17 minute read
Hot Tubs & Saunas Round-Up
It's not secret that adding luxurious extras to your accommodation offering can help you stand out from the rest and achieve a higher nightly rate. We interviewed some of the leading suppliers to help you find the best fit.
Woodpecker Tubs
Tell us a bit about your company – how did it begin?
Woodpecker Tubs was brought to life more than 15 years ago when myself and my business partner saw a gap in the hot tub market for people who wanted a hot tub that was bespoke, handmade and built to their exact needs and wants.
What type of products do you offer for the glamping industry?
For the glamping industry, our product lines are both wide and varied. If you want that moment of luxury for a couple on a romantic break, we have our Ofuro tub – which is like a roll top bath that is deceptively big for two people to sit comfortably in – or if you want to cater for the family market, where we do hot tubs for up to 10 people.
What differentiates your company and products from others out there?
We are able to manage the whole process from concept to actualisation, meaning that we are able to build bespoke and handcrafted products for the marketplace. We manage the delivery and installation too, so savings are made right throughout the whole process.
What are their power specifications, if any? Are they suitable for off-grid sites?
There are a number of options available. Wood-fired (off-grid solution) heats up relatively quickly, depending on size. We also have mains powered, for those who want that constant power source enabling them to have the jacuzzi and LED lighting options available with all tubs.
What maintenance and upkeep do you recommend?
We suggest you avoid using harmful chemicals, bleaches and the like, and use liquid-based products that are ‘delicate’ alternatives to clean your tubs and ensure they last for a long time. We would also suggest using liquid-based products to maintain the pH balance of the tubs instead of using heavy chlorine products, that leave scaling marks and an odour associated with bigger swimming pools from yesteryear.
What are the average running costs?
Whether you are off-grid or have mains power will affect the running costs. You could have wood-fired (cheaper to run), or mains powered, which can also have the wood-fired option with it too. As an alternative you might want to look at investing in solar power, as a more sustainable source of energy. Other than this you will also need to factor in the cost of the cleaning and pH materials.
Do you deliver ready-to-use or do they require assembly on-site?
We offer both options, as it is all dependent on the customer’s wishes. The costs involved are minimal.
What geographical markets do you cover?
We cover the whole of the UK and Europe, but can deliver further afield!
How long is the lifespan of your product(s) – do you offer any warranties?
As long as they are looked after, managed properly and not misused, you can get at least 5-20 years out of them. We offer an initial two-year warranty, should anything not work properly or need changing.
Do you offer any ongoing support?
Indeed we do! It’s important to ensure that you are happy with your products, that you get the best from your tubs, and are able to have the real Woodpecker experience when you purchase one of our tubs. And should anything break or not function properly, we will replace it for you.
KOTO Design
Tell us a bit about your company – how did it begin?
After ten years residing on the shores of Norway’s fjords, we cultivated a deep appreciation for the beauty of the local environment. This became the driving force behind Koto, shaping our modular houses, cabins, and artistic small structures. Our designs are a seamless fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese design principles and cultural influences.
Koto specialises in wellness architecture through modular delivery. Our focus on wellness architecture centers on designing spaces that enhance occupants’ well-being. This includes using natural materials, large glazing, improving air quality, nature integration and embracing biophilic design principles.
What type of products do you offer for the glamping industry?
Koto offers a selection of thoughtfully crafted products tailored for the glamping and hospitality sector. For those seeking a rejuvenating experience immersed in nature, our wood-fired hot tub serves as a wonderful addition to your accommodation, creating an opportunity for relaxation. Our latest addition, the Joki sauna, provides a space for guests to truly unwind.
What differentiates your company and products from others out there?
What distinguishes Koto Design is a blend of architectural excellence and unwavering dedication to sustainability and wellness design.
Our team’s profound architectural expertise infuses every facet of our designs. We meticulously craft spaces that transcend utility, reflecting a harmonious interplay between form, function, and aesthetics. This attention to architectural detail ensures that our modular products aren’t just structures, but living experiences that enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.
