www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk IN BRIEF
US HOT TUB MAKERS MAY HAVE TO ADD PRICE INCREASES TO 2012 MODELS
UK hot tub distributors will face a tough decision later this year when manufacturers in the United States start to implement price increases due to the increase in raw materials in 2011. The top dozen
manufacturers are facing increases of around 5% to a whole range of materials used in the day to day construction of hot tubs. The Florida based International Hot Tub Association says the hot tub makers have resisted passing on the increases to dealers and to the public but “won’t be in a position to do so for much longer”.
An informal meeting at the Las Vegas trade expo in November is set to discuss the whole issue of rising raw materials. Polypropylene has increased by 10% over the past 12 months. Other raw materials used in hot tubs were thought to have been artificially low in 2009 and 2010. Says the IHTA: “They are now starting to show the sort of increases which would seriously affect the top manufacturers with their 2012 prices. We would be disappointed if it affected anything before then because of the
manufacturing lead times. “Manufacturers generally have become more efficient and cost effective in the manufacturing of hot tubs. It is difficult to generalise but the consumer has been protected to a large extent. There was certainly a good deal of stock around at the half way point of the year and it looks like any new models being prepared for the 2012 season are likely to face the first in a number of operational price increases.”
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HOLIDAY LODGES WITH HOT TUBS SET TO GO ON GROWING IN POPULARITY
The future’s bright: the future is holiday cottages.
For it seems now that one of the biggest growth area for hot tubs over the next two years is going to be the number sold into the UK’s increasingly popular holiday cottage lets – who simply can’t get enough of them.
Jason Harness from Hoseasons Holiday Lodges said: “Hot tubs are very popular with our guests. Our lodges are often in stunning locations from coastland to woodland settings. Many of our lodges now have hot tubs. We are looking to invest further with them because fit in so well with the sort of relaxing holiday our customers are looking for.
“Lodges with hot tubs are the most popular. We are also noticing a real interest in the use of them for families. We have something like 40 locations with hot tubs.”
The recent report from the British Tourist Authority has reported that a record number of holiday companies have installed hot tubs over the past few years. It sees it as a trend which will continue.
At the online letting company
www.lodgeswithhottubs.org.uk it is something of a bonanza time. “Lodges with hot tubs are popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway or to celebrate a special occasion. Many of the lodges we have to rent out enjoy incredible locations surrounded by lakes or countryside so you can relax and enjoy the spectacular views. The benefit of hot tubs in the lodges is that they can be used in all weathers come rain or shine or even snow. They are really popular and yes, business is very good. They are a luxury item and people want that
extra bit of luxury on their holidays,” said the company.
Another specialist holiday letting company
Cottages.co.uk are typical of a holiday business which has added hot tubs into its lodges and cottages. “We have really invested in hot tubs. They are fantastically popular and very much in demand. I guess part of it is that when families or couples come to stay they know they don’t have to worry about upkeep or maintenance – the tub is there for them to use and there’s not the responsibility of looking after it which there might be at home. “We will be looking to extend their availability for sure,” said a spokesman.
The company has a dozen complexes with hot tubs either fitted in a single unit or as part of a group of lodges.
Holiday park owners now have to go through a steep learning curve about the management of the tubs being installed in their rental properties. The growth of hot tubs in such lets is also having an impact on BISHTA, the hot tub trade association which is aware of the growth and the potential need for the large rental
companies who need the support of a hot tub trade association. Heronstone Lodges in the Brecon Beacons National Park have installed six hot tubs from Somerset Sunbelt Spa distributors Elite Hot Tubs. “The holiday lodges is proving to be great business,” said Elite’s Izzy Richards. “I think there is a lot more to come as well.”
“When we introduced the hot tubs into six of our lodges I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know about them and how much I needed to know,” said Steve Watkins. “It was quite daunting to start with. We clearly had a responsibility to those who came here and used the tubs to make sure we were responsible and careful about them. “We turned straight away to BISHTA for help – and it was obvious from the start membership was essential.” The BTA report says that lodges are going to be available for the 2012 season in record numbers.
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