Holiday Hot Tubs

DESTINATION HOT TUBS

Posted on May 10, 2023

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.

ICING ON THE CAKE – HOLIDAY HOT TUBS

Posted on October 28, 2021

ICING ON THE CAKE

 

THE FROSTS created a relaxation zone with the hot tub as the focal point.

 

Adding a touch of hot tub luxury pays off for holiday bookings…

With the rise in staycations, Yvonne and Graham Frost, owners of Slayleigh B&B in Matlock, made the decision to purchase a hot tub for their property. A hot tub not only adds a touch of luxury but can also increase occupancy and revenue by up to 60%.
With many choosing to stay in the UK, guests are looking to get away and relax with a hot tub often high on their list. 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 allows families and loved ones to reconnect and spend quality time together. 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.

SUPERIOR WELLNESS engineers fitted a cover to the hot tub which helps save on energy costs.

All reasons that may inspire a customer to book a holiday property with a hot tub.
“We are purchasing a hot tub as they have become more popular and is very much a want from guests as well as ourselves and not just solely for the B&B,” explains Yvonne. “I have particularly wanted one for ages, but other priorities took over; they are an expensive luxury so you really need to want one and we do.”
Yvonne felt the hot tub would make a difference to bookings, occupancy and booking rates. She explains: “We are 9.6 and 5 star rated on review websites so we feel our guests already choose us on running costs and upkeep of the tub, we do not however envisage a mass profit margin more maybe a popularity in guests choosing our accommodation over another.”
Yvonne contacted Superior Wellness who were recommended to her by a relative who has one from them and is obviously very happy.

UNDERSTANDING the workings of your holiday hot tubs is essential.

 

Superior Wellness recommend the Holiday Hot Tub, available as part of its Platinum Spas range, that is ideal for holiday settings from parks and resorts to smaller holiday lets.
This hot tub offers a basic layout no breakable or removable components with and designed for heavy usage. The robust but minimalistic design perfectly complements any garden, decking or outdoor area. The hot tub seats five people with 40 jets and is designed purely for the holiday let market.
Key features include secondary hidden controls, a tamper-proof control panel, in-line chemical dosing and crucially, quick draining.
With no headrests or diverters, the ‘plug and play, 32 amp, can have a WiFi module added so you can monitor the status and access the settings of the hot tub directly from your mobile phone.

WOW FACTOR

“I have to say Superior Wellness, Jordon in the sales team, in particular, has been fantastic in dealing with myself, sourcing my hot tub at short notice and communication.
“They had the hot tub in stock and therefore we could arrange the delivery quickly.
“The delivery team have also been fantastic and I would definitely recommend Superior Wellness. We can’t wait for our guests to start using it.”

THE SUPERIOR WELLNESS TEAM carried out the installation themselves.

 

Yvonne again: “We thought a lot of where to position our hot tub given the UK climate and so our wow factor is very much the area we enhanced once which was once our summerhouse and potting shed.
“We have turned this into a fabulous relaxing space with mood lighting, artificial grass, spa panel interior, grey chic wood panelling, and bi fold doors.
“Guests can enjoy the tub in all weathers as is under cover. There is a seating area to cool down in between hopping in and out of the hot tub where they can take in the view of our beautiful south facing garden, light and airy by day or on a starry night sky,” Yvonne enthuses. “What more wow do you need?”

ADVANCE PLANNING

Gareth Ward, Sales Director, Superior Wellness reveals: “We have seen a huge increase in demand this year for our holiday let hot tub. We have had some in stock but they sell quickly.
“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.”
Gareth adds: “We work with a large partner network and we can advise you who your nearest one is.”
“If you are looking to purchase a hot tub for your holiday home, we highly recommend a Platinum Spas hot tub.

Gareth point out: “Many people ask about the pitfalls and problems as it surely can’t be all about increasing revenue.
“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,” he emphasises.
“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.”
“We recommend that the hot tub is replaced approximately every five years depending on usage.”
For more information about the Platinum Spas Holiday Let hot tub please visit www.platinum-spas.com/product/holiday-let-5/

YVONNE AND GRAHAM Frost are delighted with the investment on their Holiday Hot Tub.

