Innovations in

Wood Burning Hot Tub Technology

Warm water, soft bubbles, and tranquil ambiance — these are the things that come to mind when thinking of an immersive hot tub experience. 

If hefty electricity bills boggle you or find inflatable hot tubs somewhat finicky, a wood burning hot tub might be what you need. 

With their charming rustic appearance and crackling backdrop, these hot tubs take the relaxation experience to another level. Though there’s more to these cozy tubs than meets the eye. 

Let's explore the cutting-edge features of wood burning hot tubs and their impressive benefits without further ado!

Introducing Wood Burning Hot Tubs

Dating back to the medieval era, wood burning hot tubs are making quite the splash in modern home wellness trends. These hot tubs were used for mind cleansing and soul purification. As time progressed, people began using them for social gatherings and relaxation. 

The modern-day wood-fired hot tubs are a delightful fusion of the traditional Japanese 'ofuro' bath rituals and the Nordic Cycle, with a touch of contemporary flair. 

These hot tubs are crafted from Siberian spruce, larch, thermo wood, oak, and red cedar. Such woods are known for their durability, natural decay resistance, incredible insulation, and distinct rustic charm. The cedar hot tubs particularly lend an aromatic scent, turning a simple soak into a meditative experience. 

Unlike their electric or gas-powered counterparts, wood burning hot tubs use wooden logs as fuel to heat the water. The heat from burning logs is transferred to the water via a metal stove or heating coil. This eliminates the need for hefty pumps and complex plumbing. 

These hot tubs have various features like an ash pan for easy cleanup, a chimney to guide smoke up and away, and air vents for controlled combustion, resulting in cleaner burn and better heat management. 

As for the temperature, it depends on the heater's efficiency, the burn rate, and outside weather. On average, a well-designed wood burning hot tub can heat the water up to a toasty 100 degrees Fahrenheit within three hours. 

This means you can simply start your wood fire after dinner, and by the time you've finished dessert and caught the latest episode of your go-to Netflix series, your hot tub will be ready for you!

Benefits of Using Wood Burning Hot Tubs

The following are some of the perks of using wood burning hot tubs:

Health Benefits

While hot soaks are primarily known for their relaxing qualities, they are actually quite beneficial for health. A 2018 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine explained that hot water immersion induces vasodilation, increases blood flow, and delivers essential nutrients to different parts of the body. 

This helps reduce stress, tension-anxiety, and depression. You can even supercharge these benefits by taking a cold plunge. Hot water immersion creates a buoyant effect that supports your body but takes weight off your joints and muscles. 

This leads to better mobility and reduced joint stiffness — especially beneficial for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other bone issues. If you're feeling under the weather, a quick hot soak might just be what you need. 

Research shows that heat from the hot tub can help your body produce more white blood cells and CD8 lymphocytes. The end result? A strong immune response that helps you stave off illnesses. 

Studies also show that passive heat therapy, like soaking in a wood burning hot tub, helps improve cardiovascular function. Regular hot baths can induce heat stress, which forces your heart to work harder to maintain body temperature. This increased cardiac activity reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers blood pressure. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a big point in wood burning hot tubs' favor. Electric or gas-powered hot tubs require a continuous external power supply to keep the water hot. The more you use your tub, the more power it uses. 

If your power goes out or if there's a cold snap, you'll have to wait for it to warm up again before using it. In contrast, wood burning hot tubs rely on natural and renewable resources like firewood for operation. 

The result? A more efficient, environmentally friendly hot tub that's ready whenever you are. Since these hot tubs completely eliminate the use of gas lines, electric wiring, and complex plumbing, you can enjoy an authentic off-grid experience. 

Customization and Flexibility

With wood burning hot tubs, you have the option to customize your experience according to your mood. Choose from different tub materials like cedar or redwood, or pick a style that matches your taste, be it rustic or polished. 

You also have the freedom to adjust the temperature by simply adding more logs and controlling the fire — gentle warmth or piping-hot, it's all up to you! 

Unlike acrylic or inflatable hot tubs, which require freshwater for soak, wood burning hot tubs are compatible with saltwater, so you don’t have to worry about adding calcium remover every few days. 

Safety Tips When Using Wood Burning Hot Tubs

Follow these tips for using a burning hot tub safely:

• Choose your hot tub location wisely. It should be placed on a flat surface, away from ignition sources, such as a fireplace or gas grill. 

• Keep anything flammable at a safe distance from your tub's chimney. Clothes, dry leaves, or that novel you've been meaning to read — if it's not fire-resistant, it's best kept away. 

• Never leave your hot tub unattended while the fire's lit to avoid any accidental flare-ups.

• When firing up the wood, use the top-down method or Jenga technique. This way, you'll get a more controlled and consistent burn.

• Don't overload the firebox with too much wood. Keep things moderate and manageable. Add more wood after 20 minutes.

• Always use firewood with the ‘Ready to Burn’ certification mark. It helps ensure the wood is dry and burns cleaner and more efficiently.

