Pros and Cons of Wood Fired Hot Tubs

Wood fired hot tubs have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their rustic charm and the natural warmth they provide, not to mention through the COVID19 crisis and soaring energy prices in the UK.

However, like any other product, there are pros and cons to using a wood fired hot tub. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using a wood fired hot tub

Wood-Fired Hot Tubs vs Electric-Heated Hot Tubs

Choosing the right hot tub for your home, family or business depends on your home design, style, and overall preference, budget, access to electricity and not to mention your lifestyle. 

Here are some of the pros and cons of each type to help determine the best fit for you..

Pros of Wood-Fired Hot Tubs

Energy Efficiency

Better Heating Time

The average electric heater cannot keep up with the heating time of a wood-fired hot tub. Wood-fired hot tubs can heat up around 5 times faster than electric-heated ones.   

Cost

Because wood-fired tubs heat up 5 times faster than electric-heated ones, you may wonder how much it would cost to run them. Since wood-fired tubs only require dry firewood to function and use no cords or electricity, wood-fired will always be more cost-effective as firewood is much more affordable than electricity. 

Eco-Friendly

Since wood-fired hot tubs are naturally durable and decay-resistant, they can last for 10 to 15 years. Our hot tubs with their fibreglass lining and wooden cladding exterior when looked after with the proper care and maintenance are equally as long-lasting. This, therefore, means that wood-fired hot tubs are a far more sustainable option than their electric-heated counterpart.

Reliability

Electric-heated hot tubs have components such as control panels, jets, pumps, etc., that can break down throughout the lifetime of the hot tub. On the other hand, wood-fired hot tubs have much less hardware, so there’s less to fix over time.

Lifespan

A classic wood-fired hot tub is made of cedar and has no electrical parts. It is naturally durable and decay-resistant due to the wood it is made of. At Baltic Hot Tubs, with the right care and maintenance, our wood-fired hot tubs made with a wood-cladding exterior and a fibreglass interior lining can last up to 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of a standard electric-heated hot tub is 5 to 10 years.

Cons of Wood Fire Hot Tubs

Placement/Fumes

Wood-fired hot tubs burn wood and create fumes from doing so. Therefore you cannot place them just anywhere. You must carefully consider the safest area for your wood-fired hot tub within your outdoor space. As well as taking into consideration whether or not you live in a smoke control area.

Safety Concerns

Wood fired hot tubs require a fire to heat up, which can pose a safety risk. Care must be taken to ensure that the fire is contained and that the hot tub is properly ventilated. Customer service and aftercare is a key benefiting of choosing Baltic Hot Tubs – we can advice you on best practices to keep you and your family safe while enjoying your wood fired hot tub. If you have any concerns at all please contact our team on 01386 291060 and we would be happy to answer any questions.

Maintenance

While wood fired hot tubs require less maintenance than electric or gas-powered tubs, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent damage and ensure proper function.

Temperature Control

Temperature control can be a pro or a con for some users.

Achieving and maintaining a consistent temperature in your tub is an art, a bit like manually keeping your car at 70mph on the motorway – sometimes it goes up and down. 

Many of our customers say that changes in temperature add to the natural experience a wood fired hot tub offers. However some users can find this frustrating. 

Pros of Electric-Heated Hot Tubs

More Features/Control

Because electric-heated hot tubs have a control panel, they may also have more features available to use while using your hot tub. It’s also easier to control the temperature as well.

Can Be Set Up in More Areas

Electric-heated hot tubs can be placed in more spaces than wood-fired hot tubs due to wood-fired hot tubs dealing with live fire. They can also be placed in more residential areas as they do not need to be subject to smoke control area regulations. 

Cons of Electric-Heated Hot Tubs

Shorter Lifespan

Electric-heated hot tubs have a life expectancy of around 5-15 years, whereas wood-fired hot tubs can last longer with less maintenance. 

Less Eco-Friendly

Chemicals and the use of electricity make electric-heated hot tubs less earth-conscious than their wood-fired counterpart. 

Costs More to Run

While wood-fired hot tubs are self-sufficient and need no outside power source, electric-heated hot tubs rely on the use of electricity and therefore require more maintenance as well.

Takes Longer to Heat Up

Wood-fired hot tubs take around 2 and a half hours to heat up from cold to 38 degrees celsius, while a standard electric-heated hot tub of the same size can take around 12-15 hours to heat up.

Summary

Whilst electric-heated hot tubs have their positives, wood-fired hot tubs are a tour de force when it comes to the categories that really matter. A better lifespan, more eco-friendly and cost-effectiveness rank high on today’s consumer checklist when purchasing their next spa accessory.