What unique property hazards do spa occupancies present?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

The spa industry is booming in the US, reaching $22.99 billion in 2025 as reported by Fortune Business Insights, and day spas claim a 57.12% share of that total. It is important for insurance professionals to recognize and address property hazards.

A spa offers a variety of aesthetic (hair, skin, and nail) treatments, as well as therapeutic body services such as massage, exfoliation, waxing, wraps, and hydrotherapy – mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas, and soaks. At a day spa, clients may purchase single treatments or packages, but without an overnight stay or meals.

Day spas have common building exposures of fire and windstorm. Fire hazard may be exacerbated by adjacent risks, especially if the day spa is in a strip mall or downtown location. Fire protection in accordance with NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is essential to mitigate property loss and potential loss of life.

Services offered by day spas often involve costly business personal property, and equipment with specialized electrical requirements. For example, NFPA 70, the National Electric Code, provides guidance for pool and hot tub installations.

In addition to contents associated with the business, day spas have responsibility for personal effects of staff and customers. Theft risk can be mitigated with lockers and locked cabinets, surveillance systems installed in a manner that protects privacy of clients, building alarm systems, secure entry points, and effective exterior lighting.

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes and other code sources. It does not represent these codes’ official position on the items discussed.

Day spa pool area