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Wood-Fired Hot Tubs: What to Know Before You Buy
· Revival Health Labs Team
Introduction
An Irish garden needs to put up with plenty of rain, wind and changing temperatures throughout the year. Adding a hot tub outside the house looks fascinating, but the question is whether it can actually handle the changing weather.
The answer is yes: the wood-fired hot tub is actually a practical option. However, for anyone searching for a wood-fired hot tub for sale in Ireland, first understanding how a wood-fired hot tub actually works is quite important.
In this blog, we’ll look at how they perform in Irish weather and what you should know before making a purchase. So let’s get started.
Are Wood-Fired Hot Tubs Suitable for Irish Weather?
As the tubs are made of wood, most people have a doubt that whether they are suitable for Irish weather. But you can actually use them.
The wood-fired tubs are designed for outdoor use; they are manufactured using materials and construction styles so that they can be used throughout the years. In addition to this, they do not rely on electricity for heating the water, so you don’t have to worry about the electricity bills.
However, as Irish weather changes frequently, when buying, you need to ensure that you go for a quality product. A durable timber structure, a well-fitted insulated lid, proper garden setup, and location can all make a difference to how efficiently the wood-fired tubs work.
How Does a Wood-Fired Hot Tub Work?
A wood-fired hot tub usually relies on a stove to heat the water rather than an electric heater. You just need to fill the tub with a garden hose, light the fire and let the water warm up.
There are mainly two types of wood-burning options:
- Internal wood stove: With this type, the stove sits inside the tub and heats the water directly. It might take up some of the internal space, but the good thing is there is no external footprint.
- External wood stove: The stainless steel stove sits outside the tub. It leaves more room inside and keeps the hot metal away from bathers.
The wood-fired tub generally takes around two to three hours to heat. The overall time also depends on factors such as tub size and the starting water temperature. An insulated lid can help retain warmth after the fire has gone out.
There is also an electric heating option for people who prefer hot water on demand. This needs an electrical connection, unlike the wood-fired heating options.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Wood-Fired Hot Tubs?
A wood-fired tub is undoubtedly a great option when looking for a hot tub in Ireland. But before buying understand the positive and negative sides of these tubs will help you in making the right choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No electricity is needed for wood-fired heating | You need a supply of suitable firewood |
| No electrical supply is required for the heating system | You need to allow time for the water to heat |
| The fire becomes part of the process | The fire needs to be managed while heating |
| Suitable for outdoor use | The tub still needs regular care and cleaning |
| Internal and external stove options are available | You need space for the tub and firewood |
The ideal choice totally depends on the way you use the tub. If you can light and manage the fire and can wait for the water to warm, then wood-fired heating can be a great option. But if you want features such as setting a temperature or getting instant hot water, then going for an electric model might be a good option.
How Do You Choose a Wood-Fired Hot Tub?
There is more to choosing a hot tub than deciding how it looks. The size of your garden, number of users, heating method and the level of maintenance you are comfortable with can all influence your choice. It is also worth considering how the tub will be delivered, where it will be positioned and which features you are likely to use.
Size
Analyse how many people will use the tub at a time. For families and groups, a large tub can be suitable, but it will take more space. A small tub will take a small space, but only one or two people can use it at a time.
Shape
A tub comes in round and square designs. A round tub is a more comfortable option, especially when you have enough space and need it for a group. While a square shape tub is good to consider when you need to use space efficiently.
Timber
The timber used for the tub can affect its appearance, upkeep and suitability for outdoor use. Pinewood and thermowood are available options. Thermowood has a darker finish and requires less outdoor maintenance, which can make it a practical choice for a garden that is exposed to Irish weather.
Heating
The type and position are two factors that are worth considering. An internal stove sits inside the tub, so you will have less room inside, but it does not require additional space outside. However, an external stove is positioned outside the tub, and you will have more room inside. You can consider the available space in our garden when selecting the ideal one.
Extra Features
Additional features are also important to make the right choice and have a comfortable experience. With a wood-fired hot tub, the additional options can include:
- Insulated lid to help retain heat and protect the water when the tub is not in use
- Filtration system to help maintain cleaner water
- LED lighting for use during darker evenings
- Air bubble system for an additional feature while using the tub
- Steps and handrails to make getting in and out easier
Going for an option that has more additional features is not the right way. Every garden and usage requirements are different. So, choose additions that fit your space and overall needs.
Wood-Fired Hot Tub Options from Revival Health Labs
Revival Health Labs supplies and installs wood-fired hot tubs across Ireland. The tubs are made to order in Europe, giving you the opportunity to choose a setup that suits your garden, household and budget.
The range includes round and square designs for four to eight people, with a choice of internal or external wood-burning stoves. You can also choose from options such as thermowood, filtration, LED lighting, air bubbles, insulated lids, steps and handrails.
If you are unsure which combination would work for your space, Revival Health Labs offers a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your requirements and provide a written quote.
Finding the Right Wood-Fired Hot Tub
A wood-fired hot tub can work well in an Irish garden; just give importance to factors such as suitable construction, heating system and overall size for your space. You can surely go for this option; the major difference is that, with this tub option, the heating process becomes part of the routine: you light the stove, give the water time to warm and then enjoy the tub.
Before buying, consider the tub's materials, heating option, capacity, garden access and installation arrangements. Revival Health Labs offers made-to-order wood-fired hot tubs across Ireland, with a free consultation available to discuss your requirements and provide an exact quote.
FAQs
Where can I buy a wood-fired hot tub in Ireland?
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You can buy a wood-fired hot tub from Revival Health Labs. It offers made-to-order wood-fired hot tubs in different sizes, shapes, timber options and stove configurations. Its range is designed for Irish gardens, with options available for different spaces and requirements.
What cost can I expect when buying a wood-fired hot tub in Ireland?
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That totally depends on tub size and additional features. For 2 to 4 people, it can range somewhere between €3000 and €5000, and for 5 to 8 people it can range somewhere between €4000 and €7000.
Can I use a wood-fired hot tub in winter in Ireland?
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Yes. A wood-fired hot tub can be used outdoor throughout the year, even during winter and rainy days.
Do wood-fired hot tubs need electricity?
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Not for wood-fired heating. The stove heats the water using wood. Electricity is only needed in the cases if you choose additions such as an electric heater, LED lighting, filtration or an air bubble system.
How do you keep a wood-fired hot tub clean?
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Water should be changed regularly. A filtration system can help keep the water clear for longer between changes. Also maintain the heating stove for smooth operation.
About the Revival Health Labs Team
The Revival Health Labs team is an Irish business based in Tipperary, supplying and installing outdoor saunas, cold plunges and wood-fired hot tubs across all 32 counties. The team takes a practical, made-to-order approach, helping customers choose products suited to their garden, space and requirements.
This blog was written by the Revival Health Labs Team, drawing on the team's knowledge of outdoor wellness installations and practical considerations for Irish homes.