Start a Hot Tub Hire Business: UK Guide

summary

• Choose hard-shell hot tubs over cheaper inflatables: more reliable, no puncture worries.
• Potential earnings up to £4,800 monthly with strategic pricing.
• Post visually appealing photos of your hot tub hires on social media to attract customers.
  

🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast: Start a Hot Tub Hire Business: UK Guide.

Transcript available below.

Owning a hot tub has its perks, but many people don’t consider this for various reasons, from the costs to the lack of space. Still, having a soak in the warm waters of a bubbling tub is a luxury that people occasionally crave. You can capitalise on this need by starting a hot tub hire business. 

While this side hustle may seem unorthodox initially, renting out hot tubs can become lucrative if you know how to start, manage, and market it correctly. We have shared a guide to help you understand what it takes to establish this type of business and ensure success. Keep reading to learn more!

As the name suggests, a hot tub rental business means you lease hot tubs to customers within your service area. You’re responsible for buying the hot tubs, delivering them to customers, and performing maintenance. In general, your target audience would be those who own holiday rentals, event planners, and regular homeowners who don’t want to commit to buying their own hot tubs.

There are two main types of hot tubs you can use — traditional ones and inflatable hot tubs.

TRADITIONAL HOT TUBS

Traditional hot tubs are the classic units that have permanent structures. These are still portable, but they are bulky and heavy. In the UK, one of the most popular brands that locally manufacture traditional hot tubs is RotoSpa. Its products are made for the UK weather, so the company is one of our top recommendations if you want to go the traditional route.

In fact, RotoSpa UK has a program for those who want to start a hot tub hire business.

INFLATABLE HOT TUBS

Inflatable hot tubs are lighter and more portable, making them a great option for transport. As the name implies, these types of tubs need air to achieve their final structure. Still, they have features and benefits similar to traditional ones. Lay-Z-Spa is the leading provider of inflatable hot tubs, with locally made products with sleek designs and energy-efficient mechanisms.

Your earnings depend on several factors, with the length of use being the most important one. You can rent the hot tub for a weekend, a week, or a month — three common durations for other hot tub rental businesses. You can use these periods to determine your rates. For example, you can charge £400 for a weekend rental. Then, charge £500 per week and £1,000 for an entire month.

Let’s use the above examples to calculate possible monthly earnings. Say you have three hot tubs available, and you can rent them all every weekend. You can earn up to £4,800 in a month, quickly getting back the initial investment for one of the tubs. 

Before launching a hot tub hire business, it's essential to consider several key factors to determine if it's a feasible venture in your region:

Local Demand Analysis

The cornerstone of your business's success lies in the local demand for hot tub hire. It's vital to conduct in-depth market research to understand the level of interest and the spending capability of potential customers in your area. Surveys, local focus groups, or an analysis of existing competitors can provide valuable insights.

Weather Factors

In the UK, weather conditions significantly influence the demand for hot tub hire. The typically humid and temperate climate and chilly winters often make a hot tub an attractive option for a warm, relaxing soak. During warmer summer months, offering the option to adjust hot tubs to cooler temperatures can appeal to those seeking a refreshing experience, thus ensuring year-round relevance for your business.

Economic Climate Considerations

Assessing the economic climate of your target area is crucial. Understanding local income levels and financial stability will help set appropriate pricing structures and develop effective marketing strategies that resonate with your audience.

Local Regulations and Permissions

Familiarise yourself with any local council regulations or permissions that might affect the operation of a hot tub hire business in your chosen area. This includes understanding health and safety standards, insurance requirements, and specific local bylaws that might apply to your business.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can understand the potential for a hot tub hire business in your locale and make informed decisions to steer your side hustle venture towards success.

Before starting your business, you need funding for the following start-up costs.

Hot Tubs

When considering your primary investment for a hot tub hire business, the focus will naturally be on the hot tubs themselves. Among the traditional models, the RotoSpa Orbis and QuatroSpa stand out as popular choices due to their durability and suitability for rental purposes. These models are available new, starting at around £3,000.

However, for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, purchasing a pre-owned model can offer significant savings, often exceeding £1,000. Platforms like eBay.co.uk are good sources for used RotoSpas but ensuring their quality and maintenance history is crucial. Inspecting the tubs personally and inquiring about any previous repairs can safeguard your investment.

Additionally, exploring local dealers for pre-owned options might uncover more opportunities to find a well-maintained, cost-effective solution for your business.

Easy Access

RotoSpa hot tubs are known for their convenience and practicality, especially when it comes to installation. Their round hot tub models are designed to be easily manoeuvrable, allowing them to be rolled into the desired location without the need for heavy lifting equipment like cranes.

A significant advantage of RotoSpa hot tubs is their ability to fit through gates or passageways that are less than 2 metres wide. This feature is particularly beneficial for locations with limited access or narrow entry points, making RotoSpa an ideal choice for both residential and commercial settings where space and accessibility are key considerations. Their user-friendly design ensures that setting up your hot tub is as stress-free as the relaxation it offers.

Inflatable Hot Tubs

Alternatively, inflatable hot tubs are more budget-friendly, ranging from £300 to £1,000. Consider starting with a few units and expanding as demand grows. Keep an eye out for bulk purchase discounts or deals.

