Meet Mary and Learn about her Off Grid Hot Tub in North West Territories

Mary Tapsell’s off grid lifestyle began with the construction of her cabin, nestled 30 kilometers outside of Yellowknife. Accessible only by boat, Mary's cabin captures the essence of off grid living, offering an escape from the hustle of city life into the wild of the Canadian North. Winning the land lottery in 1983 paved the way for Mary's retreat in the wilderness, where she eventually built her dream cabin in 1988. From envisioning a hot tub and sauna overlooking her favourite lake, Mary's journey is a testament to determination for the perfect off-grid, remote paradise. Her off the grid hot tub, purchased as a retirement present for herself, faced logistical challenges getting it to where she wanted, but nothing stopped her from ensuring the tub reached her remote cabin. With creativity and perseverance, Mary and her husband successfully transported the tub via boat, then with the help of their community rolled it up a steep hill. Hear the full story in this interview with Mary...

Q: Can you share the backstory of your off-grid living journey?
A: Absolutely! It all began with a stroke of luck—I won a land lottery in '83, securing a plot of land about 30 kilometers outside of Yellowknife. The cabin, nestled amidst the wilderness, became my haven for off-grid living in the Eastern Arctic. The cabin was perched on a hill, overlooking the lake. And amidst this serene landscape, the dream of having a hot tub and sauna took root.

Q: How did the idea of having a wood-fired hot tub come about?
A: The idea was always brewing in my mind. Back in '88, when the cabin was built, I envisioned a cozy retreat with a wood-fired hot tub. We improvised initially, using cedar planks and a makeshift setup for a DIY hot tub to enjoy steamy soaks amidst the wilderness. But it wasn't until 2014, at a cottage and cabin fair in Edmonton, that the dream truly materialized.

Q: Could you tell us how you discovered AlumiTubs cedar hot tubs?
A: The moment I laid eyes on the AlumiTub at the fair, I knew it was meant to be mine. I purchased it as a retirement gift to myself, and then the real challenge began: Transporting the tub from Sechelt, British Columbia, to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories was no small feat. It arrived earlier than expected, prompting a flurry of activity as we hurriedly built a platform and deck and devised a plan to get it to our boat-access cabin.

Q: How did you manage to transport the hot tub to your cabin?
A: With sheer determination. We plugged the drainage whole and floated the tub down a river, carefully navigating rocky shores with the help of neighbors. It was a community effort, with everyone pitching in to roll the tub up a steep hill to its final resting place on the deck overlooking the lake.

Q: What has been your experience with the wood fired cedar hot tub over the years?
A: It's been a journey of love and learning. From cold dips in the heat of summer to steamy soaks amidst winter's embrace, the hot tub has become a cherished part of our off-grid retreat. We've added benches for comfort, and regular maintenance ensures a clean and enjoyable experience for all.

Q: How do you maintain the hot tub in such a remote location?
A: It's no easy task, especially during the winter months. We pump water from the lake—which is our only water source—and carefully treat the tub to ensure cleanliness and safety. With double insulation and a whole lot of care, the hot tub remains our sanctuary amidst the wilderness, offering moments of relaxation and rejuvenation throughout the year.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories spent in the hot tub?
A: One of my favorite memories is sitting in the tub on a clear night, gazing up at the Northern Lights. It was a magical experience, feeling the warmth of the water while marveling at the beauty of the night sky. Another unforgettable moment was enjoying the hot tub during a rainy day, with an umbrella overhead. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, it was incredibly cozy and enjoyable. And let's not forget the time we sat in the tub during a windy day, watching a candle flicker in a hurricane lamp despite the gusts. Each memory is unique and special in its own way.

I also love to have spa weekends with my girlfriends—we run around with hardly any clothes on and we do facials but we're very careful not to get any products into the tub so we always have floating bowls so we can have our facials. We wash our hair but we rinse outside the tub. I've always been very careful about cleanliness in the tub so no one ever gets bacteria or stuff like that and but we thoroughly enjoy it. One time we got buzzed by all the helicopters that were fighting fires close to us and there we were, amongstwild winds, us  naked, full figured ladies—we just laughed and waved at the firefighters.

