Wood fired bathing creates an outdoor bathing experience unlike any other. If you’ve ever soaked in water heated only by wood, you’ll know just how transformative the experience can be. From chopping the wood to stirring the water to taking the first step into steaming waters, it’s an experience that slows you down and connects you with the nature around you.
What are Wood Fired Hot Tubs?
Compared to typical electric hot tubs, wood fired hot tubs run without electricity. Instead, they use a wood stove to heat the water directly, giving you control over temperature through the size and pace of your fire. If you're used to typical electric hot tubs, you’ll find it’s a totally different experience. Instead of pressing a button, listening to jets, or colourful bright lights, most wood-burning hot tubs use natural materials for a soak that’s less artificial.
We’re experts on all things wood-fired bathing, and we put together our top things to know in this full guide to wood-burning hot tubs. Whether you’re just starting your journey to understand wood-fired bathing or looking for something specific, you’ll find it here.
How Wood Fired Hot Tubs Work
A wood fired hot tub uses a firebox, either submerged inside the tub or mounted externally and connected to pipes, to heat the water. Part of the experience is using firewood to start the fire, keeping it burning, and stirring the water to circulate the heat. By the time you step into the water, you feel the satisfaction of the effort.
What’s special is that no pump or electricity is required for a wood-burning hot tub, creating a more back-to-nature experience.
Different Types of Stoves
There are two main types of stoves that you’ll find in wood fired hot tubs:
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Internal or submerged stoves: These sit directly inside the tub, usually behind a protective screen. Water flows around the firebox and heats quickly since there's no distance for heat to travel. In the GOODLAND Wood Burning Hot Tub, we use a submerged stove for greater heating efficiency. We also use a top-loading stove for greater safety, to prevent any danger of logs rolling out.
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External stoves: These sit outside the tub and connect through inlet and outlet pipes. Water is drawn from the tub, heated in the stove, and pumped back in. These types of stoves typically take longer for the water to heat up, so they can require more wood and be less efficient.
Pros and Cons of Wood Fired vs Electric Hot Tubs
Wood fired hot tubs have plenty of benefits. It’s an experience unlike any other, and the reason why our Wood Burning Hot Tub was the first thing offered at GOODLAND and created by our design team. It doesn’t require any electrical hookup, you can use them almost anywhere, and they require less maintenance than electric hot tubs.
Another benefit is that wood-fired hot tubs don’t require any chemicals, making them a more natural option for a soak. Since the water isn’t typically sitting for weeks and weeks at a time, sanitization and chemicals aren’t usually necessary. In contrast, electric hot tubs do typically require adding chemicals to the water and pH monitoring.
While wood burning hot tubs inherently take longer to heat up than electric tubs, this is often viewed as a benefit. The process of preparing the water for a soak can be satisfying and restorative, and we feel it’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Wood-fired hot tubs aren’t a great fit for areas where fires aren’t allowed due to fire safety restrictions.
What Are the Different Types of Wood Burning Hot Tubs?
Comparing Round vs Rectangular Tubs
When people think of a wood-fired hot tub, a round tub often comes to mind. But, rectangular tubs are also an option. On careful consideration, this is what GOODLAND’s design team ended up choosing for a few reasons: it’s faster to fill and heat with the compact shape, it’s easier to move around your property, and also offers more possibilities for comfortable lounge-inspired seating. Rectangular wood-burning hot tubs also offer a modern look with clean lines and a materials-focused feel.
That being said, round tubs can still be a great fit for many spaces, and offer that classic barrel-style look that many people look for.
Which Size is Best?
Finding the right size depends on your unique situation and how much space you have. Maybe you have a small family and don't need a huge tub, or maybe you love to entertain on a regular basis and are looking for the option of a larger tub.
Smaller tubs, like our original Wood Burning Hot Tub, are built for a couple, a small family of 4, or as a soothing solo soak. They heat faster and use less wood per session, making them a practical choice for couples or small families.
Larger tubs, like our Group Wood Burning Hot Tub, can accommodate around 4-6 people. They inherently take longer to heat and burn more wood, but are better suited for entertaining, vacation rentals, or larger families.
The right size depends on how often you'll use the tub, how many people will typically be soaking, and how much space you have for setup.
Key Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Wood Fired Hot Tub
Purchasing a wood fired hot tub is a long-term investment, so it's worthwhile to look past the surface and dig into the different options to find the right one for you. We also recommend choosing a company with plenty of informational resources, and with great customer service where you can get in touch with a real person with any questions.
