Wood-Fired Hot Tubs

Do you enjoy a relaxing soak inside a refreshing hot tub?

Whether it’s a quality spa or a traditional jacuzzi, the feeling of the jets pulsating against your entire body is an experience unlike no other. Combine it with water at just the right temperature, and nothing else in life compares to it.

Well, almost nothing. A wood-fired hot tub barrel sitting outside with zero cables running through your backyard provides a raw and invigorating feeling. Once the barrel has heated up, all you need to do is jump in, relax, and watch time pass you by.

But how do these miracle contraptions work? What should you know before you buy wooden hot tubs for your backyard? If you’re thinking about getting a wood-fired hot tub, then here’s all the information you need to understand exactly what you’re purchasing.

How Do Wood-Fired Hot Tubs Work?

Even though wood-fired hot tubs can feature either a heater installed on the inside or outside, it doesn’t change the way in how it works. It also doesn’t matter where it’s placed.

Warm water will rise to the top of the hot tub while the colder liquid will remain at the base. The temperature doesn’t stay in one place either. It will automatically circulate to ensure equal warmth no matter how many people are enjoying a hot soak in the tub.

Do Wood-Fired Hot Tubs Have Any Health Benefits?

Even though wood-fired hot tubs can feature either a heater installed on the inside or outside, it doesn’t change the way in how it works. It also doesn’t matter where it’s placed on the hot tub.

How Often Should You Change the Water in a Wooden Hot Tub?

You can imagine after a few soaks inside the wooden hot tub, the water isn’t going to look as crystal clear. While this is a sign to change the water, at this point, it’s probably too late.

Like most hot tubs, it’s best to change the water at least once every three months. However, this also depends on the size of the barrel. For smaller size wood hot tubs, you should change them more frequently. Larger ones that seat seven to eight people can last a lot longer.

How Long Does It Take to Heat Up a Wood-Fired Hot Tub?

Sadly, it’s not as simple as building a fire and jumping into the wood hot tub. You’re going to need to let it heat up first before you start dipping your toes in the water. So you’ve got to make sure that you plan ahead when you feel like taking a soak in your wooden tub.

On average, most wood tubs will take two to three hours before reaching the perfect temperature for a soak. You should consider the size of the barrel, as larger ones might need more time. You’ll also need to take into account the weather conditions. If it’s a colder day, then you might need to wait another thirty minutes before jumping in.

How Long Does a Wood-Fired Hot Tub Last?

If you’re looking at cedar hot tubs, then you can expect these to last anywhere from fifteen to twenty years. However, it does require some maintenance on your part in order for it to survive this long.

For example, you shouldn’t put any sealer or paint on the exterior as it can harm the wood. Cedar hot tubs need exposure to the air, and any interference can weaken it. You also need to clean the interior regularly with soap and a brush. It might be a bit of work, but it will ensure your cedar hot tub will last a long time.

Should You Choose a Plastic or Wooden Interior for Your Wood-Fired Hot Tub?

You’re able to choose how you want the interior of your wood-fired hot tub to be presented. There is the option to keep the wooden look throughout the entire hot tub or coat the interior with plastic to make it appear similar to a spa. Both have pros and cons.

A wooden interior keeps the natural look and provides a rich western red cedar scent. But you will need to perform more maintenance on them and constantly keep it filled with water. Plastic interiors are much easier to clean and can provide a longer lifespan to your hot tub. However, it doesn’t look as natural no matter what color you choose for the interior.

Does Placing a Wood-Fired Hot Tub Require Any Preparational Work?

Fortunately, a wood-fired hot tub requires very little preparational work. As there is no electricity needed to heat the hot tub or any plumbing to fill it, you can literally choose to place it anywhere you like.

You want to ensure that you choose a relatively even spot. Wood hot tubs are designed for flat surfaces, so you can’t place them on sloped ground or any soft places in your backyard. It needs to be a sturdy area that can support the barrel as well as the people soaking inside the tub.

What Should You Know About Heating a Wood-Fired Hot Tub?

We’re taught at an early age that wood and fire don’t play well together. However, a wood-fired hot tub is an exception to the rule. The smell of rich western red cedar, the bubbling hot water, and the open fresh air is just one of many reasons to consider getting a wood hot tub to soak in.

Besides being incredibly enjoyable, there are also several health benefits that come from bathing in a hot tub. It’s normal to have numerous questions about cedar hot tubs, the interiors, and even the heaters. So if you’re looking for the answers, you can find them all here as well as how you can get your hands on one of these luxurious wooden hot tubs.