How to Prepare for Hot Tub Rental — Complete Guide

1 March 2026

Renting a hot tub for the first time? It's simpler than you might think — but a little preparation goes a long way toward making your experience perfect. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a quiet weekend at a cottage, or a summer garden gathering, this guide will walk you through every step from booking to returning the tub.

Step 1: Choose the Right Hot Tub

The first decision is which tub fits your needs. At Tünnirent.ee, we offer two sizes:

• Small hot tub — seats 4–6 people comfortably. Perfect for intimate gatherings, couples' evenings, or small family events
• Large hot tub — seats up to 8 people. Ideal for bigger parties, corporate events, and celebrations

Pro tip: if you're expecting more than 8 guests, a large tub still works — people naturally rotate in and out. You can also combine a hot tub with our mobile sauna to keep everyone engaged.

Step 2: Pick Your Date and Book Early

Popular dates (weekends, holidays, midsummer, Christmas) fill up fast. We recommend booking at least one week in advance, and two weeks or more for peak periods.

• Weekday rentals (Mon–Thu) are more affordable and more available
• Weekend rentals (Fri–Sun) are the most popular — book early
• Holiday periods (jaanipäev, Christmas, New Year's) should be booked 3–4 weeks ahead

You can book quickly through our booking form or call us directly at +372 5553 0470.

Step 3: Prepare the Location

This is the most important preparation step. Your hot tub needs the right spot to work safely and comfortably.

Surface Requirements

• Flat and firm — a filled hot tub weighs over 1,000 kg. The surface must be level and able to support this weight
• Grass works — but only if the ground is firm and not waterlogged
• Gravel or paving — ideal surfaces that drain well and provide solid support
• Wooden decks — check weight capacity first; most standard decks can't support a full tub
• Avoid slopes — even a slight incline makes the tub uneven and uncomfortable

Access and Space

• Delivery access — make sure a car with trailer can reach the setup spot. Measure gates and pathways
• Water source — you'll need a garden hose to fill the tub. A standard garden hose takes 1.5–2 hours to fill
• Clearance around the tub — leave at least 1 meter of space on all sides for safe movement
• Distance from buildings — the wood-burning stove produces smoke; keep the tub at least 3 meters from walls and windows

See our detailed setup guide for measurements and diagrams.

Step 4: Gather Your Supplies

Your rental includes the tub, stove, chimney, and firewood. But here's what you should prepare on your end:

Essential Items

• ✅ Garden hose — long enough to reach from your water tap to the tub location
• ✅ Towels — at least one large towel per person
• ✅ Swimwear — remind all guests in advance
• ✅ Slippers or flip-flops — for walking between the tub and indoor areas
• ✅ Robes or warm clothing — especially in cooler weather

Nice-to-Have Items

• ✅ Thermometer — to monitor water temperature (we provide one, but a backup is handy)
• ✅ Outdoor lighting — fairy lights, lanterns, or candles for evening ambiance
• ✅ Bluetooth speaker — for background music
• ✅ Snacks and drinks — see our birthday party guide for food ideas
• ✅ A bucket — useful for dousing yourself with cool water (Estonian tradition!)

Step 5: Filling and Heating

On the day of your event, timing is everything. Here's a typical timeline:

• 3–4 hours before the event: start filling the tub with the garden hose
• 2–3 hours before: once the water level covers the stove's heat exchanger, start the fire
• 30 minutes before: water should be reaching 37–40°C — the ideal soaking temperature
• During the event: add firewood periodically to maintain temperature

Important: never start the fire before the water level covers the stove's heat exchanger. This can damage the equipment. Read our user guide for complete heating instructions.

Heating Tips by Season

• Summer: water heats faster due to warmer starting temperature — allow 1.5–2.5 hours
• Spring/Autumn: allow 2–3 hours for heating
• Winter: cold water takes longer — allow 3–4 hours and use dry hardwood for best results

Step 6: During Your Hot Tub Session

Now for the fun part! A few guidelines will keep everyone safe and comfortable:

• Shower before entering — this keeps the water cleaner and more hygienic
• Watch the temperature — keep it between 37–40°C; never exceed 42°C
• Stay hydrated — warm water causes sweating; keep water bottles nearby
• Take breaks — don't soak for more than 20–30 minutes at a time
• No glass — use plastic cups near the tub for safety
• Keep children supervised — kids should always have an adult with them
• Moderate alcohol — hot water intensifies the effects; drink responsibly

Step 7: After Your Session

When you're done soaking, a few simple steps make the return process smooth:

• Let the fire die out — don't add more wood; let the stove cool naturally
• Leave the water in the tub — we handle draining and cleaning
• Remove personal items — towels, decorations, cups, and any debris
• Check the area — make sure nothing was left behind around the tub

That's it! We pick up the tub and handle the rest. No deep cleaning, no complicated return process.

Common Questions

• Do I need a special license to tow the tub? — No, a standard B-category driving license is sufficient
• What if it rains? — A hot tub in the rain is actually a wonderful experience! The rental goes ahead in all weather
• Is a deposit required? — No deposit needed at Tünnirent.ee
• Can I use the tub overnight? — Absolutely! The rental is for 24 hours

For more answers, check our FAQ page.

Pricing at a Glance

Preparing for a hot tub rental really comes down to three things: choosing the right spot, starting early enough, and having towels ready. Everything else falls into place naturally. Once you've done it once, you'll see why so many of our customers become regulars!