Buying Guide for a Cedar Hot Tub

Who doesn't love jumping into a hot water tub after a hectic workweek? The bubbling water sensation, the soothing warmth permeating through the body, and life's background chatters taking a sweet timeout — it's an antidote to stress anyone would sign up for.

If you want to make this already blissful experience even better, try cedar hot tubs instead of your typical inflatable ones. These cozy hot tubs are more than just natural eye candy with their aesthetic wood grain designs. 

They're brimming with natural antibacterial properties, making them a reliable year-round investment. Sounds amazing, right? 

Read on to learn about the benefits of cedar hot tubs and how they are a cut above the rest!

Introducing Cedar Hot Tubs

Cedar hot tubs have carved a niche for themselves in spa culture and for a good reason. 

Famed for its aromatic fragrance, cedar possesses oils and resins that resist decay and repel insects. This means you don't have to worry about termites and other critters crawling into your hot tub and wreaking havoc on its structural integrity. 

This softwood has straight grains, minimal knots, and a uniform texture, lending itself to a smooth, polished finish. Plus, it has excellent thermal insulation properties – a top factor when your aim is a toasty tub!

A cedar hot tub functions just like regular tubs, but the experience is anything but ordinary. Fill it up and heat the water (either through a wood burning stove or electric/gas heater). Once the water reaches an inviting temperature, climb in for a truly natural soak!

Most people compare cedar hot tubs with traditional ones and say they are just as good, if not better. The real difference is the experience. 

Plastic and acrylic models, generally more modern in style, offer a variety of flashy features like multiple jets for water therapy and LED lights. However, these hot tubs don't come close to cedar's therapeutic benefits and aesthetic charm. 

With the latter, the water is softer, more relaxing, and stays warmer longer than any other type of hot tub. Plus, it's easier to maintain high water quality with a cedar hot tub since you don't have to worry about chemical treatments like chlorine or bromine. 

How to Use a Cedar Hot Tub Safely and Effectively

Whether you want to unwind after a taxing day of marathon meetings or do heavy-duty gardening work, a hot soak in a cedar tub can help ease your muscles and rejuvenate your spirit. 

The following are some tips to make the most of your experience:

• Start off by taking a pre-soak shower. This step helps to rinse off any dirt, oils, or lotions from your body and keeps your hot tub water cleaner for longer. It's a great way to mentally prepare for your rejuvenating soak.

• Fill your cedar tub with clean water up to about six inches from the rim. This perfect measure will allow you to fully immerse your body, soaking up to your shoulders and neck without causing any water to spill over.

• Now, it's time to warm things up! Depending on your tub model, you can either light the wood-fired stove or flick on the electric heater. Once initiated, cover the hot tub to speed up the heating process.

• Before getting in, always remember to check the water's temperature. Use a thermometer, and make sure it's comfortably warm. Aim for the sweet spot between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This range ensures a warm soak that is slightly above normal body temperature but does not cause adverse effects like dryness, irritation, redness, or the appearance of spider veins from prolonged soaking.

• To create a spa-like experience, you can play relaxing music, such as classical tunes, nature sounds, soft jazz, or even your favorite podcast. The calming sounds coupled with a dimmed light atmosphere or lit aromatic candles can transport you to a meditative state.

• While you soak your worries away in the hot tub, remember to keep moving your body. Small shifts and turns help the warm water hit different parts of the body, stimulating and encouraging optimal blood flow. This provides many health benefits, including pain relief, clearer skin, and better sleep quality.

• You can even incorporate the Nordic Cycle into your hot tub experience. This ritualistic practice involves alternating between hot soaks and cold plunges. After a 20-minute hot soak, refresh yourself with a cool rinse at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It may sound counterintuitive, but studies show that this shift in temperatures can potentially reduce chronic pain, boost the immune system, improve sleep patterns, and promote healing and recovery.

• Once done, grab a soft, fluffy towel and gently dry yourself off. Don't forget to apply your tried-and-true serums or favorite rich moisturizer to keep your skin feeling as radiant as ever. After all, what's a spa-like wellness session without a touch of sumptuous skincare?

  
  

How to Choose the Right Cedar Hot Tub

Cedar hot tubs offer the perfect combo of old-world charm and modern luxuries, turning your backyard into a spa in no time. 

Before you jump on the internet and buy the first model you see, consider the following factors about cedar hot tubs:

Type of Cedar

First things first, not all cedars are created equal. Western red cedar strikes a brilliant balance between stunning aesthetics and sturdy longevity. This classic lumber is known for its stunning color variations, impressive decay resistance, and divine woodsy aroma. 

You can even get clear cedar without any knots, which is a rarity. Before buying, make sure it has a straight grain and even sides, which is a sign of properly milled lumber. 

Size

Let's look at size once you've nailed down the cedar type. Want to spend me-time or love to lap up the hot tub fun with friends? For those cherished alone moments, consider a cozy two-person size, or give yourself ample room to stretch with a four-person model. 

If you're looking to entertain, consider a round eight-person size. The key is to choose one that fits your lifestyle and outdoor space.

Heater

The heater is the heart of your cedar hot tub, so choose wisely. Electric heaters are all about convenience and quick heat-up times, while wood-fired heaters offer a more rustic, off-grid experience. 

The best-of-the-best cedar hot tubs come with a hybrid heating system to enjoy the ultimate in luxury and flexibility. This type of heater also allows you to enjoy hot soaks in properties where wood smoke is prohibited. 

