Should You Treat Your Wood Fired Hot Tub With Chemicals?

 

Chemical-free hot tubbing can be safe and effective through regular water changes, natural hot tubbing cleaning products, the use of built-in automatic filtration, and by following good hygiene practices. 

Following these tips can help extend the cleanliness of your wood burning hot tub, preserve water, cut down on time spent emptying and refilling the tub, and allow you to empty that water into the natural environment without causing ecological harm. 

When it comes to treating your hot tub with chemicals, there are several different solutions, but they're not one size-fits-all. The best approach for your unique use and property needs will depend on your water source, how often you use the tub, and whether you prefer an entirely natural soak or want the convenience of longer-lasting clean water. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the full picture—highlighting the benefits of chemical-free soaking, when gentle chemical treatments make sense, and how to safely use them if you choose to. We'll also tell you how to fill your tub directly from the lake or ocean, reuse the water to water your garden, and when you might want to upgrade to the Hybrid Wood Fired + Electric hot tub for always-on filtration. 

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🌿 1. What Makes AlumiTubs Different?

Unlike traditional cedar hot tubs—where porous wood can foster algae, mold, and bacterial growth—AlumiTubs are uniquely designed with a marine-grade aluminum construction that's smooth, non-porous, hygienic and easy to keep clean. 

Using the Good Clean Living Natural Cleaning Kit, users can soak naturally without the use of chemicals. The kit includes an annual supply of easy weekly and monthly treatments made entirely from natural, effective ingredients. This can be used on its own, or with granulated bromine as a shock treatment to eliminate bacteria for extended use.

Because of their cleanable, smooth surface made from marine grade aluminum, AlumiTubs give you the freedom to soak chemical-free or in salt water, especially if you’re rotating water frequently and treating it with the Good Clean Living Natural Cleaning Kit.

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2. Saltwater vs. Freshwater—Naturally Speaking

AlumiTubs can be filled with either saltwater or freshwater, using a pump straight from a natural source. Each has its perks:

Saltwater

• Extends water life: Twice as long as freshwater—typically 7–10 days before needing to change without the use of any water treatments.

• Gentle on skin: Softer feel that’s ideal for sensitive skin.

• Low maintenance: With natural antibacterial properties, you may go weeks without chemical treatment.

Freshwater

• Better access: Fill from rainwater, local springs, or treated lake/runoff using a pump and a hose.

• Easy to repurpose: Drained water—if chemical free—can irrigate your garden or compost system.

• Shorter life: Lasts about 3–5 days before requiring changing, unless treated or used with built-in filtration.

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3. Chemical-Free Soaking: How Far Can You Go?

If you’re a weekend soaker, are only using your tub occasionally like when you're at the cabin or cottage, or prefer natural rituals, you can easily go chemical-free by following these steps:

• Drain & refill every few days (7–10 days for saltwater; 3–5 for freshwater)  .

• Pre-soak hygiene: Shower, rinse your feet, avoid lotions or fragranced products—all natural steps to keep water clean  .

• Cover the tub with lids when not in use and skim debris with a small net  .

• Rinse cedar parts as needed to prevent buildup—clean daily during high use  .

Pros:

• Pure, ritualistic experience

• Eco-friendly: no chemical runoff, reusable water

• Simple maintenance and peace of mind

Cons:

• Shorter clean cycles—requires routine draining and refilling

• Water availability might be limited in remote areas and refilling the tub often can be wasteful unless that water can be put to good use in the garden or emptied back into the natural environment - like a lake or ocean.

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4. When Chemicals Make Sense

There's several ways to reduce waste even without chemical water treatments. If you are using a traditional hot tub chemical like granulated bromine, be sure to use a neutralizer before emptying it into the environment. This will ensure you're responsibly recycling your hot tub water and protecting the ecosystem around you. 

For those who use their tub frequently or prefer longer clean cycles, gentle chemical treatments offer several benefits:

• Extended water life: Safe treatments like granulated bromine or hydrogen peroxide can keep your water fresh for up to 4 weeks   .

• Lower maintenance: Less frequent draining and cleaning—perfect for busy families or rental setups.

• No filtration required: Unlike electrified spas, basic wood-fired tubs don’t depend on pumps or filters to benefit from chemical sanitation.

Safe Options

• The Hybrid hot tub offers the most flexibility to extend water hygiene for 3-4 months at a time with automatic built-in filtration that does the work behind the scenes, without making a peep. All AlumiTub Wood Fired Hot Tubs can be customized to be a Hybrid at the time they're built, or retrofitted later should you decide to add electric function. 

• Good Clean Living Natural Hot Tub Cleaner: A 100% plant based, natural hot tub cleaning kit that's gentle on the environment and gentle on skin. You can find an annual cleaning kit for sale here.

• Granulated bromine: Slow-dissolving and stable in heat. May be used as a water treatment or as a shock-only treatment. If used as a shock treatment it will dissipate before soaking in, so that it's only being used to disinfect rather than as a soaking solution.

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5. Weighing the Trade-Offs

6. Best Practices for Chemical Usage

1. Dilute before dosing: Mix concentrate in a bucket of water, then add to the tub. Stir 18–20 times for full distribution.

2. Follow instructions: Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines for dosage and safety.

3. Test regularly: Use test strips for bromine or peroxide to maintain safe levels.

4. Neutralize before draining: Essential step to protect flora and fauna.

5. Keep lids on to reduce evaporation and slow down degradation of chemicals.

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7. Maintenance Routine Summary

Before use: Shower, rinse off lotion/creams, rinse feet, avoid spills, and use a hose filter to fill the tub with.

During use: Keep debris out with a net; close lids when not soaking.

After use:

• Chemical-free: Drain and rinse every few days or weeks, recycling water for garden use
• With chemicals: Monitor levels, neutralize before draining if using granulated bromine, then drain and rinse monthly, or seasonally if your wood fired tub has electric filtration built in
• Seasonal upkeep: Use gentle soap/vinegar on aluminum; mineral oil to restore shine   . Treat cedar wood similarly.

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In Closing

• AlumiTubs are designed for flexibility—whether chemical-free or lightly treated and can be used with salt water, fresh water or straight from the hose.

• Saltwater extends water hygiene naturally, while chemicals like bromine or hydrogen peroxide offer extended cleanliness of days, weeks or months depending on use with or without water treatments.

• Environmental responsibility matters—drain safely, neutralize, and treat water before disposal.

• Maintain good hygiene—covering the tub, pre-rinsing your body, using a hose filter—goes a long way in preserving water clarity.

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Quick Start Guide

1. Frequency of soaks: Natural ritual occasional‑soaker vs. Daily user.

2. Select fill type: Saltwater (10 days), freshwater (5 days), or 3-4 months of cleanliness using the Hybrid which has automatic electric filtration.

3. Decide on chemicals: None, bromine, natural cleaning solutions—based on usage.

4. Enjoy: Soak in a tub built for comfort, longevity, and sustainability.

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Whether you’re planning a nightly soak under the stars at home, visiting a remote cabin on weekends, or hosting an accommodation for guests, AlumiTubs give you endless flexibility to soak the way you want to, and our cleaning guide that comes with each tub will help you keep your tub clean with ease and flexibility 🛀.