Hot Tubs, Pools, and Spas

By Nathan Gawlik
Nathan Gawlik's experience includes being a General Manager of a Hampton Inn and other front line roles such as a Banquet Captain, Front Desk Agent, Housekeeper, Catering Event Manager, and Director of Sales.

Hot Tubs, Pools, and Spas

By Nathan Gawlik

Adding amenities like a pool, hot tub, or gym can help increase your average daily rate and create additional revenue streams. Read this before you install a pool at your bed and breakfast or campground. This article will give you everything you need to know from install to making sure guests have a great experience.

Choosing the Type of Pool

Installing a pool is a big decision and a large expense to take on. However, there is almost no doubt it will get used. Whether you are in a concrete jungle or on an island oasis just steps from the beach, guests love pools. Consider the following when deciding between a saltwater pool and a chlorine pool:

Saltwater Pool

Pros

+ Lower concentration of chlorine
+ Chemicals cost $70-$100/yr
+ Doesn't fade swimsuits
+ Softer on the skin
+ Requires less frequent maintenance

Cons

- The initial investment is greater
- Electricity cost is slightly higher
- Saltwater can damage pool features, plants, and soil
- Repairs may require a professional

Pros

+ Lower concentration of chlorine
+ Chemicals cost $70-$100/yr
+ Doesn't fade swimsuits
+ Softer on the skin
+ Requires less frequent maintenance

Cons

- The initial investment is greater
- Electricity cost is slightly higher
- Saltwater can damage pool features, plants, and soil
- Repairs may require a professional

Chlorine Pool

Pros

+ Less costly initial investment
+ Uses less electricity
+ Problems usually solved by owner
+ Doesn't damage pool features

Cons

- Chlorine must be added to the pool
- Can cause skin to itch and dry out
- Chlorine must be stored and used carefully
- More expensive and frequent maintenance $300-$800/yr
- Needs to be "shocked" more often
- Higher concentration of chlorine

Pros

+ Less costly initial investment
+ Uses less electricity
+ Problems usually solved by owner
+ Doesn't damage pool features

Cons

- Chlorine must be added to the pool
- Can cause skin to itch and dry out
- Chlorine must be stored and used carefully
- More expensive and frequent maintenance $300-$800/yr
- Needs to be "shocked" more often
- Higher concentration of chlorine

To learn more about the chemistry of how salt creates chlorine in your pool, check out this helpful video below.

An argument can surely be made that the chemical cost savings of operating a saltwater pool will nullify the greater initial investment over time. Do your research and determine what might be best for you, your guests, and the climate of your area.

Maintenance Advice

Many owners don't understand that the pH levels of a pool will fluctuate constantly, with a pH in the range of 7.2-7.6 being a key component for safe water. 7.4 is the optimal pH level. The pH levels provide a base for all your other pool chemicals. If pH is too low, chlorine can escape as gas and cause equipment erosion while if the pH is too high then the water won't be disinfected and people can get sick.

Having your pH sit outside this range can greatly reduce chemical efficiency, leading to waste and higher cost.

Automation
The number one thing regarding pool upkeep is automation. Purchasing a Chemical Controller can greatly reduce the amount of work you will have to commit to on a daily basis and ensure your pool is safe and chemicals aren't being wasted. Many hotels that don't automate their chemicals are forced to check their pool chemicals every two hours. Automating this process will save you a lot of time. Check with your local health department to ensure you are in compliance. Be ready to spend around $1500, but the cost is well worth it.

Variable Pool Pumps

Investing in a variable speed pool pump is going to save you on your electricity bill. Some estimates suggest as much as a thousand dollars of savings per year.

The VS Omni Variable-Speed Pump has Smart Pool Control so you can review and schedule lighting, sanitation, and more from anywhere in the world on your smartphone. This pump is also EnergyStar rated and works with AlexaTM or Google HomeTM.

Brands
Ultimately, there are a number of factors that are going to narrow down what options you can go with, but according to GearHungry.com, Hayward is a well-known brand that provides quality pumps and just about everything else you might need, from vacuums and heaters, to lighting and skimmers. The Hayward website also has a great comparison tool to make your buying decision easier. Likewise, if Hayward doesn't sell the product you're looking for, they can direct you where to buy it.

