Should You Add a Hot Tub to Your Short-Term Rental?

A Smart Amenity Upgrade That Can Boost Your Income

When travelers picture their perfect getaway, many imagine sinking into a hot tub under the stars. For short-term rental hosts, that vision can translate into higher bookings and better reviews.

According to data from Beyond Pricing, rentals with hot tubs not only enjoy higher booking rates, but they can also raise nightly rates by 20–25%.

For many STR owners, the return on investment is hard to ignore. But a hot tub can also become a headache if it’s not installed or maintained properly. That’s why, drawing from over two decades of hot tub industry experience, here are key tips to help you make the right decisions.

1. Choose the Right Hot Tub

When it comes to STRs, durability and ease of maintenance are more important than flashy features.

What to Avoid:

Cheap online bargains – Tubs from big-box retailers often have poor insulation, proprietary parts, and limited support. Repairs can take weeks, costing you rental income.
Proprietary or uncommon components – Stick to brands with widely available parts so you’re not left waiting for discontinued pieces.
Overly complicated controls – The more knobs, diverters, and fragile features, the more things guests can accidentally break.

What to Look For:

Reputable STR-friendly brands – Consider American Whirlpool, Vita, Arctic, Strong Spa, or Platinum Spas for reliable performance and better insulation.
Dual filtration – Two filters help keep water clean longer, reducing maintenance between guests.
Solid sealed bottoms – Prevents rodent damage and allows flexible placement.
Avoid unnecessary add-ons – Skip built-in stereos and exposed touchscreens; focus on durability.

2. Location and Foundation

Placing the tub close to a door makes it more inviting and keeps guests from tracking dirt into the water.

Foundation options:

Concrete pad – Most common and sturdy choice.
Decking – Ensure it’s reinforced for the extra weight.
EZ Pad or Smart Deck – Cost-effective alternatives that don’t require pouring concrete.

3. Electrical Setup

Hire an experienced hot tub electrician—especially one familiar with STR installations.

Budget: Around $30 per foot of wiring, with a minimum of $500–$700.
Voltage: Always go with a dedicated 220V setup (avoid convertible 110V models).
GFCI protection: Standard for safety, typically 50 amps with the correct wire gauge.

4. Water Quality & Guest-Friendly Maintenance

Keeping water clean is essential for safety, guest satisfaction, and avoiding bad reviews.

Use @Ease Floating Spa Frog or similar systems for easier upkeep.
Shock with dichlor between each stay.
Keep multiple sets of quality filters on hand and rotate them regularly.
Provide a simple guest guide on how to use the tub, including troubleshooting tips.

5. Bonus Protection Tips

Install cover lifters and wind straps to protect against weather damage.
Consider a SpaDragon monitoring system that alerts you to temperature drops or power loss—perfect for remote management.

Final Thoughts

A hot tub can be a high-impact amenity for your short-term rental, offering both a luxury experience for guests and a solid bump in your bottom line. The key is choosing the right equipment, setting it up properly, and maintaining it in a way that minimizes downtime.

Whether you’re running a mountain cabin in Colorado or a downtown Denver loft with a rooftop soak, the right hot tub strategy can turn curious browsers into happy repeat guests—and that’s an investment worth making.