I understand it is a draw, but multiple posts here have said to skip it if on a well(which I am). Is that because well water is generally harder on the filter mechanics?
My other thought was to do an outdoor barrel sauna, and/or a stock tank pool for the hotter months. My place is a cabin in the mountains so a stock tank pool would fit the vibe. But if those have to be dumped every week like a hot tub, maybe not.
I have a hot tub at two different well properties. They are drained and cleaned after every guest. Hasn't been a problem. We have sediment filters at both properties and then one has an iron filter and softener as well.
It is true it is harsher when on well, but in my experience with proper maintenance its not as bad as people say. I have also seen the barrel saunas do well from an occupancy perspective, but they haven't noticeably increased ADRs from my perspective.
I have a hot tub at two different well properties. They are drained and cleaned after every guest. Hasn't been a problem. We have sediment filters at both properties and then one has an iron filter and softener as well.
I am not the expert as I do not own a cabin but as a guest (I go once a year usually) I will not rent without a hot tub (or a view). I imagine you will lose a lot of potential booking without one and it seems from the comments above that any negatives can be mitigated.
Avoiding a hot tub on a well is a new one for me! I know of hundreds of hot tubs on wells with no problem. Unless you're in the south during the summer...which no one uses a hot tub there during the summer away....it shouldn't be an issue unless the well is bad to begin with. For a cabin in the mountains, you'll probably have to get a hot tub, otherwise you just gave you STR a nail in the coffin. Every time a potential guest looks at your property, it'll be passed up for another with a hot tub. You'll also receive a lower ranking on Airbnb and other listing sites because you don't offer an amenity that everyone else in the area has.