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Original poster

To hire a hot tub for my 9 year olds birthday? Any experiences?

90 replies

Chewit2022 · 19/02/2021 18:27

9 year old daughter’s birthday.
I won’t go in to detail, but for various reasons - it has been a particularly difficult time for her.

She asks for nothing, and this breaks my heart.

So... I would love to make her birthday really fly in the absence of a party, meal out, get together with extended family etc.

Hot tub for the garden for 3 days.

Any experiences?

I have NO experience of them but I do know my daughter is a water baby!

Many thanks

OP posts:
DavidsSchitt · 19/02/2021 19:12

"Eeew, no. You have no idea what bacteria is in a rental hot tub."

Oh give over

TaraR2020 · 19/02/2021 19:17

I think this is a lovely idea!
Virgin cocktails and fairy lights?

sunflowersandbuttercups · 19/02/2021 19:20

@megletsecond

Eeew, no. You have no idea what bacteria is in a rental hot tub.
Yeah, because they leave the same water in for years Hmm
Roselilly36 · 19/02/2021 19:30

Aww pleased you are going for it. Your DD will love it I am sure.

SplendidSuns1000 · 19/02/2021 19:49

yadnbu! You could give her a pamper day with face masks and relaxing cucumber water in the hot tub. I think it's a lovely idea. Perhaps look into getting some twinkly lights to put around so she could stay out there when it's slightly darker?

The only thing I would say is make sure you all stay hydrated. It's amazing how quickly you dry up when you're that warm. Keep chilled drinks nearby and encourage kids to drink a lot. I've had splitting headaches from forgetting to drink after only half an hour in the hot tub.

ItsAllComingBackToMeNow · 19/02/2021 19:50

My DCs 7 and 6 can spend ages in ours. Goggles and splashing about or just chilling out. Not a weird at all for a 9yo. Most kids love baths and swimming pools, this is somewhere inbetween.

Original poster
Chewit2022 · 19/02/2021 19:51

@TaraR2020

I think this is a lovely idea! Virgin cocktails and fairy lights?
Genius!!!!

Seriously on holiday they loved the virgin cocktails. Thank you - brilliant idea

OP posts:
Original poster
Chewit2022 · 19/02/2021 19:51

Honestly
Mumsnet can be so bloody lovely sometimes

OP posts:
GloGirl · 19/02/2021 19:54

We did this last summer for 3 days.

Highly recommended it.

We also hired a gazebo (same company) so we could use it if the weather was drizzly.

We had it on grass and it scorched the grass. Set up and take away was smooth - the company was recommended on a local group on Facebook so ask on there.

Original poster
Chewit2022 · 19/02/2021 19:54

@megletsecond

Eeew, no. You have no idea what bacteria is in a rental hot tub.
Oh shame that you or children never ever go in a public pool or that your children have to watch children In the pool having a whale of a time whilst on Holiday whilst they stand by and watch?
OP posts:
HollyBollyBooBoo · 19/02/2021 19:54

I did this for my DD's 6th bday. It fitted beautifully on the patio and I could barely get her out of it. Fab pressie.

GloGirl · 19/02/2021 19:55

The pool was wiped cleaned before it got taken down and we filled it up with water and chlorine etc. Didnt feel mucky at all. Filter was hosed out etc.

m0therofdragons · 19/02/2021 19:55

"Eeew, no. You have no idea what bacteria is in a rental hot tub."

Hilarious. I assume this poster doesn’t use baths in hotels or understand chemicals and cleaning processes.

We have a hot tub that came with the house and dc love it. After 3.5 years the novelty has worn off a bit but they use it loads - it’s fun in the day but I prefer it at night with fairy lights on.

TeeniefaeTroon · 19/02/2021 19:58

We have one in our garden, my 8 year old takes his snorkel and goggles out into it. We bought a projector that connects to Netflix, Now tv etc so we put up the sheet and watch a movie out there. (Great for adults too, I'm just away to head out to watch Chicago Fire, PD and Med shortly)

cabbagedpickles · 19/02/2021 19:58

I had a party, my daughter had a party, all my family came round. Happy times.

That sounds great but in February in the cold and damp with no party and no friends? No thanks!

Chocolategirl79 · 19/02/2021 19:58

We've just done this for four days for my 13 yr old DD's birthday. They came and installed it, filled it up and fixed the chlorine levels and heated it up. It took 24 hours to heat but we had a 4 day hire and they brought it 24 hours early.
They provided gazebo, lights, plastic glasses and birthday banner. It cost about £2.50 per day extra in electricity.
We loved it. In it in the dark and cold and rain abs I even had my coffee one morning watching the sunrise! We've signed up to have it for the May half term. I think if we had one all the time the novelty would wear off but this was great - even in the cold and rain.

CherryRoulade · 19/02/2021 20:04

I was going to suggest mocktails too.

I think what our children have always enjoyed about ours is ‘talk time’. It’s a space where they can have undivided attention and conversation with their parents without rushing anywhere or doing jobs.

If you use it after dark, looking at the night sky with only moonlight and stars, it can feel quite magical. Or watching the odd plane fly high overhead and dream about where you might go on holiday next year.

bloodyhairy · 19/02/2021 20:05

Honestly, she will love it. Go for it!

Original poster
Chewit2022 · 19/02/2021 20:05

The weather is irrelevant surely?
I have swum outside in countries thick with snow whilst skiing and the water has been lovely and warm and it’s been a pleasure. It’s rained too and that was fun!

OP posts:
MakeAWhish · 19/02/2021 20:09

We're thinking of doing this for my 9 year olds birthday next month! My kids LOVE hot tubs. Like a pp said, they're a cross between baths and swimming pools and kids love those generally! My 9 year old is really excited at the thought. So, go for it! And have fun.
All you miseries who think it's weird, have a Biscuit

MazDazzle · 19/02/2021 20:11

We hired one for a week to coincide with DD’s birthday.

Showering before and after was a pain. There were trails is wet footprints from the tub into the house.
We went through loads of towels.
I didn’t do a great job maintaining the chemicals and my kids came out in a rash.

Overall, I wouldn’t bother again, but glad we did it. The kids enjoyed it. DH & I used it once.

Wearywithteens · 19/02/2021 20:17

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

SquizzaMama · 19/02/2021 20:20

They are an absolutely brilliant plan for a kids bday / adults bday. For anyone querying the cleanliness..hire from a good company. Our best friends own a hot tub company and they are absolutely amazing and extremely busy right now!

The kiddos will love it...x

Mockolate · 19/02/2021 20:33

No experience of them either and no space for one lol, but sounds like a lovely idea, go for it!
Bet your daughter loves it, and hope she has a great birthday Cake

Siepie · 19/02/2021 20:37

That sounds lovely. I went to a friend’s ‘spa party’ at about that age. Hot tub, drinks from champagne flutes, and painting each other’s nails afterwards. I loved it and felt very grown up. Clearly it would be different without friends, but doing it with family sounds fun too.

Maybe a few related presents to go with it, if the budget stretches? A new swimming costume or cozy dressing gown?