Reassurance On Holiday Hot Tubs

Posted on July 11, 2016

Reassurance On Holiday Hot Tubs

UntitledFollowing an entrapment incident involving a five-year-old British boy while on holiday in South Africa, UK hot tub suppliers are strongly emphasising that such cases are extremely rare and the vast majority of UK hot tubs pose no risk.
In April, Sam Leathes was holidaying with his family when he became trapped underwater in the hot tub. Sam had swum over the hot tub’s drain and his tummy covered the grille, when the suction pressure from the circulation system entrapped his stomach on the drain.
Quick-thinking family members frantically found the hot tub’s control buttons and managed to release the vacuum. Sam was pulled unconscious and blue out of the water, but came round and has since made a full recovery.

POTENTIAL RISKS

While it is important for owners of holiday hot tubs and swimming pools to be constantly vigilant of all potential risks surrounding spas and hot tubs, manufacturers say entrapment cases are rare and the majority of hot tubs pose no risk.
Commenting on the incident, Lloyd Burden of leading hot tub manufacturer Hydropool said: “We sympathise with the family involved in this incident but can confidently say that, because of the methods of modern portable spa construction, it would be unlikely for a similar incident to happen in the UK,” he said.
“But for older or non-portable spa installations such as concrete spas, we would strongly recommend an
independent safety check.”
Burden adds: “If any holiday park operators would like reassurance, then I would suggest they go back to their suppliers for confirmation on a brand by brand basis.”
Many companies within the UK’s pool and spa industries have been campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of entrapment for years, much of which fall on deaf ears.
These include Mineral Supplies International (MSI), which has supplied the Vac-Alert anti-entrapment device to UK and European markets since 1996.
Installed on both pools and hot tubs, the Vac-Alert responds within a millisecond to any increase in filter pump suction; spring-loaded pistons open the pipe to atmosphere, freeing a person trapped by life-threatening suction.
“Entrapment has severe consequences and in many recorded cases globally can be fatal, particularly in the case of younger children,” said MSI’s Bob Kent.
“This is why we have been working with major holiday operators and cruise liners who want to demonstrate when it comes to their customers, they will put duty of care first every time.”

Hot Tubs Are The Golden Goose

Posted on May 4, 2016
Hot tubs are a highly profitable addition to a holiday letting. Pic: Caldera Spas.

Hot tubs are a highly profitable addition to a holiday letting. Pic: Caldera Spas.

Hot Tubs Are The Golden Goose

Hot tubs are the must-have ingredient in the recipe to holiday booking success it has been revealed.

According to self-catering specialists Hoseasons, a private hot tub is the number one searched for item on the website, accounting for more than 100,000 searches each month.

“Hot tubs really are the golden goose of the holiday market,” comments Jon Moxon, business development manager at Hoseasons.

“There’s been a meteoric rise in the popularity of hot tub holidays since our first unit went on sale at Faweather Grange, Yorkshire, in 1997. These days there are more than 2,500 lodges and luxury holiday homes with hot tubs across our portfolio, with unit numbers increasing by 21% since 2013.”

A highly profitable addition to a holiday letting, there are however, potentially hazardous pitfalls to avoid before taking the hot tub plunge. Although more affordable, domestic hot tubs are designed solely for home use and are not intended for commercial use. “Avoid the temptation of buying a cheap spa on the internet,” advises Chris Brady of Lincolnshire-based 1 Stop Spas, who is heading up the UK branch of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.

“We come across plenty of customers whose opinion when buying was ‘I only want a cheap spa because I’m only renting it out’. Like most electrical equipment, buying cheap isn’t always cost effective over a few years.”

He adds: “Cheap spas can cost up to ten times as much to run, meaning higher overheads. They are often fitted with cheap components, therefore the reliability is not very good meaning in inconvenient downtime for you and rental customers.”

Safety First For Holiday Hot Tubs

Posted on April 8, 2015
lorica

Peter Heffer, director of holiday parks at Lorica Insurance warns hot tub owners to ensure they have the right insurance cover.

Safety First For Holiday Hot Tubs

The increasing popularity and demand for holiday hot tubs can be a double-edged sword for holiday park operators.

Installing a hot tub is a substantial investment that can add real value to a holiday property. Even so, unexpected events can happen which can result in serious damage to the tub or to the bathers. For this reason park owners should be aware of the risks and ensure that they’re fully protected by their insurance policy.