Similarly, Pentair offers an array of different products to consider for your pool. Their website has an easy to use Saving Calculator for many of their products. Many of their products come in at a price point more reasonable than Hayward with comparable performance.

Another smart tip is to search for the EnergyStar rating on any of the equipment you purchase for your pool.

Calculating the Cost

There are a myriad of factors that can contribute to the cost of a pool. Consider the following:

Size of the pool
Cost of permits, increase in insurance, and association fees
Will there be a deck?
Is it an in-ground pool or above ground?
Will you have concrete pads surrounding the pool? How large?
Other landscaping considerations
Will you be doing most of the maintenance yourself?
Will you have fencing around your pool?
Are you going to cover the pool when not in use?
How much will signage cost?
Will the pool be heated?
Will you have a water slide, waterfall, diving board, or other amenities?
Will you have custom specialty tiles? What lighting will you select?
Will you have bubblers and jets?
Will you have a splash pad for children?
Does your pool need to be ADA compliant?

Another smart tip is to search for the EnergyStar rating on any of the equipment you purchase for your pool.

With all these factors it is easy to see how the cost of installing a pool can be comparable to buying a small house. It will be up to you to determine what elected items you can afford.

Safety and Signage

It's important to limit your liability from guests that might be injured using the pool. Most insurance companies will require that you provide adequate signage for the pool area. Typically, the insurance provider will direct you on the required verbiage and how many signs are required. These often include restrictions on diving and rough play, age requirements, and stating there is no lifeguard on duty - swim at your own risk, among other things.

Experience

Many of the upgraded elective features can help to create unique experiences for your guests. Pools can really make - or break - a property. If you are considering spending a large sum of money, you might as well do what you can to promote this new feature and reap the benefits it provides. Adding a pool can help to justify charging higher rates and a pool can increase the value of your home by as much as 7 percent.

Social Capital
Make the pool a social media sharing hotspot. Who doesn't love making their friends jealous as they post up poolside? Social media is no longer just for the younger generation either. 65 percent of Facebook users are 35 or older. This is free marketing for your property. Encourage guests to post on social media. Put up a sign, like us on this page, and show them how they can find you or which hashtags you are using.

Consider providing merchandise at your pool that encourages the guests to stay longer, like sunglasses with your property name on them or small blow-up beach balls, and sunscreen. These items are cheap and well worth the cost for the praise you will receive online for being so thoughtful.

Do you have some less favorable angles of this space you would rather not share online? Consider setting the scene yourself. Make a pool themed picture frame for guest use. Place this in an area with a great backdrop. Add your own hashtags or name of your property on the frame itself. Make it colorful, fun, and festive. You could take this one step further by hosting a pool party, luau, or other themed events.

Encourage your guests to stay at the pool as long as possible. Provide comfortable sunbeds, floating loungers, and waterproof gadgets. Again these items can be used to generate revenue. If you have a larger property with just a few highly sought after cabana beds, allow guests to reserve them for a fee. These items, married with food or beverages, offer another source of revenue. This could be a full menu, hors d'oeurves, or just small snacks like cucumber sandwiches or bagged snacks and cold items.

Not sure what to charge for the cabana? Consider charging a higher rate with a food menu credit. Nearly every guest will order food because if they don't, they are basically losing money. Consider offering a percentage off select items or providing a dollar discount off select items. Try both and see which one is more effective over two different busy weekends. In this case you aren't measuring cabana revenue - just driving food revenue.

Charge Their Experience
Today we carry our devices everywhere we go. Whether it's a phone or an e-reader, part of keeping your guests at the pool is keeping them entertained. Provide charging ports throughout the pool area. Perhaps even consider a solar umbrella equipped with two charging ports. This has the added advantage of promoting your ecological character. Make sure your styling plays into your pool's theme and ambiance.

Consider all the things you would want to include to have a great time. An easy way to do this is to start by making a list of all the things you would need at a pool. Then try to provide as many of those items as possible. Another great place to get inspiration is Instagram and Pinterest.

Conclusion

Hotels typically have a cement hole filled with water. Be different and crowds will flock to you. Pools and hot tubs have always been a place for guests to gather and relax. Meet or exceed your guest's expectations. This will keep them coming back and make your pool a dynamic revenue generating outlet at your property.

Resources

Easy Gourmet Cucumber Sandwiches on Pumpernickel Bread
15 Absolutely Perfect Pool-Party Foods
Other Pool Supplies
USB Solar Promotional Umbrella $112
Variable Speed Pump Could Save Thousands

Sources

a) Saltwater Vs Chlorine Pools
b) Best Pool Pump
c) www.hayward-pool.com
d) www.pentair.com
e) Essential Chemicals Needed for Salt Water Pool
f) DIY How to Pick a Pool Pump
g) Pool Supplies
h) Automation and Ph Control

Sources

MARKETING

OPERATIONS

CASE STUDIES

THEORY

MARKETING

OPERATIONS

CASE STUDIES

THEORY

Hot Tubs, Pools, and Spas

Hot Tubs, Pools, and Spas

Choosing the Type of Pool

Saltwater Pool

Pros

+ Lower concentration of chlorine+ Chemicals cost $70-$100/yr+ Doesn't fade swimsuits+ Softer on the skin+ Requires less frequent maintenance

Cons

- The initial investment is greater- Electricity cost is slightly higher- Saltwater can damage pool features, plants, and soil- Repairs may require a professional

Pros

+ Lower concentration of chlorine+ Chemicals cost $70-$100/yr+ Doesn't fade swimsuits+ Softer on the skin+ Requires less frequent maintenance

Cons

- The initial investment is greater- Electricity cost is slightly higher- Saltwater can damage pool features, plants, and soil- Repairs may require a professional

Chlorine Pool

Pros

+ Less costly initial investment+ Uses less electricity+ Problems usually solved by owner+ Doesn't damage pool features

Cons

- Chlorine must be added to the pool- Can cause skin to itch and dry out- Chlorine must be stored and used carefully- More expensive and frequent maintenance $300-$800/yr- Needs to be "shocked" more often- Higher concentration of chlorine

Pros

+ Less costly initial investment+ Uses less electricity+ Problems usually solved by owner+ Doesn't damage pool features

Cons

- Chlorine must be added to the pool- Can cause skin to itch and dry out- Chlorine must be stored and used carefully- More expensive and frequent maintenance $300-$800/yr- Needs to be "shocked" more often- Higher concentration of chlorine

To learn more about the chemistry of how salt creates chlorine in your pool, check out this helpful video below.

Maintenance Advice

Another smart tip is to search for the EnergyStar rating on any of the equipment you purchase for your pool.

Calculating the Cost

Another smart tip is to search for the EnergyStar rating on any of the equipment you purchase for your pool.

Safety and Signage

Experience

Conclusion

Resources

Sources

Sources

+ Lower concentration of chlorine
+ Chemicals cost $70-$100/yr
+ Doesn't fade swimsuits
+ Softer on the skin
+ Requires less frequent maintenance

- The initial investment is greater
- Electricity cost is slightly higher
- Saltwater can damage pool features, plants, and soil
- Repairs may require a professional

+ Lower concentration of chlorine
+ Chemicals cost $70-$100/yr
+ Doesn't fade swimsuits
+ Softer on the skin
+ Requires less frequent maintenance

- The initial investment is greater
- Electricity cost is slightly higher
- Saltwater can damage pool features, plants, and soil
- Repairs may require a professional

+ Less costly initial investment
+ Uses less electricity
+ Problems usually solved by owner
+ Doesn't damage pool features

- Chlorine must be added to the pool
- Can cause skin to itch and dry out
- Chlorine must be stored and used carefully
- More expensive and frequent maintenance $300-$800/yr
- Needs to be "shocked" more often
- Higher concentration of chlorine

+ Less costly initial investment
+ Uses less electricity
+ Problems usually solved by owner
+ Doesn't damage pool features

- Chlorine must be added to the pool
- Can cause skin to itch and dry out
- Chlorine must be stored and used carefully
- More expensive and frequent maintenance $300-$800/yr
- Needs to be "shocked" more often
- Higher concentration of chlorine