The Best Hot Tub for Airbnbs [+ Should You Get a Hot Tub?]

Key takeaways:

• A hot tub can increase short-term rental bookings, boost nightly rates, and pay for itself faster than you might think.
• Our recommendation for the best Airbnb hot tub is Cowboy Pools’ Honcho Package.
• Before investing in a hot tub for your rental property, consider your property's location and climate, your typical guests, and your bandwidth (and budget) for maintenance.
• When buying a hot tub for your Airbnb, assess power availability, budget, and maintenance resources.

Hot tubs have the power to transform a nice stay into an unforgettable experience that has guests rebooking over and over. In fact, they’re one of the most searched-for amenities on Airbnb. 

For tons of travelers, having a hot tub in an outdoor space is what compels them to click book now instead of scrolling to the next listing. But for hosts, a hot tub is a huge investment and commitment – they require space, power, and lots of maintenance.

This guide walks you through:

• How to decide if a hot tub belongs at your short-term rental property
• What to look for when buying
• Our favorite hot tub for Airbnbs
• Best practices to keep your hot tub running smoothly 

Should your Airbnb have a hot tub?

A hot tub is one of those amenities that tends to divide hosts. Some swear by it as their biggest booking magnet, while others see it as an expensive headache. 

Ultimately, hot tubs are a great investment for some properties – and a not-so-worthwhile one for others.

A hot tub can absolutely be worth it if your property, your guest profile, and your own ability to maintain it all line up. Travelers have the ability to filter for properties with a hot tub when searching on Airbnb, and in certain markets, not having one means you’ll get skipped over. 

But adding a hot tub isn’t a decision to make lightly. Beyond the upfront investment, you’ll need to factor in cleaning, safety, electricity, and ongoing care. 

Is a hot tub worth it for an Airbnb?

This is where you weigh whether a hot tub makes sense for your space in particular. 

Start by asking yourself:

• Does my property’s location and climate make a hot tub appealing to guests?
• Will my typical guests actually use it and appreciate it?
• Do I have the time, budget, or resources to maintain it?

If you answer “yes” to those questions, the hot tub might be a worthwhile investment.

Do Airbnbs with hot tubs make more money?

Yes, Airbnbs in certain markets make more money by adding a hot tub.

Data from our friends at AirDNA shows that vacation rentals with hot tubs see higher nightly rates and higher occupancy compared to similar listings without a hot tub. 

3-bedroom properties with a hot tub enjoy a:

• 33% ADR boost
• 4% occupancy boost
• 38% revPAR boost

For a lot of rental properties – particularly those in large urban cities and small rural cities where hot tubs are least common – the additional revenue offsets the cost of the hot tub in less than a year. 

Of course, that boost isn’t guaranteed everywhere, but in certain markets, it’s significant.

Can you write off a hot tub for Airbnb?

In many cases, yes, you can write off a hot tub for your Airbnb.

Since a hot tub directly serves your rental business, it may be tax deductible. That could include the purchase price, installation, and even the cost of upkeep.

Related reading:
Want to Write Off Furniture for Your Airbnb? Here’s How

What to consider when buying a hot tub

A hot tub can be a booking magnet, but only if it fits the needs of your property and your guests. Size, setup, power source, and maintenance all play a role in whether your investment adds value or becomes a money pit. 

Type of hot tub

A hot tub is a hot tub, right? 

Not necessarily.

There are actually tons of different styles of hot tubs, and some are better suited for STRs than others.

Your options include:

• Inflatable hot tubs
  Affordable and easy to set up, but often feel flimsy and might wear out quickly. These are better for a test run than a long-term solution.
• Plug-and-play hot tubs
  Simple 110V units you can plug into a standard outlet. They’re exceptionally easy to set up and use, but they heat slower and might not stay hot in particularly cold climates.
• Hardwired 220V hot tubs
  The classic option, with better heating power and durability. The downside is they’re more expensive and require professional installation.

Installation

Installing a hot tub might be as easy as inflating one on the deck or as involved as hardwiring electrical service and pouring concrete. 

Keep in mind that even the “plug-and-play” models require more thought than plopping one on your patio. A Costco hot tub, for instance, might advertise itself as plug-and-play, but you’ll still need to think about placement, safety, and guest access.

Pro tip: Choose a spot that’s both convenient for guests (easy access from the house) and practical for you (close enough to reach water and power connections, plus far enough from bedrooms and neighbors to avoid noise complaints).

Power requirements

Before you buy a hot tub, check what kind of power your property can realistically support. 

• Plug-and-play hot tubs run on standard 110V household outlets, which makes them easy to set up almost anywhere, though they heat more slowly. 
• Hardwired 220V hot tubs need a dedicated electrical line and professional installation, but they’re far better at maintaining consistent heat.

If your space doesn’t already have the right power connection, you’ll want to factor in whether upgrading your electrical system is feasible.

