- What are the advantages of a wooden tub?
- How do wooden tubs hold water?
- What is the best way to heat my tub?
- How does the Chofu compare to inside-the-tub wood heaters?
- How long does it take to heat up?
- What is a safe temperature for hot tub water?
- How much does it cost to operate a hot tub?
- How do tubs ship and how much does shipping cost?
- How hard are tubs to assemble?
- What do I need to do to prepare my site for a wooden hot tub?
- Can a wooden hot tub be installed below ground?
- Where is the best location for my tub?
- Can I install my tub indoors?
- How heavy is the tub when it's full of water?
- How hard are wooden tubs to maintain?
- Do I need to use pool or spa chemicals to keep the water clean?
- What size tub do I need?
- Do you make custom sized tubs?
- What about freezing temperatures?
- How does the tub drain?
- Do you have a guarantee?
How do wooden hot tubs hold water?
We use high quality clear cedar and our tubs are made with care and precision. Just like a wooden boat, the wood swells in the presence of water to form a tight seal.
What is the best way to heat my tub?
The answer depends on your situation. That is why we offer three types of heating systems. Electric heaters (our most popular), Gas heaters (for very cold climates), and Wood heaters (for economy). Find out more about heaters.
How does the Chofu compare to inside-the-tub wood heaters?
The exterior Chofu heater has many advantages over submerged inside-the-tub heaters such as the snorkel stove. Inside heaters can take up as much as 1/3 of the interior space of your tub! The Chofu does not take up any room inside the tub. This means you have 1/3 more space in the same tub - or you can get a smaller tub and have the same space. Inside heaters prevent the use of a full coverage insulated top so heat is lost. The Chofu heated tub can use a full coverage thermal blanket and cover so less heat is lost. Water level must be kept over the tube of a snorkel heater to prevent warping the metal box - an approach that is prone to problems and wastes water. With the Chofu, water level can be set much lower to eliminate wasted overflow. Unlike interior wood-fired heaters the Chofu introduces no wood debris or ash into the water - helping to keep things nice and clean.
How long does it take to heat the tub?
Electric heaters: 6-10 degrees per hour, Gas heaters: 20-40 degrees per hour, Wood heaters: 10-20 degrees per hour. The electric and gas heaters keep the tub hot continuously, so heat rate is generally not an important consideration unless you plan to turn the tub temperature down between uses.
What is a safe temperature for hot tub water?
Most people will find that 100 to 104 is about right. The factory setting on most tub heaters has a limit of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There is some room for adjustment, but temperatures higher than 104 can be hazardous to your health. Children should use a tub that is no hotter than 100 degrees.
How much does it cost to operate a hot tub?
There are three factors that effect the cost to operate a tub: Size of the tub. Climate. Cost of energy or fuel. Our simple Chofu wood heater is the most economical to operate. Our SmarTouch heated tubs run between $1.50 and $3.50 per day to keep hot. Not bad for a spa in your backyard!
How hard are tubs to assemble?
Our tubs are designed to be easily assembled by the owner. Each tub comes with a detailed step by step illustrated instruction manual. Typical assembly time is about 3-4 hours and requires minimal tools: a couple of wrenches, a level, and a rubber mallet. The heating system will take from 1 (Chofu) to 5 (Gas) hours to install. If you are not comfortable setting up your tub, you can hire someone to do it. If you have an electric or gas heater, these connections will need to be made by a qualified professional.
What do I need to do to prepare my site for a wooden hot tub?
The three most common sites for a wooden hot tub are on the ground, on a patio, or on a deck.
On the ground: Site should be level and compact. Use fine gravel or coarse sand to prepare a well-drained level base.
On a patio: Existing patios or a poured concrete pad are a good place for installing a tub.
On or in a deck: Deck installations are a great choice. You use a deck to provide easy entry into a wooden tub. If the tub is to be placed on a deck, be sure it is engineered to handle the weight. Have a professional check for proper support. A tub full of water is very heavy - refer to the tub specifications for actual weight of each of our tubs. Filled weight for an average tub is over 4000 lbs.
Can a wooden hot tub be installed below ground?
Our tubs are easiest to install above the ground. Below ground tubs will require a retaining wall and cannot be backfilled.
Where is the best location for my tub?
There is no definitive answer to this question of course, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The closer your tub is to your house, the more you may use it. A deck with a tub right outside the bedroom is very convenient. Proximity to power or gas sources may be a requirement. Privacy and setting are important. If you want to set your tub in a secluded spot away from it all, consider how to get power to the site for the heating system.
Can I install my tub indoors?
Yes. Choose the electric heating system for indoor tubs. The room should have adequate ventilation. The floor needs to be able to support the weight of a tub. The floor should be a "wet" floor with a central drain so that any water that splashes or overflows is taken away safely. A 220 volt electric circuit will be required for the heater.
How heavy is the tub when it's full of water?
Each 100 gallons of water weighs about 800 lbs. A 5 x 36 round tub weighs about 3500 lbs. A 6 x 36 tub weights about 5000 lbs. You can find full specifications on all our tubs in the specifications.
How hard are wooden tubs to maintain?
Cedar tubs are easy to maintain. Unlike tubs made of artificial materials, wooden tubs don't blister or fade. We recommend brushing on an occasional coat of teak oil on the outside only to keep the cedar looking glorious! Cleaning the inside amounts to an occasional scrubbing with a soft brush, a little soap and a good rinse.
What is the recommended way to keep the tub water clean?
Fresh clean water is what you want in your tub. Warm water in a hot tub will get dirty quickly unless you are proactive. Our recommended method involves three things working together. A filter, and Ionizer and limited use of a special type of chlorine. Most of our tubs are shipped with this simple approach to keeping your water safe and clean. The details are included in the instructions that come with your tub. For remote installations without electricity, give us a call for an alternative approach.
Do you make custom sized tubs?
Yes we do. Different size? Different type of wood? Call us to discuss your plan. Contact us...
What about freezing temperatures?
Cold weather was made for hot tubbing! It is crucial to have a good thermal cover and a floating blanket. Cedar is a good natural insulator - and our tubs have been performing very well from Alaska to Maine. Our SmarTouch (electric or gas) heaters have a thermostat and freeze protection that keeps the water warm and moving during cold weather. In some areas bitter cold weather makes use of the tub impractical during the coldest times. Heating costs will be higher in winter. If you expect to be away or don't intend to use your tub during freezing temperatures, drain it - leaving about 2 inches of water in the very bottom. This helps keep the tub bottom sealed without doing damage. Never let a full wooden tub freeze solid. Be sure to drain the heater, pump and filter. Our simple Chofu heater drains quickly and easily to prevent damage.
Each of our tubs includes a floor drain. With a simple fitting, you can attach a garden hose to the drain and dispose of the water into your landscape or down a storm drain. We recommend draining and refilling the tub every 6-10 weeks or as needed. The water is safe to use for landscape plants, but not for your vegetable garden.
Do you have a guarantee?
Our tubs and equipment have a limited warranty for a full 2 years against defects in material or workmanship. Because of the natural resistance of Western Red Cedar, your tub will give you up to 25 years of service. Covers have a limited 4 year warranty.