Equally, our commitment to sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our process. From the selection of eco-friendly materials to our efficient manufacturing techniques, we are deeply conscious of our environmental footprint.
What are their power specifications, if any? Are they suitable for off-grid sites?
It can vary based on the product and its intended purpose. While some of our products are designed to be suitable for off-grid sites, others may require on-grid connections.
What maintenance and upkeep do you recommend?
The maintenance requirements for Kotos are designed to be minimal, thanks in part to the use of a process called Shou-sugi-ban –which involves charring the wood – not only imparting Koto’s distinctive appearance but also enhancing its resistance to environmental factors. It’s recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that you’re properly caring for your Koto and preserving its unique features.
Do you deliver ready-to-use or do they require assembly on-site?
Koto offers flexibility. Our modules can be delivered in two primary formats: fully assembled or flatpack, depending on factors such as the site’s accessibility and the project timeline.
What geographical markets do you cover?
Currently we serve the UK, Europe and the US.
How long is the lifespan of your product(s) – do you offer any warranties?
We provide warranties for all of our Kotos. The specific warranty terms and lifespan of our products would be outlined in detail in the documentation when you purchase a Koto.
Do you offer any ongoing support?
We always provide ongoing support to our clients who have purchased a Koto. We are here to assist with any questions, concerns, or needs that may arise.
BISHTA
bishta.co.uk
BISHTA, the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association, was established in 2001 to ensure that companies engaged in the display and sale of hot tubs are adequately trained in water hygiene management and understand the importance of maintaining these Standards. BISHTA promotes high health and safety standards by registering suppliers of spas, hot tubs, accessories and water purification products.
Hot Tubs and Swim/Exercise Spas are great for business. They can provide an added feature to a holiday let to increase turnover. BISHTA offers an invaluable source of information to find the right hot tub dealer or a particular brand. Purchasing from a BISHTA member is your assurance of buying with confidence. You can buy from a hot tub dealer knowledgeable of British and European standards. Trained in all aspects of hot tub safety and water hygiene and are signed up to a published code of ethics, sell safe and reputable products from respected sources (which comply with industry standards) and back their products with comprehensive warranties, maintenance plans and high levels of customer service.
Adding hot tubs or swim/exercise spas to a holiday let can offer the following benefits: Greater occupancy rates and more bookings in advance compared to similar accommodations without hot tubs. Easier to differentiate their accommodation from competitors who do not offer hot tubs as part of their bookings package. Adding value to the rental experience to attract higher rental revenues and higherquality clientele. Increase the profitability and commercial value of the assets.
BISHTA also offers a specific level of membership (Associate) to owners and operators of holiday properties, with tailored support to help ensure compliance with the regulations/guidance and a smooth and hassle-free hot tub operating experience for owners and clients. You’ll also get to display the BISHTA logo on your website and printed collateral to demonstrate to your clients your commitment to their safety and enjoyment and the peace of mind that entails.
The holiday market has some specific requirements for the hot tubs that they use; the hot tubs may need to be modified and operated differently from those used in domestic homes. The guidance is in the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) Health & Safety Guidance ‘HSG 282 – The control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa pool systems’.
Depending on your location, you should have a good choice of BISHTA members to contact. BISHTA has members nationwide, and on their website you can find an easy search map by postcode. To find out more about how BISHTA can help you and to find your local BISHTA Approved Hot Tub Companies, visit bishta.co.uk.
Naked Flame Eco Tubs
Tell us a bit about your company – how did it begin?
Naked Flame is proud to be one of the original suppliers to the UK glamping industry and began business in 2014. A unique off-grid, non-chemical option proving extremely popular for site owners, Naked Flame established itself as a recognised supplier to many large companies and small independent sites across the UK.
What type of products do you offer for the glamping industry?
Hand-crafted, solid wood tubs, saunas and outdoor cooking solutions.