Maintenance

Unfortunately, hot tubs demand regular attention. If the water isn’t tested, balanced, and circulated consistently, you’ll encounter off-putting issues like cloudy water or a funky smell. Staying on top of basic care keeps everything running smoothly and prevents bad reviews from unhappy guests.

Hot tub maintenance requirements include:

• Testing and balancing water chemistry between each stay.
• Draining and refilling regularly (every 1–3 months depending on usage).
• Cleaning filters weekly or biweekly.
• Inspecting covers, jets, and controls for wear.

Cost

Hot tubs aren’t cheap.

Price points vary widely:

• Inflatable hot tubs: $500–$900
• Plug-and-play: $2,000–$5,000
• Hardwired models: $5,000–$15,000+

And don’t forget the costs of installation, delivery, electrical upgrades, and ongoing maintenance supplies – all of which can add several thousand dollars over the life of the tub.

When deciding how much to spend on a hot tub, think about both your budget and your property’s positioning. A mid-range rental might see solid ROI with a reliable plug-and-play unit, while a luxury Airbnb with a high nightly rate could justify investing in a more high-end spa.

The best Airbnb hot tub

Our favorite hot tub for vacation rentals is the Cowboy Pools Honcho Package. 

This setup reimagines the traditional hot tub by pairing a powerful heating system with a galvanized steel stock tank. The result is an amenity that feels both rustic and modern. 

We love this option because it’s versatile – advertise it as a hot tub in the winter, a plunge pool in the summer, and a stylish gathering spot year-round. It’s durable, eye-catching, and built with vacation rentals in mind.

Key features:

• Round galvanized steel stock tank design
• TempTamer propane heater for fast, efficient heating
• Works as a hot tub, cold plunge, or traditional stock tank pool
• Easy-to-clean surfaces and straightforward setup
• Multiple size options to suit different properties

Why we love it for Airbnbs:

• Versatility A single investment gives you three amenities (hot tub, cold plunge, classic pool).
• Durability Steel construction is tough enough to withstand frequent guest use.
• Guest appealMinimalist, photogenic design that looks great in listing photos.
• Maintenance friendlySimple systems make it easier to clean and manage than many traditional spas.
• Value Strikes a balance between style, function, and affordability

Get the best price on your Cowboy Pool by shopping through Minoan – it’s free to join and easy to sign up!

Breaking down the total cost of an Airbnb hot tub

The cost of the hot tub itself is a big investment — but don’t forget the other one-time and ongoing fees you’ll have to pay when you invest in one.

The total cost of a hot tub includes:

• Upfront price
  Depending on the model, you’ll spend anywhere from $500 for an inflatable hot tub to $15,000+ for a high-end hardwired spa.
• Installation and setup
  This is a huge hidden line item for a lot of hosts. Plug-and-play tubs require little more than a level surface and a hose, while hardwired models may involve electrical upgrades, a poured pad, or professional labor. Installation can add anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
• Energy usage
  Heating and maintaining water temperature is one of the biggest ongoing costs. On average, expect to pay an additional $20–$100 per month in electricity costs (though this varies by climate and usage).
• Cleaning and chemicals
  Chemicals, filters, and water treatments are another often overlooked recurring cost. If you’re handling maintenance yourself, expect to pay about $20–$50 per month on supplies. Hiring a professional service can range from $75–$150 per visit depending on your market.
• Repairs and replacements
  Even the sturdiest tubs need attention over time. Budget for filter replacements, cover upgrades, and occasional repairs — assume at least a few hundred dollars per year. Major fixes like heater replacements can run higher, but are less frequent.
• Guest use and turnover impact
  Heavy guest use may mean more frequent draining, refilling, and chemical balancing. That translates into extra water bills and more time or service costs to keep the tub clean and safe.

Best practices for Airbnb owners with a hot tub 

Buying an Airbnb hot tub is only half the equation — you also have to manage it! Here are some handy tips to help you make the most of hot tub ownership and keep your ROI high:

Create clear rules and policies

Don’t be afraid to introduce some new hot tub rules for your Airbnb to make sure guests use it safely and appropriately. Spell out expectations in your listing and your guidebook. 

Hot tub guidelines to consider including:

• Maximum number of guests at a time
• Age restrictions
• Hours of use
• Usage instructions
• What to do after using the hot tub (turn off heat, put the cover back on, etc.)
• Safety reminders

Stock plenty of pool towels

Prolong the life of your bathroom towels by providing plenty of pool towels for guests to use. Make sure they’re easy for guests to find, or leave signage by the hot tub explaining where to find them.

Have a hot tub maintenance pro on speed dial

As soon as you invest in a hot tub, invest in finding a reliable and reasonably priced hot tub maintenance professional. Choose someone who has the bandwidth to reliably come troubleshoot problems, clean the system, and provide repairs when needed.

Learn basic maintenance and cleaning processes

Consider investing the time to learn basic maintenance and cleaning procedures to save some money and keep the hot tub well-maintained yourself. Do some research into shocking water, cleaning filters, and draining/refilling the hot tub.

Shop Airbnb amenities on Minoan

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