Are wood hot tubs any good
William Taylor
Published Apr 09, 2026
Hot tubs made of wood are not as efficient as a well insulated acrylic spa with cabinet, even though both can use insulated hot tub covers. The thickness of the wood matters, and a hot tub can hold heat for hours, but it can never be as efficient as a well insulated spa.
Are wood-fired hot tubs comfortable?
A wood-fired hot tub with all the space you need This wood-fired hot tub has smooth shapes that offer a more relaxing and comfortable experience than ever before. Its size makes it perfect for large families, or for those who simply want to enjoy the extra space.
Do wooden hot tubs last?
Wooden hot tubs can last for 20 years or longer. … No matter how much you try to protect your wooden hot tub, the wood will eventually rot. However, 20 years of use from a hot tub is still a very long time (not to mention longer than most acrylic spas!).
How practical is a wood-fired hot tub?
If that all sounds just a bit too romantic, there are also practical reasons to opt for a wood-fired hot tub. They won’t explode your electricity bill, can operate without toxic chemicals, and don’t break down much thanks to the lack of moving parts.Do wood fired hot tubs need chemicals?
A wood fired hot tub is usually used differently to other types of hot tub, as users fill the tub, use it 2 to 3 times and then drain the water. With this short term use there is no need for chemicals which is a great advantage to people who want a chemical free hot tub experience.
What is the best wood for a hot tub?
Whilst cedar wood is the best choice for hot tubs, it can be very expensive, so here’s an idea—try to find a warehouse that will let you sort through lumber. You want to find clear boards of cedar without too many knots.
Do wood fired hot tubs have jets?
The tubs do not have power jets, it is more of a relaxing soak situation.
Can you use salt water in a cedar hot tub?
Cedar Hot Tubs Handcrafted in Maine. relaxing tradition for centuries. Warmed fresh water or salt water is placed in wooden tubs sized for one or more users. Prior to their replenishing soak, users will thoroughly bathe and clean.How much wood for a wood fired hot tub?
IMPORTANT–do not load more than 2 thirds of wood of the height of the heater. IMPORTANT- if the hot tub is not filled up to the right level, you can’t light the heater, because the emitted heat will damage the tub and the heater. IMPORTANT–make sure you do not add too much wood, so the flames won’t go through the lid.
Can you put chlorine in wood fired hot tub?We recommend to clean your hot tub at least once per month for optimal use. If you keep having trouble with your tub looking dirty you probably need to adjust the pH levels of the water in the tub. Never use chlorine to clean the wood. That will destroy the face of the wooden fibers and make a worse mess of the wood.
Article first time published onCan you insulate a wood hot tub?
As far as insulation is concerned, the tub has four surfaces (top, floor, staves and piping) that you can fully or partially insulate. Every additional sq inch that you insulate will save you some money. … This is a good thermal insulation rating for covers.
How do you keep a wood fired hot tub from freezing?
- If you have electricity, a stock tank heater is the most simple, inexpensive and effective solution to keep the tub from freezing.
- If water availability is not an issue, drain all but 4-5 inches or so and just let that freeze and refill when you return.
How often should you change the water in a wood fired hot tub?
For light use and with using the cedar lid and aluminum firebox cover when not in use to keep debris out of the tub, your water should be changed every five or six weeks.
How long do wood fired hot tubs take to heat up?
how long do wood fired hot tubs take to heat. The answer is short, 2-3 hours. The exact timing depends on various factors: the size of the hot tub; the size of heater; if insulation was used; the outside temperature.
What is a Dutch hot tub?
The DutchTub is a wood fired hot tub. The fire in the fire basket heats the spiral and the water in the spiral. The warm water rises and flows into the tub. This makes the cold water on the tub’s floor flow into the spiral, causing a natural circulation.
Can you make a hot tub out of oak?
Larch, Beech, Oak, Pine All of these are cheaper options for building your own DIY Wooden Hot Tub. The timber is much cheaper than the Cedar so if you are trying to do this on a budget, then we would highly suggest that you use one of the above.
Can you build a hot tub from pine?
To build homemade Hot Tub, hardwood is suitable, which has good moisture resistance and reliability. Such materials include larch, cedar, beech, oak and pine. However, it is very hard to build your own hot tub and take care of wooden Hot Tub.
How do you keep a cedar hot tub clean?
- Bathe before use. If you go in cleaner, your water will stay cleaner.
- Keep a foot bath by your hot tub or wear shoes until you’re ready to get in. …
- Drain the water and clean the tub on a regular basis. …
- Sterilize the water with a non-toxic cleaner each time you get out.
Do hot tubs cost a lot to run?
It goes without saying really, but the more you use your hot tub, the more expensive it will be to run. More use will require more heating… it’s pretty simple and is something that’s worth bearing in mind. Many people ask if they should turn off their hot tub when they aren’t using it…
What is the most reliable hot tub brand?
- #1 JACUZZI® Hot Tubs and Spas – Jacuzzi®
- #3 Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs – Hot Spring Spas.
- #4 SUNDANCE® Spas – SUNDANCE® Spas.
- #5 Bullfrog Spas and Hot Tubs – Bullfrog Spas.
- #6 Cal Spas – Cal Spas.
- #7 Marquis Spas – Marquis Spas.
- #10 PDC Spas – PDC Spas.
Which is better saltwater or chlorine hot tub?
Chlorine is preferable over other treatment options for a variety of reasons: It is more affordable and cost effective. Chlorine hot tubs require less upkeep and last longer than salt water hot tubs. Chlorine achieves the cleanliness and oxidation levels that other chemicals and methods do not.
Why did Canada ban salt water hot tubs?
As many manufacturers and retailers of residential hot tubs and swim spas continue to tout and promote saltwater systems, Health Canada has restricted their use to “protect human health and the environment”.
How often do you change the water in a cedar hot tub?
This is probably one of the first things you wondered about when you got your hot tub. It’s a straightforward question, and the answer is just as straightforward. We recommend you completely change the water in your hot tub at least once every three months.
What is the most economical hot tub?
- Multiple layers of foam inside the spa cabinet which reduce heat loss to a minimum.
- Low current SilentFlo pumps which give round the clock filtration, whilst consuming less energy than a domestic 75W light bulb.
Do cedar hot tubs have jets?
Hydro Massage With the option of powerful yet quiet jets, our hot tubs can provide both a spiritual healing as well as a more traditional spa hydrotherapy massage. We use powerful adjustable jets that sooth and gently massage the muscles and joints.
How long do redwood hot tubs last?
These redwood hot tubs are handcrafted from the world’s finest clear heart, vertical grain Western Red Cedar. Redwood hot tubs are known to last for up to 30 years if properly maintained. The most popular type of wood for building quality hot tubs is Western Red Cedar.
Can you use a stock tank hot tub in winter?
Your first option is to turn your stock tank pool into a hot tub. SEE OUR HOT TUB DIY HERE. This is a great way to prolong your stock tank pool use and depending on where you live, you could possibly use it all through winter.
How do you winterize a cedar hot tub?
Winterizing a Wooden Hot Tub The floor boards and wood slats, or staves, must stay saturated with water to avoid shrinkage and leaks. Drain the wood hot tub of water except for 2-3” of water in the bottom. IMPORTANT: Add non-toxic RV antifreeze to prevent freeze damage which could otherwise split the wood floor boards.
Can cedar hot tubs freeze?
If you are using the tub at least once a week, you should be fine in all except the most extreme weather as the water (with appropriate covering) shouldn’t lose more than about 15-18 F degrees per day. You do, however, want to avoid having the entire tub freeze solid as this could cause severe damage tub.