Pool heating fees

[Denise6]

Greetings AirBnB Community,  I am adding an electric pool heating system in the fall of 2024.  I am wondering how many of you charge to use the heating system?  Do you charge Thru air bnb? or after on a credit card as a separate feature.  Is it a daily fee or per stay?  How much do you suggest?   What is the best way to point it out in your ad?  I am in Central Florida so weather is cooler Nov- Early April.

Thank you for any insight you all may have.  Denise

[Alicia753 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Denise6.,

Adding a pool heating option to your Airbnb property in Central Florida is a great enhancement, especially during the cooler months. Here's how you can structure the charges and communicate this feature effectively to potential guests:

1. Deciding Whether to Charge for Pool Heating

First, assess the cost of running the electric pool heater, including installation, maintenance, and energy consumption. This will help you determine whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to guests.

Since you mentioned the cooler months are from November to Early April, consider if you want to offer the heating as an optional charge only during these months or throughout the year.

2. How to Charge for Pool Heating

Daily vs. Per Stay: Charging a daily fee can be more straightforward and fair, especially for guests who may not want to use the pool every day of their stay. This method also aligns the cost with usage more accurately.

Setting the Price: The fee should reflect the actual cost of running the heater and a reasonable markup. Research what others in your area are charging, if available. A typical range might be $20-$50 per day, depending on the size of the pool and the cost of electricity.

3. How to Implement the Charge

Through Airbnb: Adding the pool heating fee as an optional extra on Airbnb is the simplest approach. This can be done through the booking interface where guests can select pool heating as an add-on during their booking process.

Or you can always use the Resolution center to collect the charge.

4. Highlighting the Pool Heating in Your Listing

Listing Title: Mention "Heated Pool" prominently in your listing title during the cooler months to attract interest.

Description: In the description, detail the availability of the heated pool, the costs, and how guests can opt in. Explain the benefits, such as the comfort of swimming in a heated pool during cooler weather.

House Rules or Manual: Include information about the pool heater in your house manual and house rules section, specifying how guests can request heating and any rules related to its use (e.g., hours of operation).

Adjust Pricing or Policy as Needed: Based on feedback and utility costs, adjust your charging policy or pricing to find the best balance between guest satisfaction and your operational costs.
By clearly communicating the benefits and costs associated with pool heating, you can enhance your guests' experience and potentially increase bookings during the cooler months.

I hope this helps!

All the best,

**

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[Karen114]

@Denise6  @Alicia753  has offered great advice.  I do not have a pool in Florida however one of my condo properties does.  it is heated from November on.  Unless you plan on covering the pool to maintain the temp, make it clear to the guests that when It's 40 -50 degrees in December and January your pool will not be at whatever the desired temp is.  I see this a lot during the winter months in Florida.  We've had some very cold and rainy December and January over the last couple of years.  

[Bhumika]

Hi @Denise6 , thank you for marking @Alicia753 's comment as the best answer to your question! It will help many Hosts visiting this thread.

How are you proceeding with the pool heating fees? Has Alicia or @Karen114 's advice influenced your strategy for this additional fee?

[Denise6]

I love my pool heater...I posted the below commet yesterday.  I am working on the daily fee process the temp. requests.  up to 80 degrees will be most likely included.  after that...a fee.  I am monitoring the costs with the power company.

GREAT NEWS Y'LL!  I love this question! 

  to be honest,  I just installed my pool heater, a gulfstream unit , Model: HE150-RA, with wifi upgraded regulation that ONLY i CAN CONTROL 

  Sadly, I can't have solar pool heating due to so much shade on my roof etc,  so I opted to used Solar Sources's pool pump.

  When we installed the weather was in the 40's & 50's.  water temp was 56 degrees the day we turned it on.  The air must be over 55 (technically), but over 65 air temp is better.  

  I waited a few days for the air to hit 65 & turned the sucker on!  It heats 1 degree per hour and I had to run the pool pump til later, 10pm shut off.  

  IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO WARM UP!  i set it for 80 degree pool and WOW...AMAZING!

  I then went to duke Energy daily watts and didn't not see a major change in wattage per day billing.  I am waiting on the first bill tho.

  Significantly,  this was a great idea to install.  I have installed solar at my sons house, no screening, and it has stayed warm!  at no increased electricl 

  Solar Source is no joke!  They also did a friend of mine with a screen cage...INCREDIBLE!

ANYWAY,  I also added a pool blanket (16mm) & roller for under $450 and my wifi says the temp is at least over 2 degrees of the heater.  