“Firstly, there is the risk of damage to the hot tub itself and an insurer needs to appreciate that they are providing cover for this aspect,” explains Peter Heffer, director of holiday parks at Lorica Insurance.

"For example, is the tub an intrinsic part of the holiday or residential home structure or is it a standalone unit, which is arguably contents.”

Peter adds: “Other important questions to think about include does the sum insured cater for the hot tub? Does the insurer provide full policy cover or are certain losses, such as escape of water and accidental damage, excluded? Will cover operate if the home is sub-let?”

There is also the question of cover for injury to third parties. When it comes to hot tubs there can be increased risk of disease if the tub is not properly cared for and maintained to a high standard. With this in mind, Peter stresses the importance of ensuring that you are covered for legal liability to members of the public should they contract an illness or suffer an injury whilst using the hot tub.

Peter adds: “Lastly, you should consider if your insurance policy involves any special conditions that require you to conform to manufacturers’ safety and maintenance requirements. Whether the hot tub was professionally installed or not can also affect the policy.”

Lorica strongly recommend that you check your individual requirements and cover position with your insurance advisor. Talk to the Lorica team today to be sure you are prepared and fully covered for all eventualities.

Lorica Insurance Brokers
Tel. +44 (0)7827 895671
www.loricainsurance.com

HOLIDAY HOT TUBS

Posted on December 19, 2013

HOLIDAY HOT TUBS

Hot tubs can add value to holiday lets but operators need to look before they leap.

Hot tubs now regularly feature on the wish list of holiday makers looking to book a range of holiday accommodation from cabins, lodges and chalets to some of the more luxurious ‘glamping’ packages at holiday sites throughout the UK and Eire.

For holiday park operators, the addition of a hot tub is a tempting prospect. It makes a lodge stand apart from a comparable cabin at a competing location, while creating the option for a premium price level for ‘superior accommodation’ with hot tubs. It also adds to the kudos of the site generally as a ‘five star’ holiday venue.

A handful of the bigger holiday park operators have invested in ‘adapted’ portable tubs with remote commercial filtration and chemical dosing for their luxury lodges. These are generally much larger than the average portable spa with bigger and better filtration and sanitation systems along with other features that suit much heavier use in theme parks and health spas.

But, over the past ten years, a vast majority of smaller holiday park operators and holiday let owners, have just purchased and operate what are in fact domestic hot tubs only designed for home, and not intended for commercial use.

WELCOME BOOST

While holiday park operators rush to meet the demands of prospective customers and a welcome boost to sales – hot tub suppliers should make clear about the health and safety considerations that come with every holiday hot tub installation – advising customers appropriately and not succumbing to lower standards for the lure of quick or bulk sale.

“Any pool of water being used by a paying customer would bring it under the category of commercial use. It is the case for hot tubs installed into a holiday lodge. They are there for commercial use,” advises Jimmy Lamb, UK Bayrol product manager for the Pollet Pool Group, and a leading expert in hot tub care.

“It’s not as straight forward to simply plonk a hot tub into any log cabin, chalet or holiday lodge and expect the hirer to get on with it. If the water is not maintained properly things can quickly go wrong,” warns Lamb.

“One risk is the fast dissipation of the disinfection residual as the holiday maker, his family and all of their friends embark on the inevitable hot tub party.

“Once the disinfectant is allowed to diminish, bacteria are allowed to multiply exposing the risk of cross contamination between bathers. Rashes and skin complaints will result in an unhappy holiday maker seeking some form of compensation but, we all know that other waterborne diseases can develop in poorly treated pools that can become a lot more serious than just a rash.”

And he stresses: “A legally-required risk assessment should highlight the requirement for operating procedures of such an installation to include regular draining, disinfecting of the tub, pipework and filter after each letting.”

The HPA (Health Protection Agency) has produced a booklet called ‘Management of Spa Pools’. This booklet offers advice on the installation of what is generally a product designed for domestic use being installed into a commercial facility. It states that if there are a number of premises sharing the pool then a commercial spa is required. The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association also offer member fact sheets about these installations and have further advice within their standards.

To read more on this story please click here to subscribe.