What differentiates your company from others out there?
All Naked Flame products are hand-crafted from the highest quality, fully sustainable and traceable wood. Tub liners systems are constructed from fully recyclable Polystone – extremely important to us as a company but equally important for sites wishing to promote their eco credentials. Every tub and sauna boasts huge 42mm walls and if a liner tub is preferred, the construction is exactly the same. We even supply retrofit liner systems for our owners to fit to their original tubs. Absolutely no thin cladding is substituted for liner tubs. All heaters provided with our tubs are constructed of 316 marine grade stainless steel, perfect for owners needing confidence for week in/week out use. Low water volume is also extremely important with fresh water tubs, so both the 2-person LuvTub and the 4-person Compact only hold 800L and 1000L respectively. Heat up times remain the fastest on the market at approx. 1hr from cold! All tub packages include everything needed with no add-ons.
Various Sauna models and sizes are available and can be built to the owner’s specification. Most can include the ever popular, huge “Sun” window which allows site owners to show off
What are their power specifications, if any?
All tubs are totally off-grid needing no power whatsoever. Saunas are available in both an off-grid, wood-buring or low power electric option.
How much maintenance and upkeep do they require?
Very little maintenance is required for both tubs and saunas, just a clean between each use. No chemicals are required and used water can be recycled back on land. Turnaround times are super quick with liner tubs. Larger drain valves are supplied with every tub to speed up the emptying process. Should an owner require any replacement parts at any point, they will always be supplied at cost price.
What are the average running costs?
Our 316 wood-burning tub heaters are extremely efficient, giving peace of mind with electricity prices on the increase. Tubs can be up to full temperature in approx. 1hr and only require 1 - 1.5 handy bags of logs for a full session.
Do you deliver ready-to-use or do they require assembly on-site?
All Tubs and Saunas are delivered to owners fully built and only require a 30 minute set up prior to using.
What geographical markets do you cover?
Naked Flame supply across the whole of the UK and Europe.
How long is the lifespan of your product(s) – do you offer any warranties?
Up to 5 years manufacturers warranties are supplied with all tubs and saunas, but the lifespan of all products will last for many years to come. In fact, we still have tubs on sites that were supplied right at the beginning in 2014 that are still working well and look superb.
Do you offer any ongoing support?
Full aftersales and help is available 24/7. We are always available to help and support the businesses that we work with. We also provide site visits to help with site plans if required.
Royal Tubs
Tell us a bit about your company – how did it begin?
Born into a “tubbing-culture” in Northern Europe, Royal Tubs’ founder Andrew grew up immersed in the relaxing ambience of wood smoke and warm water. When he moved to the UK, he couldn’t wait to enrich his garden with a dash of luxury and a sense of home with a traditional wood-fired hot tub. However, from the moment Andrew ordered his tub, everything went wrong.
Broken promises, delays that ran into weeks (and then months), and extra costs hidden in every detail. When his tub did eventually arrive, it was poorly made and blighted with defects. The tub only lasted 18 months before its poor quality won the day. Overcome with disappointment and disbelief at the experience, Andrew set out to make sure nobody else would have to suffer an experience like his.
What type of products do you offer for the glamping industry?
We offer wood-fired, diesel heated & electrically heated hot tubs, wood-fired or electrically heated saunas along with shepherd’s huts & our new Iglu-style glamping pods.
What differentiates your company and products from others out there?
Every step of our journey is focused around delivering unbeatable value and truly remarkable wood-fired tubs. That’s why we only use sustainably sourced timber from trusted suppliers. That’s also why we refuse to sell cheaper, but short-lived aluminium stoves with our tubs. We only put the Royal Tubs name on products we stand by.
Are they suitable for off-grid sites?
We offer off-grid options in all of our hot tubs. The glamping pods are supplied as a shell only, leaving the buyer to make their own unique mark on them.
What maintenance and upkeep do you recommend?
This is highly variable depending on use. However, hot tubs should be biannually or annually serviced, with saunas generally needing an annual service.