Q: What tips do you have for keeping the hot tub clean without using chemicals?
A: Keeping the hot tub clean without chemicals is essential for us, especially since we live off-grid and want to minimize our environmental impact. We rely on natural methods like regular cleaning with water and a sponge to remove any buildup or residue. We also use a strainer to remove any debris from the water and cover the hot tub when it's not in use to prevent contamination. Additionally, we encourage guests to shower before using the hot tub to ensure cleanliness and minimize the need for chemical treatments. It's all about maintaining a balance between cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

Sometimes I ust grind up a tablespoon of bromine dissolve it, put it in. And then it has a chance to dissipate and kill bacteria—then we tub the next day. I always let it sit for a good three or four hours after I've treated it, and I always treat it after the last tub of the night.

Q: How often do you drain and refill the hot tub?

A: I aim to drain and refill it at least every two weeks to keep the water fresh. Since I live off-grid and prioritize simplicity, I opted for the AlumiTub. While some may prefer elaborate filtration systems, I find the simplicity of the IllumiTub perfect for off-grid living. Plus, the tranquility of being surrounded by nature adds to the experience, especially when listening to the sounds of wildlife like owls or migrating geese.

Q: Can you tell us about any mishaps that have occured with your AlumiTub in the wild?
A: My son, who was 10 years old at the time, accidentally unplugged the hot tub while it was running. It was a chilly day, about five degrees Celsius, and I knew I had to act fast to prevent any potential fire hazards. So, I told him he had to go in and plug it back in. He bravely stripped down, jumped into the chilly water, and managed to plug it back in, all while the hot tub was roaring with heat. It was a memorable moment, to say the least!

Q: What's your secret for maximizing comfort in the hot tub?
A: My go-to trick is using pool noodles! I noticed my friends struggling to find a comfortable spot to sit, so I placed three pool noodles around the edge of the tub, and it was a game-changer. They provide cushioning, support for your head, and you can even customize the look with different color combinations. Plus, they're cheap, easy to replace, and simple to maintain. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance the hot tub experience for everyone. We also added a wireless speaker.

Q: How do you maintain the hot tub during the winter months?
A: Maintaining the hot tub during winter requires some extra effort, but it's worth it for the cozy experience. We use a combination of wood, primarily spruce and birch, to keep the fire burning and the water warm. It takes about four to five hours to get the water to the perfect temperature, and we periodically stir the water to ensure even heating. Additionally, we purchased the version with double insulation in place to help retain the heat, and we cover any exposed areas to prevent heat loss. It's all about finding the right balance to enjoy the hot tub even on the coldest of nights.

How to hot tub in cold weather 

Q: How do you maintain the heat in the hot tub in your cold weather?

A: Initially, I experimented with different temperatures until finding what's comfortable. Controlling the temperature is mainly done by adjusting the lid and adding wood as needed. At night, I load it up with wood, shut the lid almost completely for a slow burn, and in the morning, there are still coals to maintain the heat. Throughout the day, I only need to add occasional sticks. Once it's heated, it retains warmth well, especially since it's placed on styrofoam insulation.

Q: Have you encountered any issues with the hot tub over the years?
A: Fortunately, we haven't had any major issues with the hot tub over the years. The only minor inconvenience was needing longer screws for a part of the setup, but that was quickly resolved with assistance from the manufacturer. Overall, the hot tub has been a reliable and cherished addition to our home, providing countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment for our family and friends.

Q: What would you say to someone who thinks setting up a hot tub is too difficult or inaccessible?

A: Honestly, it's more manageable than you think. Our hot tub was a couple of hundred pounds, which sounds heavy, but with a few people and some simple precautions, like wrapping it in a packing blanket and securing it properly, it was totally doable. We even towed it instead of using a boat, and it worked like a charm. So, if we could pull it off, anyone can. Just take it step by step, and you'll have your own relaxing oasis in no time.

Learn more about how to off grid hot tub, how to wood fired hot tub in winter, or shop the AlumiTub wood burning hot tub!