Jump to:
- Why Choose a Wood-Fired Hot Tub?
- The Real Wellness Benefits
- Why Quality Firewood Matters
- Best Firewood for Wood-Fired Hot Tubs
- How Long Does It Take to Heat a Wood-Fired Hot Tub?
- How to Set Up Your Kirami Hot Tub
- What Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?
- Hot Tub Maintenance & Care
- Choosing the Right Setup for Your Garden
- Frequently Asked Questions
It’s easy to see why wood fired hot tubs and outdoor wellness are growing here in the UK. There’s something different about a wood fired hot tub. It’s not just the heat. It’s not just the setting. It’s the experience.
From lighting the fire to stepping into perfectly heated water under an open sky, it’s a slower, more connected way to unwind, and one that’s becoming increasingly popular across the UK.
Whether you’re considering your first wood fired hot tub or looking to get more from your current setup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Choose a Wood Fired Hot Tub?
Unlike electric hot tubs, wood fired tubs are about more than convenience.
They’re about experience.
You light the fire.
You build the heat.
You create the moment.
And that shift, from instant to intentional, is exactly why more people are choosing them, not to mention the lower ongoing costs compared to a traditional electric hot tub.
Key benefits:
- No reliance on electricity
- Lower running costs
- Quiet, natural heating
- Perfect for all settings, from off-grid to rural locations
- A more immersive outdoor experience
For many, it becomes less about “using a hot tub” and more about creating an evening around it.
The Real Wellness Benefits of a Wood Fired Hot Tub
1. Muscle Recovery & Relaxation
Warm water immersion helps:
- Relax tight muscles
- Ease joint pressure
- Improve circulation
Just what you need after long days, gardening, exercise or manual work.
2. Stress Relief & Mental Reset
Many of us are guilty of spending too much time in front of screens, sitting at a desk for long periods and not taking a moment to stop and connect with friends or family face to face.
The process of getting the hot tub ready — lighting the fire and waiting for the water to heat up — encourages you to slow down, switch off and enjoy time without notifications or distractions.
3. Better Sleep
An evening soak can:
- Help your body unwind
- Lower stress levels
- Improve sleep quality
Many people find that it becomes part of a simple, effective evening routine.
4. Reconnecting with the Outdoors
A wood fired hot tub brings you outside, whatever the season. An evening soak is just as enjoyable on a crisp winter evening as it is when watching the sun go down in spring or enjoying a cocktail on a late summer night.
It turns your garden into a space you can use and retreat to all year round.
Why Quality Firewood Matters (More Than You Think)
This is where many people get it wrong. The type of firewood you burn will directly impact:
- How quickly your hot tub heats up
- How hot your hot tub gets
- How enjoyable the whole process is
To get the best out of your hot tub and not dampen the experience, always use kiln-dried logs or wood briquettes with a moisture content under 20%.
Why kiln-dried logs and wood briquettes?
- They burn hotter
- Produce less smoke
- Heat water faster
- Are more efficient overall
Using poor-quality or wet logs will:
- Extend your heating time
- Create excess smoke
- Reduce heat output
Best Firewood for Wood-Fired Hot Tubs
Different fuels behave differently, and choosing the right mix makes a big difference.
Birch
- Lights quickly
- Fast heat output
- Ideal for getting started
Ash
- Steady, reliable burn
- Easy to manage
- Great all-rounder
Oak
- Slower to ignite
- Long-lasting heat
- Perfect for maintaining temperature
Wood Briquettes
- Light quickly
- Easy to manage and store
- Get the burner up to temperature fast
- Pini Kay wood briquettes are best suited to heating wood-fired hot tubs because they burn very hot and do not expand like some other briquettes.
How Long Does It Take to Heat a Wood-Fired Hot Tub?
Typically, when lighting a wood-fired hot tub, it can take two to three hours for your tub to reach an ideal temperature. Smaller tubs will heat more quickly, while larger tubs may take a little longer.
It’s important to remember that external factors can impact how long your tub takes to warm up, such as:
- Outside temperature
- Water volume
- Type of wood used
To speed things up, always use kiln-dried logs or wood briquettes rather than seasoned or air-dried logs. Don’t forget to use kindling when lighting your fire, keep the airflow consistent and build your fire gradually.
How to Set Up Your Kirami Hot Tub
- Fill your hot tub with water
- Add kindling and firelighters
- Light the fire
- Add logs or briquettes
- Stir the water occasionally for even heat
- Check the burner regularly to refuel
Ideal temperature:
Around 38°C
What Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?
One of the biggest advantages of wood-fired tubs is cost compared to electric hot tubs.
- No ongoing electricity usage
- Pay only for the wood you burn
Typical cost per session (UK estimate):
- £5–£15 depending on wood type and usage
Hot Tub Maintenance & Care
Keeping your tub in good condition is simple:
- Change the water every 3–4 uses. The tubs can be cleaned with hot water and a suitable disinfectant.
- Clean the stove and flue regularly
- Use minimal water treatment if needed
- Ensure the tub is drained fully between uses, especially in colder weather, to help prevent pipes from expanding and cracking
- Check the anode rod twice a year and replace it every 6–18 months, depending on use
With proper care, a good-quality tub can last 15–20+ years.
Choosing the Right Setup for Your Garden
Before buying, consider:
Size
- 2–4 people → smaller spaces
- 5–8 people → social or family use
Positioning
- Flat, stable base
- Easy access to fuel and water
- Privacy and views
Heating style
- Internal stove → compact
- External stove → more seating space
Why It’s About More Than Heat
A wood-fired hot tub isn’t just about getting warm.
It’s about:
- Slowing down
- Spending time together
- Creating moments outdoors
From quiet evenings alone to weekends with friends, it becomes part of how you use your home.
Getting the Most from Your Fire
The experience starts with the fire itself.
Using the right fuel makes everything easier:
- Faster heating
- Better temperature control
- Cleaner burn
That’s why we always recommend premium kiln-dried logs or wood briquettes, kindling and firelighters, giving you a reliable, consistent burn every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wood-fired hot tub take to heat?
Usually between 2–3 hours, depending on conditions and fuel quality. Larger tubs may take a little longer, while smaller tubs may heat more quickly.
Are wood-fired hot tubs expensive to run?
No — they’re typically cheaper to run than electric tubs, especially when using efficient kiln-dried logs or wood briquettes.
Can you use any wood?
You can, but kiln-dried hardwood or wood briquettes give the best results. Wet or softwood will reduce efficiency.
Are they suitable for the UK weather?
Yes — in fact, they’re ideal for it. Many people enjoy them most in cooler months.
Ready to Create Your Own Setup?
A wood-fired hot tub is one of the simplest ways to transform how you use your garden.
And it all starts with the fire.
At Calido, we supply:
- Kirami Wood-Fired Hot Tubs
- Premium kiln-dried logs and wood briquettes
- Kindling and firelighters
- Everything you need for a better burn
