 559071
E: sales@platinumspas.co.uk