Scenarios included a grass strimmer bursting an inflatable tub, birds pecking holes in a spa cover and an engagement ring ripping a tub lining.

Accidental damage claims for items dropped in or knocked off the side of hot tubs have also increased by 213%, with mobile phones topping the list. Further claims were received for hearing aids, watches and tablets.

Aviva also received a small number of claims for stolen hot tubs. In many cases, deflated spas were stolen from garages and outbuildings, although some brazen thieves took hot tubs directly from customers’ gardens.

The figures are mirrored by reports of UK hot tub sales soaring by more than 1,000% in 2020.

Kelly Whittington, property claims director for Aviva, said: “Many people bought hot tubs in 2020, while others took their spas out of storage, so they could enjoy holidays at home. Unfortunately this appears to have led to all manner of mishaps, both with the hot tubs themselves and items dropped in them.

“Many residents will be staying in the UK again this year, so hot tubs and garden accessories are likely to be very popular again. While it’s great that people are enjoying themselves at home, we’d encourage them to take care when using and storing their hot tubs, as well as being cautious with anything used around them. As our data reveals, a short lapse of concentration can easily lead to an unfortunate incident.

“Now is also a good opportunity for people to review their home insurance, to make sure it meets their needs. Accidental damage cover is an optional add-on with many policies and can provide peace of mind against those moments of misfortune.”