  At the moment, I am advertising a 2 day pre notice to get the pool over 80 degrees for $30 day if desired, $300 month.  I don't think it will cost that much but I am monitoring the duke energy page.  Model number Model: HE150-RA.

  if interested....i can give you more details or Call Nick at solar source.  he arranged all the electrical upgrade, piping, etc.  I know in the summer, I won't be needing the heater!

Denise

[Priscilla448]

Hello Denise6 !

I am considering adding an electric pool heating system. I live in Northern Florida and it is a little cooler for us. I am wondering if it is worthwhile to add a heater because it doesn’t sound like we can keep the pool warm enough during cooler months like November, December, January, February. I worry about the expectations of guests and that we may not be able to make guests expectations. So I wonder how it has been going for you with a new pool heater and would you recommend it especially for hosts in a cooler climate? Thanks so much! 

[Denise6]

Hi Priscilla,  well, truth to tell, i haven't done it yet.  but...I have reached out to several experts on this subject.  

solar source seems to be the most honest about the subject.  since I can't do solar due to trees, etc the pool heater will sort of work.  

  Temps must be over 60 degrees to even start to work.  there is a product called liquid blanket that you will need to put in the water...I've heard great things about this!  It will help keep the pool warmer at nite...other members on this page like it too! 

  Now...my thoughts: 

        I bought my son a pool solar system for his pool from Solar Source & his boss has one too.  I am absolutely AMAZED AT THE WARMTH!  If you can...get this one....

  Solar Source has been honest & helpful & I have worked with them as well as others I know.  I can't say I agree on whole house tho, I have not heard awesome things about that.  but the pool heaters are great.  

  for the cost was similar to install, if you have the option...try solar.  do not get gas/propane as they are not cost effective.  

  I can give you Richards number if you like.  

My cell number is ** if you want to talk about it.

thanks,

Denise **

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[Priscilla448]

Hi @Denise6 Thank you for your response! I am ashamed to say I just found your response. Unfortunately, we cannot have solar either because of trees. We are getting closer to moving on an electric heater but the initial cost and the energy cost makes us hesitate. Will the pool heater pay off? I read about the complaints guests make about the pool not warm enough. I wonder if they are expecting a spa experience in the pool ? I can see folks guests are looking a heated pool to book and might get more bookings during the cooler months but will they be angry that the pool is cold and give a bad review? I bet you have considered these things. Thanks so much for the tip about liquid blanket! Wondering if you got your pool heater yet or if you have decided to wait. Thanks ! 

[Denise6]

Hi Priscilla,

  I posted this comment yesterday!  please read!

GREAT NEWS Y'LL!  I love this question! 

  to be honest,  I just installed my pool heater, a gulfstream unit , Model: HE150-RA, with wifi upgraded regulation that ONLY i CAN CONTROL 

  Sadly, I can't have solar pool heating due to so much shade on my roof etc,  so I opted to used Solar Sources's pool pump.

  When we installed the weather was in the 40's & 50's.  water temp was 56 degrees the day we turned it on.  The air must be over 55 (technically), but over 65 air temp is better.  

  I waited a few days for the air to hit 65 & turned the sucker on!  It heats 1 degree per hour and I had to run the pool pump til later, 10pm shut off.  

  IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO WARM UP!  i set it for 80 degree pool and WOW...AMAZING!

  I then went to duke Energy daily watts and didn't not see a major change in wattage per day billing.  I am waiting on the first bill tho.

  Significantly,  this was a great idea to install.  I have installed solar at my sons house, no screening, and it has stayed warm!  at no increased electricl 

  Solar Source is no joke!  They also did a friend of mine with a screen cage...INCREDIBLE!

ANYWAY,  I also added a pool blanket (16mm) & roller for under $450 and my wifi says the temp is at least over 2 degrees of the heater.  

  At the moment, I am advertising a 2 day pre notice to get the pool over 80 degrees for $30 day if desired, $300 month.  I don't think it will cost that much but I am monitoring the duke energy page.  Model number Model: HE150-RA.

  if interested....i can give you more details or Call Nick at solar source.  he arranged all the electrical upgrade, piping, etc.  I know in the summer, I won't be needing the heater!

Denise

ps  I got a zero interest credit card for 18 months to pay for it!  🙂

[Denise6]

1 more thing...I recommend the "liquid pool blanket" additive to your pool as well as the solar 16mm blanket.

Denise

[Priscilla448]

Great information Denise !  Thank you! Sounds like you did your homework and so nice of you to share your experience and thoughts! We are in the process of putting in a heater and just made sure we are getting the WiFi control because of your comments. Hope this investment pays for us ! 
thanks again!