The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out hot tub regulations for holiday lets in its HSG282 guidance, but working out exactly how it applies to you can be tricky
Not to worry! We’re here to simplify the rules and regulations, covering everything from whether building regulations apply to how often to change the water.
Hot tubs for holiday lets: rules, regulations, and care
A hot tub is a huge draw for holidaygoers, but there are lots of practical considerations like water testing, planning, and insurance.
1. Water testing and treatment
According to the HSG282, you ought to be checking and logging chlorine and pH levels twice daily, depending on usage.
To maintain clean, balanced water, you should aim for the below figures:
- Free chlorine: 3-5mg/l
- Combined chlorine: less than 1.0 mg/l (and less than half of the free chlorine level)
- Alternative (bromine): 4-6mg/l
- pH level: 7.0-7.6
Recommended reading: How to increase alkalinity in a hot tub
HSG282 also recommends sending a monthly water sample to a UKAS-accredited lab to test for bacteria (including E. coli and Pseudomonas). Plus, you should have the water tested for legionella every quarter.
If you don’t use a lab, your records need to show that you’re keeping disinfectant and pH levels in range, changing the water regularly, and cleaning the filters. Lab testing is the only way to confirm the water is free from bacteria, so we’d always recommend it.
On top of that, you should drain the hot tub each week (or between different guests) before cleaning and refilling.
2. Hot tub building regulations and planning
Usually, a hot tub doesn’t need planning permission.When it comes to building regulations, the main thing is electrics.
Outdoor hot tubs fall under a specific section of the wiring regulations (BS 7671, Section 702). Essentially, this means you need:
- A dedicated, hardwired supply
- 30 mA RCD protection
- An outdoor isolator switch
- An electrician who can certify the work
Make sure to keep the certificate on file and never run the tub off an extension lead. Your hot tub also needs a level base, capable of bearing its weight when filled. Our luxury hot tubs stand up to frequent use and their expert engineering ensures durability and safety.
In terms of planning, you won’t need permission unless it’s part of a new structure in your garden or property (e.g. a gazebo, decking, or screening). You’ll also need to check with your local authority if you’re installing a hot tub in a conservation area, National Park, or near a listed building.
3. Hot tub insurance and liability
If you’re thinking about adding a hot tub to your holiday let properties, you’ll need to tell your insurance company about it and check that:
- Your public liability cover includes guest injury and illness.
- Your limit of indemnity (the most your insurer will pay out per claim) is high enough. Many insurers suggest at least £2 million for properties with a hot tub.
If a guest ever makes a claim, you must provide records, showing regular checks, water changes, and lab results.
4. Hot tub safety rules for guests
Hot tub safety rules in the UK ensure that guests know how to use the hot tub, look after it, and remain safe. You’ll want to display these clearly and repeat the rules in your welcome book.
Here are some common hot tub safety rules you might like to use:
- Shower before getting in
- Keep the temperature at roughly 38°C (but don’t exceed 40°C)
- Supervise children at all times
- Keep glassware away from the hot tub
- Check with a doctor first if you’re pregnant or have medical conditions
- Replace and lock the cover after use
- Keep noise down after 10pm
We also recommend including a clear instruction to stop using the hot tub if the water looks cloudy or smells strange.
5. Hot tub maintenance for holiday lets
Holiday let hot tub maintenance good practice boils down to routines and records. Make a list of what you do at each changeover, and what maintenance you carry out every week, month, quarter, and year.
Here’s what to include in your records:
- Water test readings and water changes
- Filter cleans and replacements
- Lab results
- Incidents (and any actions you took to resolve them)
- Electrical certificates and risk assessment reviews
The HSG282 says to keep these records for at least five years. If that sounds like a lot to juggle, our hot tub servicing team can handle the whole routine for holiday lets across Cumbria.
Do hot tub rules and regulations in the UK apply to holiday lets?
Yes, the moment you charge guests for a booking, the hot tub counts as a ‘business activity’.
The legal requirements for hot tubs come from general health and safety law. By following government guidelines for hot tubs in the HSG282 document, you show that you’re keeping guests safe and staying on the right side of the law.
Inspections aren’t typical, but you’ll need to provide evidence of a risk assessment if someone falls ill. And there are real consequences for non-compliance. For example, JTF Wholesale was fined £1m after a hot tub caused a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
We don’t want you to panic, but it’s important to know that responsibility sits with you as the owner, even if an agent handles day-to-day maintenance.
Checklist: Is your holiday let hot tub compliant?
To keep your holiday let hot tub compliant with UK rules and regulations, you’ll need to refer to the HSG282. Here’s a quick recap of what you’ll need to do:
- Get a written risk assessment done (and review it at least annually)
- Write down operating procedures (and name a trained person to carry them out)
- Check disinfectant and pH levels (and log the readings)
- Drain and refill the hot tub weekly or between guests (and log each change)
- Book monthly lab tests and quarterly legionella tests
- Get the electrics certified and keep hold of the certificate
- Put up guest safety signs (and add rules to your welcome book)
- Tell your insurance company about the hot tub
- Keep all records for at least five years
Get expert help and support from Cumbria Hot Tub Services
Hot tub regulations for holiday lets can seem daunting, but most of it comes down to keeping strict routines and records. You need to ensure compliance with the HSG282 and carry out hot tub maintenance.
If it sounds like a lot to handle, our hot tub servicing team is happy to help. Let us fine-tune your hot tub settings, help you stay HSG282 compliant, and keep your water clean and safe. Get in touch with our team today!