Thermal Insulation

The secret to a toasty tub session, even on cold winter nights? Excellent thermal insulation. Look for tubs with quality insulation systems that'll keep your tub hot and ready.

 

This includes thick insulation foam, insulation base, thermal blankets, and woven polyethylene jackets — all of which help retain heat. 

Ease of Maintenance

Let's face it: nobody loves chores. When choosing your cedar hot tub, ease of maintenance should be high on the priority list. Check if the tub's design makes it easy to drain, clean, and refill. Also, consider the ease of regular tasks like checking water balance and cleaning filters.

Extras and Accessories

Add-ons can turn your hot tubing experience from great to amazing. Look for brands that offer customization options like stairs for easy access, covers for keeping debris out and heat in, and hydro jets for that soothing massage action.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance of a Cedar Hot Tub

Hot soaks are your best companions when it comes to unwinding, soothing aching muscles, or catching up with friends after a BBQ. However, this rejuvenating session can become a challenging ordeal if you're not careful with routine care and maintenance. 

Follow these tips to keep it in pristine condition:

• No matter how often you use your cedar hot tub, you must clean it every three to four months. Drain the water and give the tub a thorough scrubbing. Don't forget to clean the rim of the tub to prevent staining. 

• You can use different sanitization procedures to get rid of foul smells, mold, and bacteria. This includes hydrogen peroxide and ozone generators. Since cedar is naturally insect-repellant, you won't have to worry about termites and other pests.

• Keep an eye on your filter. Rinse it off weekly to remove small debris and replace it entirely every one to two years.

• Monitor the water's pH, hardness, and sanitizer levels using hot tub test strips. Ideally, it should be between 7.2 and 7.8, with a hardness level between 150 and 250 ppm (parts per million). 

• Regularly check the hot tub for signs of cracks, deterioration, and blemishes. Apply a protective layer of linseed oil to resist water ingress, prevent cracking, and enhance the beautiful sheen of cedar.

• If you live in a region with harsh winters, winterize your tub to prevent plumbing from freezing and cracking. When not in use, keep it covered to reduce evaporation and keep the debris out.

Best Cedar Hot Tubs

The following are some of the best cedar hot tubs available on the market:

Almost Heaven Sindri Hot Tub

With its unique oblong shape and exceptional design, the Almost Heaven Sindri Hot Tub is a real conversation starter. It features cedar panels that can be left untreated for a rustic touch or painted with wood stain or sealer for an eccentric vibe. 

The hot tub also has a wood-fired stove, making cozy soaks just a log and a flame away. With Almost Heaven Sindri hot tub, you won't have to wrestle with wires, pumps, or filtration systems; it's all about keeping things basic and beautiful. 

With a whopping 615 liters water capacity, there's more than enough room for your friends to share the joy. The best part? Depending on your mood, this hot tub can be filled with hot or cold water. It even comes with a cover to protect it against elements and steps so you can dive inside without awkward twisting and jumping.

Dundalk LeisureCraft, The Original Cedar Hot Tub

If you want to stay warm during the coldest winter days, get your hands on the Dundalk Leisure Craft, The Original Cedar Hot Tub. Hand-crafted from clear Western red cedar, this hot tub boasts a classic cooperage–style design that oozes rustic charm. 

It comes with an aluminum internal heater that heats up the water from 45º F to a cozy 105º F in around 4 hours. If you're worried about durability, don't be! This hot tub comes with sturdy aluminum bands and stainless steel hardware, providing years of dependable performance. 

Dundalk LeisureCraft, The Original Cedar hot tub comes in seven different sizes, so both solo soaker and party master can find the perfect fit for their backyard. You can even buy extra items like a hot tub cover to keep dust and debris out and wooden steps with handrails for that graceful entry and exit. This hot tub comes with a generous five-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, so you know it's going to hold up. 

FAQs: Cedar Hot Tubs

How long do cedar hot tubs last?

Cedar has natural oils that protect it from rot and decay. You can expect your cedar hot tub to last between 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Can you put a cedar hot tub in the ground?

No. The acidic soil and ground moisture may cause premature damage. If you're set on an in-ground installation, make sure to place it above a sturdy concrete pad to prevent any issues.

Do cedar hot tubs need chlorine?

While chlorine is often used in hot tubs, cedar hot tubs can be maintained with different methods, such as mineral purifiers or bromine, which are gentler on the wood and your skin.

Can you use salt water in a cedar hot tub?

Absolutely! You can use both freshwater and saltwater in your cedar hot tub. However, saltwater might need an extra TLC to prevent unwanted algae growth, scale buildup, and potential corrosion.

Why is my cedar hot tub foamy?

Foamy water is more likely a pH balance issue. This can be caused by residual products like lotion, makeup, or even laundry detergent. Check your water chemistry and give it a quick adjustment, and you'll be back to a foam-free soak in no time!

Cedar Hot Tubs: Final Words

Cedar hot tubs are all about upping your relaxation game. The steamy atmosphere and the spicy aroma can invigorate your senses while the heated waters work their magic on achy muscles and a tense body.

At My Sauna World, we have a range of hot tubs from reputable brands so that you can choose the perfect model for your backyard or deck. Do you have questions or doubts? Feel free to reach out to us at any time. Our customer care team is always happy to help.