How Wood-Fired Hot tubs work:
Wood-fired hot tubs are not only efficient and simple but are also made with natural materials, making them an eco-friendly choice. The design relies purely on the principle of gravity, ensuring a natural flow and minimal impact on the environment.
At Preseli Hills Cottages, our hot tubs feature an external wood burner connected to the side of the tub, with one pipe at the bottom and two at the top. As the fire heats the water in the pipes, it circulates, drawing cooler water from the bottom and sending warmer water back into the tub from the top. This natural circulation creates a warm and soothing experience without the need for electricity or the noise of powered jets.
A wood-fired hot tub provides an eco-friendly and distinctive way to enjoy a therapeutic soak, it creates a warm atmosphere and a deeper connection to nature. This system is entirely natural, relying on no electricity, which means no noise. Unlike standard hot tubs with power jets, wood-fired tubs offer a serene and relaxing soak.
There are seats in the tub so you just sit and relax, maybe with a cool drink, enjoying the surrounding sounds of nature. We have a nearby stream which burbles past, guests have remarked on how relaxing it is.
We fill the tubs with fresh spring water from our farm and thoroughly clean them between each guest. Instead of harsh chemicals like chlorine, we use oxygen-based granules to keep the water fresh and gentle on the skin.
You can easily control the tub’s temperature by adjusting the wood in the burner or using the air vents. When the vents are open, the fire burns fiercely, heating the water more quickly. Closing the vents slows the burn, allowing you to maintain a comfortable temperature. If the water gets too hot, simply remove the insulated cover for a bit or add some cold water from the nearby hose.
How long does it take to heat wood-fired hot tubs?
Well this is a bit of a ‘How long is a piece of string?
That depends on the size of the tub and the conditions. For example, the tub at Byre Cottage comfortably fits four people and can take about three hours to heat in the summer and up to 4.5 hours in the winter. However, our thick insulated covers help speed up the process. The smaller tub at Mill Cottage, which holds two people, heats up faster—typically within 2-3 hours.
The main contributing factors in the time it takes to heat the hot tubs are
- The size of the barrel and therefore the volume of water you are heating
- The temperature outside
- The quality and quantity of the wood put in the wood burner
Once your hot tub is heated, keeping the insulated cover on will make reheating the next day much quicker, often taking just an hour depending on the outdoor temperature.
How much wood will you need?
On average, it takes 3-5 bags of well-seasoned wood to heat the tub, depending on the conditions. We provide a complimentary dustbin of wood by your hot tub and a basket of wood inside your cottage next to your indoor wood burner.
More wood can be purchased onsite (if you want you can run a tab during your stay and settle up by card at the end) or locally – please please only use well seasoned or kiln dried wood in the furnaces otherwise they will be damaged.
When you arrive, you’ll find detailed instructions in your cottage to ensure you have a fantastic hot tub experience, and we (Jen and Phil) are always available to assist if needed. If you have any questions before your stay, feel free to call Jennifer at 01437 532257.
Ready to experience the magic of a wood-fired hot tub? Book your stay today and indulge in a relaxing and eco-friendly escape.
For more information on our wood-fired hot tubs click here