Are you thinking about installing a hot tub to improve the rental profitability of your chalet? We have the answers to all of your questions.
In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to help you plan your project: we detail the costs and give examples of the financial benefits. We also explain all the regulations and technical requirements for installing a hot tub in your rental property.
To get all the facts, we’ve called on the experts at Atelier Nordic, specialists in high-quality Swedish spas, and Piscines Cleaning, pool maintenance professionals in the Annecy region.
How a hot tub could increase the rental value of your chalet
There’s no doubt that hot tubs are in high demand. It’s the most popular facility for OVO Network visitors, the second most popular selection filter after the number of bedrooms, and the page dedicated to hot tubs is the third most visited page on our website.
The hot tub is also very often mentioned in the positive reviews left by our guests. It seems to be an important part of the picture that many people have of a winter holiday in the mountains.
The financial benefits of a hot tub for your chalet
In 2023, properties with hot tubs generated about 40 more nights of bookings than properties without. This equates to additional annual revenue of €20,500 on average.
The addition of a hot tub justifies higher rental rates as you can see in the following table showing the average annual revenue generated by OVO Network partner properties:
| Properties for 8 guests: |
| Average without equipment: €45,282 |
| Average with a hot tub : €66,152 |
| Properties for 10 guests: |
| Average without equipment: €40,397 |
| Average with a hot tub: €73,847 |
| Properties for 12 guests: |
| Average without equipment: €57,817 |
| Average with a hot tub: €73,339 |
Bear in mind also that a top-of-the-range hot tub increases the overall value of a property and adds substantial value at the time of resale.
Choosing the right hot tub for your chalet
There are various different types of hot tubs – your choice will depend on how much space you have, your budget, as well as the type of activity and atmosphere you want to offer to your guests.
- The inflatable or kit spa: ideal for properties with limited space or budget.
- The above-ground hot tub: the classic model, which can be built indoors or outdoors.
- The in-ground or recessed hot tub: doesn’t block the view and offers a clear skyline.
- The Nordic bath: with its distinctive circular wooden design. The water is heated by an internal or external wood-burning stove, and it is not usually equipped with a bubble system.
- Swim spas: large rectangular indoor or outdoor hot tubs with a counter-current for exercise.
- Therapeutic spas: equipped with special jets for relaxing massages.
All these hot tubs are available in different sizes, from 2-3 places, 4-5 places and 6-9 places. Bear in mind that the larger the capacity of your chalet, the larger the hot tub should be.
For second homes, we recommend an acrylic tub. Easy to maintain, acrylic is watertight and heats up faster.
Atelier Nordic
The basic hot tub model can be enhanced with a whole range of options that can boost its comfort and appeal: bubbles, water jets, submerged massage heads, coloured lights and speakers.
Costs of buying and installing a hot tub
The cost of buying and installing a hot tub varies widely, and depends on a number of factors:
- the type of spa;
- the number of seats;
- the materials used;
- the site and its accessibility: some locations require the hot tub to be craned in or lifted by helicopter;
- the number and positioning of jets, bubble system, type of heating, overflow tank, etc;
- additional equipment such as a spa enclosure, lighting, audio system, cushions, etc.
As a rough guide, you should expect to pay between €3,000 for the most traditional hot tubs and €25,000 for a luxury hot tub.
| Minimum price | Average price | Maximum price | |
| Accessories | €5 | €60 | €200 |
| Inflatable hot tub | €300 | €600 | €1,100 |
| Above-ground hot tub | €6,500 | €10,000 | €15,000 |
| In-ground hot tub | €7,000 | €13,500 | €20,000 |
| Installation | €900 | €1,800 | €2,700 |
| Total including shipping and installation | €1,200 | €9,800 | €22,700 |
You should also take into account the energy consumption of your spa. On average, a hot tub consumes between 2,500 and 7,500kWh per year, which corresponds to an annual cost of between €1,000 and €1,500.
Maintenance costs
As well as the purchase and installation, you also need to consider the maintenance of your hot tub. Not only is this necessary for its proper functioning, it is also regulated by law.
To prevent the growth of bacteria, pH and sanitiser levels should be checked and recorded regularly. The tank should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned, as should the filters, which should be replaced at least once a year, or more frequently if necessary.
The level of maintenance varies according to the brand and model chosen, with annual costs averaging €4,200.
This page gives you an idea of the processes that a professional team will carry out to maintain your hot tub.
