To Want to Know What's So Special about Hot Tubs?

[Pembsgirl]

I own a beautiful holiday cottage in West Wales, and often see people on FB saying that they'd like to rent a romantic holiday cottage for two BUT it must have a hot tub!

Personally I can't see the appeal, so what is it that makes people want them that badly?

Hot tub after a long run is BLISS. Just looking on Air B n B for a cottage with one now.

Hey fellow Pembs girl. You might not like them but they increase bookings by 25% and you can increase prices too. Well worth taking seriously if that’s what your guest want. I’d book it!

We always filter by hot tubs. We love them. Only proper ones though, not the shit inflatable ones.

We have one in our holiday place and bloody love it. It's a proper one though, not one of those naff lay-z spas that look like paddling pools.

Sitting in there with a drink is just my favourite thing.

We had a week in a luxury lodge a few years ago that had a hot tub. It said that it was emptied and cleaned at the start and specifically said it might not be up to temp on your first evening for this reason. We got there around lunchtime and dh was dying to get in the hot tub. We pulled the cover back and the water was really hot, and I could see oil and hair on the surface. I was in no doubt that it hadn't actually been emptied at all and it put me right off!

I’ve never thought of them as being designed for nookie or unhygienic and don’t see them as naff but like the OP I totally fail to see what the attraction is. Yes, we all like a nice hot bath with bubbles but having it on a freezing patio is crazy.

First, it feels weird - you’re in a bath, but not in a bathroom. Second - and this applies even if you get over the “weird” factor - you sit there shivering in anticipation of the inevitable moment you have to get out and then freeze half to death and when you do get out the cold feels even colder because you’ve just been in a hot tub and so now you’re freezing cold, wet, on a patio, in a mild state of shock, requiring a proper bath indoors to (a) come out of shock and (b) thaw.

Like I said: crazy.

Breeding ground for Legionnaires apparently

Hey friends, fancy coming over and having a bath together? No?

You don’t have to invite anyone - quite happy on my own.

Definitely not going to put one in, as while we could put up our prices, it would cost us a fortune in running costs, and cleaning time, so it's simply not worth it to us.

It also seems from speaking to other owners, that they really aren't worth the hassle, as it seems that some guests have no respect, causing damage, not following safety instructions, etc., with no thought for the guests who are to follow them in, leaving the owner to have to not only clean and sanitise properly, all in a few hours, but also to arrange urgent, last minute repairs, which always cost a fortune. Think how much a call out charge is to fix your washing machine when it's flooding the kitchen!

I was just interested as to what the appeal was, as the thought of getting out of what is basically a hot bath into a freezing cold evening, holds no appeal whatsoever to me! Guess I must be getting old, lol.

No idea. They’re grim.

There's nothing special about them at all. Wise decision.

We have our own proper not inflatable one. I use it most days tbh. Love it. Can’t beat a hot tub with coffee (or wine) and a good book. My de stresser!

Why do people keep calling them dirty and unhygienic?? They have filters and chlorine within them and levels are checked, have you never been to a swimming pool?

You feel lovely afterwards they are especially rejuvenating in winter. Christmas morning lovely in the hot tub! I would definitely recommend though appreciate not for everyone lots like to sneer 😀

Not really my thing but I said Yabu as different people like different things. No different to a swimming pool really.

I know ours is chlorinated maintained refreshed and everyone showers before use. Occasionally kids friends go in but mostly just me and dh as well at weekends. It’s not hassle either put chlorine tablets in every few days and empty and clean every 3 months which takes about 90 minutes. Totally worth it if you use it regularly which I do.

I have a wood fired one I use regularly, pure bliss. Relaxing under the stars in a giant bath, I love it!

Like a game of bingo this thread. Sex pond, people soup, etc. Only on Mumsnet do people have such an irrational hatred of them.

They can be dirty and dangerous if not cleaned properly. Swimming pools are too but you don’t usually have someone managing them without training.

Clear winter nights are best. We’ve now put lighting out there so we can read.

A genuine hard bodied hot tub is lovely
There is a filter system and proper seats. I dont have one but would love one

The lazy spa blow up things are awful. I went in one a few weeks ago and just litterally squatting in a paddling pool. No thanks

Mumsnet hates hot tubs. I enjoy ours. Especially when it's cold out, or better still frosty.

I get why people don't like them, but then some people don't like baths either. It's really no different to a swimming pool or better if maintained properly, but they have the potential to be a bit grim if you don't keep on top of things.

We have a hot tub. I don’t really fancy them at all, my DH wanted it. He says it helps with his aching knees. It is nice in the winter (we live in the mountains) but I view it as a complete waste in the summer as it gets too hot to want to use it. I’d rather a dry sauna, a nice cedar one.

If properly chlorinated they are fine!

They do need upkeep.

I thought they were trashy until I tried a rental and now i'm coverted!

I love a hot tub while I'm away with a glass of bubbly. It's so relaxing sitting under the stars. What I don't understand is people who buy them and sit in them every night! Are they not constantly wrinkly?!