Improve the profitability of your rental property by installing a spa
Are you consideringinstalling a Jacuzzi spa to improve the rental profitability of your home? We’ll answer all your questions here!
In this article, you’ll find key data to help you prepare your project: we detail costs and give examples of financial benefits. We also explain the regulations and technical requirements for installing a spa in your second home.
To find out all about it, theOvo Network teams 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 Jacuzzi increases the rental value of your cottage
There’s no doubt that Jacuzzis are in high demand. They are the most popular equipment among OVO Network visitors: Jacuzzi spas are the second most sought-after selection criterion after the number of rooms, and their dedicated dedicated page is the third most visited page on the website of our partner OVO Network.
The jacuzzi spa is also frequently mentioned in the positive reviews left by holidaymakers. This equipment seems to be particularly well suited to the image many people have of a winter holiday in the mountains.
The financial benefits of a Jacuzzi spa for your cottage
In 2023, properties with Jacuzzis generated around 40 more booking nights than properties without. This equates to additional annual revenues of €20,500 on average.
In fact, the addition of a spa justifies higher rental rates. To illustrate, here’s the average annual revenue generated by OVO Network partner properties:
| Properties for 8 persons : |
| Average without equipment: €45,282 |
| Average with jacuzzi: €66,152 |
| Properties for 10 people : |
| Average without equipment: €40,397 |
| Average with jacuzzi: €73,847 |
| Properties for 12 people : |
| Average without equipment: €57,817 |
| Average with jacuzzi: €73,339 |
Consider, too, that a top-of-the-range Jacuzzi enhances the overall value of a property and adds substantial value at the time of resale.
Types of hot tubs to consider for your cottage
Jacuzzis come in a variety of models. Your choice will depend on the space you have available, your budget, and the type of activity and atmosphere you want to create for your guests.
- The above-ground jacuzzi spa The classic model, which can be built indoors or outdoors.
- In-ground or recessed spa : no obstruction to visibility and a clear skyline.
- The Nordic bath: with its characteristic circular wooden design. The water is heated by an internal or external wood-burning stove, and is not naturally equipped with a bubble system.
- Swim spas : large, rectangular indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis with a counter-current for exercise.
- The therapeutic spa equipped with special jets for muscle relaxation.
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 your chalet, the larger the spa should be.
For second homes, we recommend an acrylic tub. Easy to maintain, acrylic is watertight and heats up faster.
Atelier Nordic – Stéphane Sage – CEO
The spa model is complemented by a whole range of options to enhance its comfort and appeal: bubbles, water jets, submerged massage heads, colored lights and speakers.
Jacuzzi purchase and installation costs
The cost of purchasing and installing a spa varies widely, and can be affected by a number of factors:
- spa type;
- seating capacity;
- materials used ;
- terrain and accessibility: some locations require craning or heli-lifting;
- Options: number of jets and their positioning, bubble system, type of heating, overflow tank, etc. ;
- additional equipment: spa cover, lighting, audio system, lights, booster cushions, etc.
As a guide, budgets can range from €6,000 for the most classic Jacuzzis, to €25,000 for a luxury Jacuzzi.
| Minimum price | Average price | Maximum price | |
| Accessories | 5 € | 60 € | 200 € |
| Inflatable Jacuzzi | 300 € | 600 € | 1 100 € |
| Above-ground Jacuzzi | 9 500 € | 13 000 € | 18 000 € |
| Underground Jacuzzi | 9 000 € | 15 500 € | 20 000 € |
| Installation | 1 000 € | 1 800 € | 2 700 € |
| Total for delivery and installation | 10 000 € | 17 300 € | 22 700 € |
You also need to consider your spa’s energy consumption. On average, a jacuzzi consumes between 2,500 and 7,500 kWh per year, which corresponds to an annual cost of €1,000 to €1,500.
Maintenance costs
In addition to purchase and installation, you also need to consider the maintenance of your spa. This is not only necessary for its proper functioning, but is also regulated by law.
To prevent bacterial growth, pH and disinfectant 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 make and model chosen.
Regulations
Some spas require no special declaration. This is the case for indoor spas and outdoor spas that meet the following criteria:
- total dimensions less than 10 m² ;
- shelter with a height of less than 1.80 m ;
- distance of more than 3 m from property boundaries ;
- for an outdoor spa, maximum use of 3 months per year, and less than 15 days in a protected area.
In all other cases, or if your Jacuzzi spa is to be buried or semi-buried, a declaration of works is required. This can be done directly online, or by contacting your local town hall.
In addition, planning permission is required if the spa’s surface area is equal to or greater than 20 m². Afterwards, you’ll need to post the main details of the planning permission on a sign on your property, visible from the public highway.
Cottages accommodating 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
Our technical team also recommends installing a dedicated electrical circuit with 30 mA differential protection, which complies with NF C 15-100.
Technical considerations
There are several technical factors to consider when installing your Jacuzzi spa:
- its size: choose a location that is large enough for the size of your spa;
- its weight: as a full spa can weigh over 1,300 kilos, the ground on which it will be placed must be sufficiently stable and solid. You may need to consider adding an additional foundation to reinforce the constructibility of your floor;
- if you opt for an indoor Jacuzzi, choose a room with a good ventilation system to prevent humidity from settling in.
If the spa is to be installed on a terrace, it is advisable to consult the condominium manager (if appropriate) and confirm the feasibility of the project by seeking professional advice. In fact, the weight of the spa can reach several tons.
Atelier Nordic
To avoid bacteria, your spa’s water treatment system must be beyond reproach. An automatic system, as for a swimming pool, is recommended. You’ll need a hydraulic supply for filling and a draining system, as well as a UV water treatment system, a sand filter, an efficient heater and a circulation pump.
If all this sounds abstract, don’t hesitate to ask your installer for advice.
Consult this article to find out all you need to know about the layout of your Jacuzzi spa.
Choosing the right location for your Jacuzzi spa
In addition to the above technical considerations, don’t forget to look at some practical aspects to determine the ideal location for your hot tub.
Place it near one of the chalet’s entrances, with a bathroom nearby, as it’s highly inadvisable to immerse yourself in a Jacuzzi without a shower first. Install it on a hard terrace, or lay out an access path, so that your guests don’t get dirty.
It would be ideal to install your spa so that you can enjoy the scenery while bathing, but remember to preserve a certain level of privacy. Planting trees, a hedge, or adding a protective screen will ensure that the space is less exposed to view.
The ideal location should have easy, convenient access. It’s best not to have any grass or earth around it, and to keep the contours of the installation clean and uncluttered, as people are constantly coming and going.
Jean Hudry-Prodon, of Piscines Cleaning
Additional advice
- We strongly advise against buying an inflatable spa. Although less expensive than a hard Jacuzzi, it won’t last as long and will be perceived as poor quality by your guests.
- Carrying out the work and installing the spa in the off-season means you don’t have to shut down your reservation schedule during the high season.
- Equip your Jacuzzi with a waterproof insulating cover, thick enough to offer good thermal resistance, and prevent cold air from entering and steam from escaping.
- Provide guests with clear, precise instructions on how to use the spa safely.
- It is advisable to provide outdoor shoes and dedicated towels, which holidaymakers can use to get to the spa.
- Since homes with Jacuzzis are actively sought-after, an attractive photo of the equipment is essential. The beauty of the location also plays an important role.
- Don’t hesitate to introduce the property manager to basic spa maintenance to ensure your spa is running smoothly.