Regulations
Some hot tubs do not require any special declaration. This is the case for those built indoors, as well as outdoor spas that meet the following criteria:
- total dimensions less than 10m²;
- less than 1.80m high;
- more than 3m from property boundaries;
- for an outdoor spa, maximum use of three months per year, and less than 15 days in a protected area.
In all other cases, or if your hot tub is to be sunk or partly sunk into the ground, a works declaration is required. This can be done online or at the town hall.
In addition, planning permission is required if the surface area of your spa is equal to or greater than 20m². You will then need to display the details of the planning permission on a notice board on your property, visible from the public highway.
Chalets for more than eight people are subject to ARS standards and must keep a maintenance logbook, filled in daily with analysis records.
Jean Hudry-Prodon, Piscines Cleaning
The experts at Atelier Nordic also recommend installing a dedicated electrical circuit with 30mA residual current protection, which complies with the NF C 15-100 standard.
Technical considerations
There are a number of technical factors to consider when installing your hot tub:
- Size: choose a site that is large enough for the size of your spa.
- Weight: a full spa can weigh more than 1,300kg, so the ground on which it will be placed must be sufficiently stable and solid. You may need to consider reinforcing the foundations and the floor.
- If you opt for an indoor hot tub, choose a room with a good ventilation system, to avoid damp setting in.
If the spa is to be installed on a terrace, it is advisable to consult the co-ownership association (if appropriate) and to seek professional advice to confirm the feasibility of the project. The hot tub can weigh up to several tonnes.
Atelier Nordic
To avoid bacteria in your hot tub, the water treatment system must be faultless. An automatic system, as for a swimming pool, is recommended. You’ll need a hydraulic supply for filling and a drainage system, as well as a UV water treatment system, a sand filter, an efficient heater and a circulation pump.
If all this sounds confusing, don’t hesitate to ask your installer for advice.
Read this article to find out what you need to consider when designing your hot tub area.
Choosing the right place for your hot tub
In addition to the technical considerations, you’ll need to look at the practical aspect of your hot tub to determine its ideal location.
Place it near one of the entrances to the chalet, with a bathroom close by, as guests are advised to shower before using the hot tub. Install it on a hard terrace, or lay an access path, so that your guests don’t get dirty.
It’s a good idea to place your spa so that you can enjoy the scenery while bathing, but remember to maintain a certain level of privacy. Planting trees, a hedge or adding a protective screen will ensure that the area is less exposed.
The ideal location should have easy and convenient access. It’s best to have no grass or soil around it, and to keep the area around the installation clean and clear, as people are constantly coming and going.
Jean Hudry-Prodon, de Piscines Cleaning
Additional advice
- We strongly advise against buying an inflatable spa. Although they are less expensive than rigid hot tubs, they won’t last as long and will be perceived as poor quality by your guests.
- Carrying out the work and installing the spa out of season means you won’t have to close your booking schedule during the high season.
- Equip your hot tub with a waterproof insulating cover, thick enough to provide good thermal resistance and prevent cold air from entering and steam from escaping.
- Provide guests with clear and precise instructions on how to use the spa safely.
- It is advisable to provide outdoor shoes and dedicated towels, which guests can use to get to the spa.
- Since properties with hot tubs are in big demand, an attractive photo of the equipment is essential. The beauty of the location obviously plays an important role.
- Make sure the property manager knows the basics of maintaining your hot tub to ensure it runs smoothly.
Guest reviews: success and profitability
Happy guests leave positive reviews, spread the word about the property and keep coming back! The comments below speak for themselves…
« Six magical days – fuelled by regular sessions in the sauna and hot tub. »
Ian – janv. 2023 – Chalet Riparian
« The hot tub is the perfect place to watch the sunset. »
Fiona – août 2024 – Chalet Chamaline
« Sitting in the hot tub in the snow is an unbelievable experience. »
Patricia – mars 2024 – Chalet Julena
« Relaxing in the hot tub on the terrace with a view of the mountains is magical. »
Emma – août 2023 – Chalet Bendo
Installing a hot tub at your chalet could well be the investment you need to increase the rental profitability of your property. Now you know all about the costs, regulations and technical considerations involved. Are you ready to take the plunge? Contact our partners Atelier Nordic and Piscines Cleaning for a quote.
Since 2009, OVO Network has helped more than 200 homeowners with their rental projects.
As experts in high-end chalet rental, we can help you maximise your occupancy rate and income.
Are you a chalet owner interested in finding out more about OVO Network?
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