• Avoid inaccurate temperature readings by giving the water a good stir. Use a thermometer and make sure the temperature is between 96 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Do not jump or acrobat your way to the hot tub. Instead, enter and exit it slowly and carefully to prevent injuries.

• After using your wood burning hot tub, extinguish the fire properly. Wait for the wood and embers to cool down before disposing of them. Sprinkle some water over this burning wood to ensure it’s completely out.

• Once the water has cooled down, drain it completely and wipe your tub using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance for Wood Burning Hot Tubs

Hot soaks are fun and amazing, but if your water is murky or the chimney has stuck-up debris, it may ruin that zen-like experience you crave. 

Follow these tips to avoid these hassles and maintain it for the long haul:

• Make it a habit to regularly drain, clean, and rinse your hot tub every few weeks or as needed. This will prevent gunk from settling in, which may ruin your relaxation vibes.

• Clean the ash pan and chimney for efficient airflow and prevent fumes from back-drafting into your hot tub area.

• Since your tub is made of wood, treating it annually with a high-quality wood sealant or preservative like linseed oil will help protect it from the elements and retain that beautiful finish.

• Hot tubs tend to shrink, so keep them moist to prevent cracking and warping. 

• Regularly inspect metal components like the heater, chimney, and fasteners for signs of rust or corrosion. A simple clean or replacement — whichever is necessary — will keep your tub running smoothly.

• If hot tub water is cloudy, green, or foul-smelling, test the pH level and adjust your hot tub's water chemistry. 

• Invest in a durable hot tub cover. It keeps debris out and heat in, and it's a great line of defense against potential weather damage. 

• Ramp up your tub's winter maintenance by regularly removing snow and ice from the cover, checking the water quality, and ensuring the tub is insulated correctly. Otherwise, it may get ruined beyond repair.

Best Wood Burning Hot Tubs

Whether you want a wood burning hot tub for your backyard or patio, My Sauna World has an amazing collection to suit your needs. 

The following are some of our best wood-fired hot tubs:

Almost Heaven Kirami Wood Fired Hot Tub

The Almost Heaven Kirami Wood Fired Hot Tub perfectly combines luxury, quality, and aesthetics. Crafted from high-grade materials, this soak tub is designed to withstand the fickleness of Mother Nature while delivering maximum heat for an indulgent hot soak, even in the biting cold. The base of the tub is made from ABS plastic so that you can place it on the ground — be it your garden or terrace.

Its wood-fired heater efficiently minimizes heat loss and consumes less wood while instilling an authentic, earthy vibe. Almost Heaven Kirami Wood Fired Hot Tub has an ergonomic barrel shape that perfectly envelopes your body from all sides so that you can reap all the therapeutic benefits without discomfort. 

This hot tub has a durable cover to keep dirt and debris at bay and steps to easily get inside. Best of all, this wood-fired hot tub comes with detailed instructions, making setup a breeze!

Dundalk Leisure Craft The Starlight Wood Burning Hot Tub

If you want to enjoy hot soaks under twinkling stars or those on those misty mornings, the Dundalk LeisureCraft The Starlight Wood Burning Hot Tub has got you covered. This hot tub is crafted from premium quality wood for maximum heat insulation and durability. At the same time, its traditional wood-fired heater minimizes the use of electricity, making it perfect for an off-grid lifestyle.

Unlike electric versions, this heater is free from any mechanical parts, so you can enjoy the soothing crackle of burning wood and nature sounds. The hot tub has a spacious design, making it a fantastic option for everything from deep conversations to belly laughs with your pals. 

It comes with a protective cover, so you don’t have to worry about pesky leaves and other outdoor invaders ruining your sizzling soak.

FAQs: wood burning Hot Tubs

Are wood burning hot tubs any good?

Indeed, they are! Wood burning hot tubs provide a unique and environmentally friendly soaking experience that brings a rustic charm to your backyard.

How efficient is a wood-fired hot tub?

Wood-fired hot tubs heat up remarkably well. They rely only on burning logs to maintain heating intensity and water temperature, making them more efficient than electric ones.

How long do wood-fired hot tubs last?

Regular cleaning and proper maintenance allow wood-fired hot tubs to last 15–20 years.

Do wood-fired hot tubs stay warm?

The warmth retention depends on the type and quantity of wood used as well as the design of the hot tub (whether it has a lid or not). You can use a thermal spa blanket or pop-up canopy around the tub to prevent heat loss and keep the toasty vibes going.

What are the disadvantages of wood burning hot tubs?

Wood burning hot tubs require manual heating and consistent maintenance to prevent potential damage. Also, precise temperature control can be somewhat challenging compared to modern hot tubs.

Final Words: Wood Burning Hot Tubs

Wood burning hot tubs are an excellent way to soothe away the winter chill. While their energy efficiency and rustic vibe are some of their biggest appeal, they also offer a range of health and wellness benefits that make them a worthy investment for your home.

My Sauna World is your one-stop shop for high-quality wood burning hot tubs. Besides hot tubs, we have a range of traditional and infrared saunas so you can complete your wellness rituals. For more information, feel free to contact us today!