Hot tubs ‘running dry as households squeezed by rising living costs’

Hot tubs are running dry as the cost-of-living crisis bites, according to a survey.

Four-fifths (80%) of hot tub owners surveyed for Direct Line Home Insurance said they had bought their hot tub since 2020 – the year when the UK coronavirus lockdowns started and people spent more time at home.

But nearly a quarter (23%) of those who no longer use their hot tub cited the running costs as being too high.

More than half (55%) of hot tub owners said they now rarely or never use it.

Some also said they now use their hot tub less often due to the time taken to maintain it or the potential environmental impact.

Others said they had lost interest in what had been a “pandemic purchase”, the survey of 2,000 people in June found.

Dan Simson, head of Direct Line Home Insurance, said: “Hot tubs soared in popularity in recent years as households across the country sought new ways to enjoy their gardens when they could not leave their homes.

“However, rising energy bills and the general cost-of-living crisis seems to have hit household budgets hard and may mean British gardens become something of a hot tub graveyard.

“If hot tubs are no longer being used, it’s important owners disconnect and drain them safely to minimise the risk of damage or leaks if they are not maintained properly.”

A spokesperson from another insurer, Aviva UK, said: “Hot tubs have been a hot topic since the start of the Covid pandemic.

“Analysis from Aviva discovered home insurance claims involving hot tubs almost tripled in 2020.

“Analysis of Aviva’s UK claims data revealed a year-on-year increase of 188% in relation to accidental damage claims for hot tubs in 2020.

“Scenarios included a grass strimmer bursting an inflatable tub, birds pecking holes in a spa cover and an engagement ring ripping a tub lining. Hot tub-related claims were still way above pre-pandemic levels in 2021, but had fallen by 12%, compared to 2020.”