While there are plenty of considerations, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop around:
Quality and materials
Look for durable, weather-resistant materials that will hold up outdoors year-round. For example, our design chose to use western red cedar and marine grade aluminum for our wood-fired hot tub, for their durability and performance over time. Both of these are materials that don’t just work well now, but can stand up to use outdoors for years and years.
Beyond just the materials, the quality of construction makes all the difference. Attention to detail and design can separate a tub that lasts from one that wears down. For tubs with aluminum bodies, look for double-welded seams instead of glue or rivets to make sure the tub won’t leak down the line.
Safety features
Another thing to look for is a wood-burning hot tub with dedicated safety features. For example, look out for how the stove is placed, which can make a big difference for a safer soak (this is one of the reasons we opt for a top-loading stove with a double-insulated lid and scald-proof handle).
As another example, our design team chose to use a chimney heat shield to help protect hands from hot surfaces. The low profile of our hot tubs also makes the tub easier to step in and out (although the Tubside Station is also great for this), and shallower for kids to play in.
We also ship our tubs at GOODLAND with our Spark Arrestor, which is designed to help prevent large sparks or embers from drifting into the air.
Comfort
A wood-fired soak is all about relaxation, so it makes sense to have a tub that doesn’t just perform, but is also comfortable to sit in. For example, rather than typical seating that keeps you up right, our design team chose to use lounge-inspired cedar recliners in the Wood Burning Hot Tub.
Keep a look out for other design details like rounded edges and a curved backrest that encourage even more comfort and ease.
Design and craftsmanship
The difference between a mass-produced tub and a thoughtfully designed one shows up in how it performs and how enjoyable it is to actually use.
At GOODLAND, our tubs are designed with deep consideration by our in-house studio. Our design team has spent considerable time refining seating angles, stove placement, water flow, material choices, and much more, with extensive testing and rounds of samples before anything goes into production. That process is what lets us stand behind out tubs confidently, knowing that every element has been designed for ease, enjoyment, and durability.
The Ritual of Pause: How Long Does Heating Take?
We see the process of heating a wood fired hot tub as part of the experience. It’s a ritual that slows you down, brings you into the present moment, and connects you with what’s around you. We call this the ritual of pause.
Our original Wood Burning Hot Tub takes just 90 minutes to heat up, making it particularly fast compared to other wood-burning tubs because it has a smaller, more efficient footprint, and needs less water (just 210 gallons or 800 L).
Our Group Wood Burning Hot Tub, and other wood-fired hot tubs for 4-6 people, typically take longer to heat up.
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Fill the tub. Depending on your water source, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours.
- Start the fire. Kindling and dry wood get the stove going.
- Let it build. As the fire settles into a steady burn, water temperatures climb gradually.
- Reach a soaking temperature. Most tubs reach a comfortable soaking range (around 100 to 104°F) within two to four hours, depending on conditions.
- Maintain the fire. Add wood periodically to hold temperature while soaking.
What Speeds Up Heating Time?
The time it takes for your tub to heat up can definitely change, depending on a few factors:
- Tub size. Smaller tubs with less water heat faster than large tubs, which is important to keep in mind when purchasing a wood-burning hot tub.
- Ambient temperature and water temperature. If it’s cold outdoors and you’re filling your tub up with very cold water, you can expect it’ll take longer to heat. If it’s not too cold out and you’re starting with water that’s closer to room temperature, this can help cut down on heating time.
- Stove type and size. Larger, more efficient stoves transfer heat faster.
- Wood type. The type of wood that you use makes a difference, too. Dry, dense hardwood burns hotter and more consistently than softwood or wood that’s wet.
- Insulation. A well-insulated tub retains heat better, reducing the energy needed to reach and hold temperature.
If you’re using your wood-burning hot tub a few days in a row, we find that using our premium Insulated Cover also makes a big difference. Insulated with foam, it’s designed to help keep your hot tub water hotter or warmer when not in use.
What's Needed for Install or Set Up?
One of the advantages of our wood fired hot tub is the simple setup. No electrical wiring is required, and you also won’t need to set up any permanent plumbing. All you need are a few simple things, like the right spot and a source of water close at hand.
Here's what to think through before you set up:
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Site preparation. Choose a level, stable surface that can support the full weight of the tub when filled with water.
- Water source. Think about the best way to fill your tub at your property, whether that's a hose or other nearby water source.
- Drainage. Think about where the water will go when you drain the tub, especially if you're draining regularly.
- Local fire safety restrictions. Check local regulations on open flame or wood burning appliances before installing, since rules vary by location.