What are the average running costs?
We use only the most efficient heaters. However, this is highly dependent on a few factors: how long you run the hot tub for, ambient temperature etc. What we do know is it is a lot less than your typical electrically heated tub, as you only pay to heat as you use it, rather than all the time.
Do you deliver ready-to-use or do they require assembly on-site?
All of our hot tubs are delivered ready-touse. Saunas are available fully assembled or assembled on-site.
What geographical markets do you cover?
We cover all of the United Kingdom including Scotland & Wales.
How long is the lifespan of your product(s) – do you offer any warranties?
It highly depends on the use and maintenance of the hot tub heater, as well as the cladding, however, you would expect your acrylic hot tub liner to last 15 to 20 years. The saunas we expect to last even longer if cared for correctly.
Expected life of our saunas is 20 to 30 years. All products come with a minimum 2 year warranty.
Do you offer any ongoing support?
We offer a full service & maintenance package throughout the UK. We are also launching a service package.
Why a good hot tub water testing regime is important
We all know that adding a hot tub to your glamping accommodation can add to the attractiveness of your site to potential customers. However, we do not always know or are not advised of the potential dangers. Poor water treatment, poor water testing and poor water quality can result in uncomfortable water and possible bacterial infections including Legionella. A bad customer experience can lead to a poor review, loss of reputation and loss of future bookings.
Why do we need to test?
Health and Safety Guideline 282 (HSG282) came into effect in early 2017. The main aim was to reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks associated with spas and hot tubs. The guideline covers all spas and hot tubs in a commercial setting i.e. all those hired out and used by more than one party, including any in a showroom that contains water. It does not include use in a purely domestic situation.
Section 5 of the guideline focuses on water testing with the following emphasis:
• Reducing the risk of Legionella and microbiological contamination
• Emphasizing that this is the operator’s responsibility
• Ensuring testing is frequent and planned (at least two or three times a day)
• Highlighting that results should be recorded
• Stressing that there should be a written action plan for when things go wrong.
What needs to be tested?
The guideline focuses on two main parameters: Disinfectant and pH. Either Chlorine or Bromine is used, and this should be tested frequently. Levels should be in the following ranges:
• Chlorine (free): 3 – 5mg/l
• Bromine: 4 – 6mg/l
pH is a measurement of the acid or alkaline value of the spa or hot tub and is important both for user comfort and the effectiveness of the disinfectant. The guideline recommends the following levels should be aimed for:
• pH: 7.0-7.6
Both tests should be carried out at least twice a day using a professional kit (not test strips) and the result recorded. There should be an action plan in place if readings are outside the required ranges.
How should testing be carried out?
Test strips are not recommended as they can be unreliable and difficult to read. A commercial photometer or glass-based comparator kit should be used and operators should be trained on how to carry out testing correctly, what the results mean and the action that needs to be taken.
Lovibond can help you with all your testing requirements. If you are thinking about installing a hot tub, we would be happy to discuss with you the testing requirements, put together a suitable testing regime and supply a kit suitable for your needs. If you already have a hot tub in place, we can review your current testing protocol and the equipment used and advise accordingly.
What else should be considered?
You will also be treating the water mainly with the addition of disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) and a pH adjuster. Chemicals should not be added without knowing what is already in the water. You should never guesstimate when it comes to hot tub chemicals. The correct process should be: TEST-TREAT-RETEST. Water changes rapidly with use. In a heavily used hot tub, disinfectant levels can be exhausted quickly. Make sure your testing frequency is adequate and realistic.
Keeping People Safe
Good testing is about keeping people safe, reducing the risk of infectious deceases (inc Legionella) and giving customers an enjoyable experience. Do not be tempted to cut corners as water quality can change rapidly and you could end up with a major contamination leading to the wrong type of headlines, customer feedback and reviews.
For more information on test kits, testing procedures and training please contact support@lovibond.uk.