Advantages of Hard-Shell Hot Tubs over Inflatables

Opting for hard-shell hot tubs over inflatables presents several advantages, particularly in terms of durability and experience. Hard-shell hot tubs are significantly more robust and long-lasting, capable of withstanding frequent use and harsher environmental conditions without the risk of punctures or damage that inflatable tubs might suffer. This durability translates into a longer lifespan, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run despite their higher initial investment.

Hard-shell hot tubs often come with built-in seating and more powerful jets, offering a superior and more luxurious soaking experience. Their sturdier construction also allows for better heat retention, keeping the water warmer for more extended periods and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, hard-shell tubs generally offer a more upscale and aesthetically pleasing look, which can be a significant draw for customers seeking a premium relaxation experience.

While inflatable hot tubs have their place in the market due to their lower cost and portability, hard-shell hot tubs are a more resilient and upscale option, ideal for customers seeking a premium, long-lasting hot tub experience.

Transportation

Reliable transportation is crucial for delivering hot tubs to your customers. If you're purchasing a vehicle and trailer, factor in the initial cost and ongoing expenses such as petrol, maintenance, and insurance.

If buying a vehicle isn't feasible, consider rental or third-party delivery services as alternatives.

Licences, Permits, and Insurance

Ensure you have all necessary licences and permits before commencing operations. These requirements vary by location, so checking with local authorities is important. Securing comprehensive insurance policies is also essential for protecting your business against liabilities. While these costs can vary, budgeting for them in advance is prudent.

Taxes

While they are not a start-up cost, taxes should be considered early on. Based on our projections, you could earn well over £1,000 in just a month, so you’ll need to register with HMRC for self-assessment.

Additional Expenses

Don't overlook other significant costs, such as marketing, website development, and staff salaries, if you plan to hire help. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the hot tubs are also recurring expenses that should be factored into your financial planning.

Financial Planning

Develop a comprehensive financial plan encompassing one-time start-up costs and ongoing operational expenses. This will help create a realistic budget and ensure your business's financial sustainability.

✅ Read our comprehensive guide on side hustles and your tax obligations.

Buying a few hot tub units is no walk in the park. You’ll need to secure enough capital to buy at least three tubs. You can work with angel investors, apply for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), or get crowdfunding. Start-up loans from banks and co-ops are also reliable ways to secure funding for your business.

✅ Read our comprehensive guide on how to raise funding for your side hustle.

Marketing your new hot tub business effectively is crucial to its success. In today’s digital landscape, having an online presence is paramount.

While creating a website can significantly enhance your business's professionalism and reach, it's not mandatory. For those considering building a website, user-friendly platforms like Wix.com or Wordpress.com can simplify the process.

Alongside a website, harnessing the power of social media is vital. Platforms such as Instagram are ideal for showcasing your hot tubs, especially given their visual appeal. Regularly post engaging photos of your hot tubs, particularly those set up in picturesque locations, to attract attention and interact with potential clients.

In addition to your online efforts, actively participating in your local community can yield significant benefits. Engage with local events and join business groups like BNI to network with other businesses. This not only raises awareness about your hot tub services but also helps establish connections that could lead to new customer opportunities.

Remember, a combination of online presence and community involvement forms a strong foundation for effectively marketing your hot tub business.

The demand for hot tubs will remain as long as people crave relaxation and a taste of luxury, a sentiment echoed from over 2000 years ago when the Romans cherished their luxurious warm spas. This enduring appreciation for therapeutic waters underscores the potential of starting a hot tub hire business. It may seem unusual initially, but with dedication and passion, this side hustle can flourish, tapping into a timeless desire for relaxation and indulgence.

Before you go, consider exploring another exciting side hustle opportunity that suits those who love being outdoors: starting a lawn mowing business. Much like the hot tub hire business, a lawn mowing service offers its own set of rewards and challenges. Our next article delves into the essentials of setting up and running a successful lawn mowing business, providing you with practical tips and insights to help you get started. Whether you're looking for a seasonal venture or a year-round enterprise, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make your lawn mowing business thrive. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to launching your next successful side hustle.

START A LAWN MOWING BUSINESS

🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast

Start a Hot Tub Hire Business: UK Guide.

Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.

Today, we're looking at How to Start a Hot Tub Hire Business in the UK. A valuable insight for anyone considering starting a hot tub hire business is the importance of choosing the right type of hot tub. While inflatable hot tubs might seem like a cost-effective option initially, they can often lead to more problems down the line. A common issue with inflatable models is their susceptibility to punctures and leaks, which not only leads to frequent repairs but can also result in dissatisfied customers and a tarnished business reputation.

In contrast, investing in hard-shell hot tubs, though more expensive upfront, can offer greater long-term value. These tubs are generally more durable, less prone to damage, and offer a higher quality experience for your customers. In the world of hot tub rentals, reliability and customer satisfaction are key. Thus, opting for hard-shell hot tubs can significantly reduce the headache of constant repairs and help in establishing a reputation for quality service in your business.

That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!

https://www.rotospa.co.uk/ 

https://www.rotospa.co.uk/start-a-hot-tub-hire-business 

https://www.lay-z-spa.co.uk/ 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-apply-to-use-the-seed-enterprise-investment-scheme