Can You Use a Wood Burning Hot Tub Off-Grid?
Since wood fired hot tubs don't require electricity to heat water, they're a natural fit for off-grid properties, cabins, and within nature.
For a deeper look at what off-grid setup involves, see our full guide on setting up an off-grid wood fired hot tub. It’s not actually as complex as it sounds, and instead is mostly just a matter of finding the right spot off-grid with access to water, and keeping in mind a few tips for simply moving the hot tub and choosing the right placement.
Wood fired hot tubs are also a genuinely sustainable bathing option, since they run on a renewable fuel source and skip the ongoing electrical draw that electric tubs require. Read more in our post on the sustainability of wood fired hot tubs.
How Does Maintenance Work?
How to Clean the WBHT
All tubs are different, but cleaning the Wood Burning Hot Tub is super simple. With the aluminum sloped bottom and oversized drain, the tub was intentionally designed by our studio for easy cleaning with a cloth. The stovebox size and angle was also designed to make it easy to remove ash.
Do You Need to Treat the Water?
Many owners choose to treat their water with a mild sanitizer to keep it clear and reduce bacteria growth, especially if the tub is used frequently or by many people. Others prefer a drain-and-refill approach for each use. The right choice depends on your usage frequency and personal preference.
Keeping the Water Clear
A few simple tips can help keep your hot tub water as clear and fresh for as long as possible. Consider rinsing before you soak, to avoid bringing any dirt or oils into the tub itself. A tub cover can also help reduce the amount of debris in the water, or use a simple skimmer net regularly to remove floating debris before it sinks down into the water.
Depending on these tips, and how often you soak in your hot tub, all impacts how often you’ll need to change the water. While it isn’t necessary, some people opt for an external pool filter system to help extend the time between water changes.
Winterization
If you're in a cold climate and won't be using your tub through the winter, taking a few simple steps can help prevent any potential damage from freezing water and temperatures.
Each tub has different winterization steps. For using the Wood Burning Hot Tub in the winter, we recommend a few simple steps like removing the hot tub’s drain hose, adding extra insulation, and running a hotter fire to help account for chilly temperatures (watch our founder Craig explain more details about winterization).
Our team has freeze-tested our Wood Burning Hot Tub in extremely cold Canadian weather (-37°C, to be exact), let the water freeze solid, and still found there wasn’t any damage. While other cedar tubs can crack or see damage during those temperatures, we’re proud of our super solid all-welded aluminum construction that stands up to the harshest of conditions.
This generally includes fully draining the tub, clearing any remaining water from pipes or fittings, and covering the tub to protect it from the elements.
Are Wood Fired Hot Tubs Good for Vacation Rentals?
Wood fired hot tubs have become a standout amenity for vacation rentals. They offer guests a genuinely memorable and magical experience that electric tubs can’t compete with. Wood-burning hot tubs can also be a big differentiator when comparing against other properties without hot tubs or with electric hot tubs, photograph well, and can generate word of mouth.
They’re also low maintenance for owners: they’re usually easy to clean, there’s no need to chemically treat the water, can often be used year-round, and work off-grid without adding to energy costs.
That said, rental owners should think through guest instructions for safe fire use, maintenance between stays, and how heating time fits into a typical guest's visit. For a full breakdown of using wood fired hot tubs in a rental property, see our dedicated guide.
Common FAQs
How long does it take to heat a wood fired hot tub?
Most wood-fired hot tubs reach soaking temperature in around an hour and a half to four hours, depending on tub size, starting water temperature, and stove type. For example, the GOODLAND Wood Burning Hot Tub takes just 90 minutes to heat up, thanks to its compact footprint.
Do wood fired hot tubs need electricity?
No, wood fired hot tubs do not need electricity. Instead, they heat water entirely through a wood-burning stove, making it possible to use them in locations that are more off-grid or in nature (all you need is a water source and the right spot).
How much wood does a wood fired hot tub use?
The amount of wood needed for a wood-fired hot tub depends on tub size and outdoor temperature. But, most sessions use a modest amount of dry hardwood to reach and maintain soaking temperature.
For more detailed answers about the GOODLAND Wood Burning Hot Tub, take a look at our common FAQs. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out, and someone from our small West Coast-based customer care team will be in touch.
Courtney Dionne
Courtney leads the marketing team here at GOODLAND, where she shares her expertise on all things bathing, slow living, and more. She loves a good long walk in nature, lounging at the lake, birdwatching, and (of course) a soak in the Wood Burning Hot Tub.
