Hot tub sales and settings are rising as Tayside families take the stress out and plan summer in the garden

The hot tub sales and rental business is booming as families and couples in Tayside and Fife prepare for a summer at home.

David Torrance, Sales Director for Hydropool Scotland, based in Dundee and Glasgow, says hot tub sales have increased at least 200% over the past year. Another local operator said they sold more than 60 tubs in March alone.

David says, “There are a number of reasons why we as an industry have benefited from this over the past year. People have an disposable income because they don’t go on vacation but still want that vacation feeling.

“Instead of going to hotels with hot tubs, they can get the feel of a hot tub in their own garden. The world has changed. People want this luxury garden.

© Supplied by David Torrance, Hydropool Scotland.

“I think the fact that more people are buying and using hot tubs means the trend will continue – more people know someone who has a hot tub – and I believe productivity will continue for the hot tub industry.

“At the moment we are only making appointments in Dundee so that we can adhere to all protocols related to Covid. We’re a high end hot tub company and we’ve been so busy because we have inventory available and we offer a high level of aftercare service. Hot tubs are like cars – you can buy cheap models, but you get what you buy!

“Many people buy from us for therapeutic reasons, including health reasons. And we’re also very excited to be giving the NHS discount when they shop with us because of all the hard work they do. “

“I’ll take any tub, any date”

Alan Colbert, owner of Hot Tub Hire Scotland in Dunfermline, says his company has also received bookings from NHS staff. He is amazed at how high the overall demand was. Alan says he could have rented his hot tubs four times in the past year.

“We stopped during the first lockdown. After checking with the council’s health and safety department and receiving recommendations from them following a Covid risk assessment, we started again.

“We were inundated with inquiries. More than ever since we launched in 2012. At one point I even had to post a message on social media that we had unprecedented demand as I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.

“We’re a small company, so I had to spend time figuring out who could get what in which room and on which day! People said, ‘I take any tub, any date’. It was crazy. “

© Shutterstock / Ja Crispy Health benefits of hot tubs include relieving joint pain and swelling, and reducing anxiety.

Alan, who runs the business with his wife Jackie, plans to start hiring again in May. He said, “Christmas and New Years have been busy for us. We had a waiting list of people who were hoping to be rejected. We had NHS staff who just needed a break. We had families that said, “Well, we can’t go on vacation,” so they took a tub instead.

“People who want to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at home, even though the choice of activities is so limited, have also got involved with us.

“We got people to say they need it for their thoughts during the lockdown. They want to relax and lock everything out in the security of their own four walls.

“We were fortunate to have been in a business where we could continue for the most part, working outside of people and using the PPE. We just always had to wait for a date when it was safe to start again. “

What does a hot tub cost?

Although hot tubs are viewed as an expensive purchase, cheaper options are available.

Aldi will re-open its inflatable spa pool. Equipped with automatic heating, water purification and 135 air jets, it sold out instantly among celebrities during an Instagram spa madness last year.

Aldi’s pool costs £ 349.99 and can be purchased online. The Range, Argos, and Homebase have also introduced affordable outdoor hot tubs for those looking for a bargain.

For those looking for a more permanent hot tub in their home, there are plenty of choices. Prices start at around £ 4,800 for a small tub (176cm x 201cm x 82cm) and go up to around £ 15,000 for a six-seater. An elite performance swim spa (586cm x 239cm x 153cm) will bring you back a whopping 47,000 pounds.

Whenever you invest in a hot tub, make sure you get it insured. Insurance giant Aviva said claims for hot tubs rose 188% over the past year. This included birds pecking holes in hot tub covers, a strimmer bursting an inflatable spa, and loads of claims that equipment should take a dip!

© Supplied by Aldi online Aldi’s sold-out hot tub £ 349.99.

Health benefits of hot tubs

Instagram is full of pictures of glamorous celebrities like Amanda Holden hanging out in their hot tubs. But what are the health benefits of regularly bathing in a warm spa pool other than being a luxury prop that shows up on social media?

Hot water and the massage action of the jets in a hot tub can relax muscles, reduce stiffness and inflammation in joints, and relieve pain in conditions such as arthritis.

Using a hot tub can increase your heart rate and lower blood pressure – helpful for people who have difficulty exercising because of their mobility problems.

It’s also good for mental health as warm water has a calming effect that can relieve emotional stress and tension.

“People want an ‘everydacation experience’

The UK’s hot tub industry trade association, BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and HotTub Association), said many of its members continue to see sales growth despite the pandemic.

According to BISHTA, the demand for hard-shell acrylic hot tubs has grown dramatically, and some of their members reported a 400% increase in sales during the pandemic.

“Lockdown resulted in hot tub searches increasing more than 650% in 2020 as we looked for fun ways to fill up our time at home and find alternatives to the usual family summer vacation. And because of the still existing travel restrictions in Great Britain, the increase continues, “said a spokeswoman.

“Brexit and Covid-19 had a positive impact on the spa industry as people invest more in their home lifestyles. People are now focused on creating beautiful gardens and staycation style improvements to create an ‘everyday experience’. “

The hot tub industry is expected to continue to benefit from life after the lockdown, as are shoppers lounging in their new garden spas.

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