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: