Top Tips for Summer Wood Fired Hot Tubbing

There’s magic to be found in the long, sun-filled days of summer. Spent with loved ones fireside at the cabin or cottage, soaking lakeside in a wood fired hot tub, or swimming in the ocean - summer invites experience that turns ordinary evenings into restorative rituals. And a wood fired hot tub is the definition of experience. With the sound of fire crackling as it heats the water, soaking in one is a truly unique experience. Whether you’re cold plunging in the tub for a cool down, soaking under starry skies, or using the tub as a kids’ splash pool, here’s how to make the most of summer wood‑fired hot tubbing at home or at the cabin - with the utmost attention to fire safety during the years driest season.  

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1. Embrace Cold Plunges to Refuel

While soaking in hot water is fantastic, don’t underestimate the power of a cold plunge. Cold plunging is renowned for boosting circulation, brightening mood, and sparking a refreshing reset to your system. A wood‑fired tub can double as a chilly plunge pool when the fire is cold—perfect for contrast therapy or just cooling off:

• Start with a brisk fill: Simply run fresh water through a hose until it’s pristine and cold.

• Breathe deep: Fill it slowly, and ease into the bracing temperature.

• Connect a chiller to your wood fired hot tub. With customizable wood fired hot tubs you can even turn it into a cold tub for the season.

• Set up a tub of some kind - whether it's a literal bath tub, barrel, or trough, fill it with cold water while keeping your wood fired hot tubs hot for the most ideal way to experience hot and cool contrast therapy. 

DIY method: If you prefer alternating between hot and cold, let the fire die down and check the temperature in the morning—then decide whether a splash of cold or a quick ignition suits your mood.

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2. Transform Your Hot Tub into a Summer Splash Pool

Skip buying a separate pool—your wood‑fired hot tub can be repurposed as a kids’ splash zone or casual hangout:

• No fire? No problem. Leave the firebox unlit, fill the tub with water, and let daylight do the work. A few hours of sun can deliver a perfect mid‑cool wade.

• Customizing the temperature: After a hot soak, skip closing the lid to encourage cool‑down; then top up with fresh water for comfort. 

• Supervision: A lid should always be used if kids are around for safety and to keep debris at bay.

Such versatility makes your tub an investment year‑round—not just for winter escapades.

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3. Recycle Your Hot Tub Water Responsibly

An eco‑friendly summer soak includes using water wisely:

• Garden irrigation: If you’re chemical‑free, just attach a hose and direct the gently warm water to gardens or lawns.

• Neutralize before drain: Treated water needs proper neutralization before going into soil or waterways to protect plant life.

• Seasonal care: Even irrigated water can be a gift during dry spells—keep your outdoor oasis flourishing with a seasonal rotation of hot tub water led straight into the garden.

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4. Soak in Natural Water Sources

Want to heighten your connection with nature? Fill your tub from nearby lakes, rivers, or the ocean:

• Use natural pauses: Fill directly, soak, and then return the water—closing the loop with no treatment needed.

• Hygienic materials: Marine grade aluminum‑lined hot tubs clean easily, even after saltwater usage, without worrying about leaks or rot.

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5. Be Smart About Fire Safety

Summer often brings restrictions on open burning, and it's highly recommended that your wood burning hot tub uses a submerged firebox with a spark arresting chimney cap.

• Know your zone: Check local fire regulations, especially during dry spells and whenever in doubt call your local fire department for information.

• Use safe distance: Place the tub at least 10 ft from flammable debris or structures, increasing this distance if your chimney doesn't sufficiently spark arrest embers and sparks.

• Manage sparks: Even with submerged fireboxes, ember drift can ignite ground debris—use spark arrestors or fireproof pads.

• Alternative heat: Consider upgrading—or retrofitting—to a hybrid wood fired + electric hot tub during high‑risk seasons.

Above all, align with local regulations and proceed cautiously—fires in summer can escalate quickly. 

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6. Stay Hydrate

Soaks can lead to sweat, so keep fluids on hand:

• Drink tray setup: Keep hydration within arm’s reach—cold tea, juice, or sparkling water tone well with summer soaking.

• Cold‑milk tradition: Emulate Japanese onsen post‑soak rituals with small milk bottles—surprisingly refreshing.

• Sun protection: If you’re using the tub during daylight, apply sunscreen before jumping in, and rehydrate after as well. Keep in mind sunscreen and any sort of lotion that enters your hot tub water will lead to the need for more frequent water changes.

Hydration ensures your tub session stays revitalizing, not dehydrating.

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7. Use Quality, Seasoned Wood For Efficiency, and collect and dry it for the winter season while you're at it

Summer burns should be clean and smokeless:

• Pick dry firewood: Sub‑20% moisture hardwood (like oak, maple, ash) ensures efficient, smoky‑free burns   .

• Fire assembly technique: Use the Swiss or Jenga fire‑building method—kindling at the base, stacked hardwood on top.

• Maintain airflow: Don’t overfill the firebox—airflow is key for clean combustion.

Well-tended wood fires are safer, faster, and more enjoyable.

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8. Optimize Heating & Heat Retention

Summer’s warmth doesn’t stop efficiency:

• Heat-up timeline: Expect 90–120 minutes to reach 100–104°F depending on tub volume.

• Stir regularly: Use water paddles 3–4 times as it heats to distribute warmth  .

• Keep the lid on: Lid use keeps kids and pets safe, reduces heat loss and prevents debris from entering the water.

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9. Keep It Clean & Summer‑Ready

Summertime hits dirtier than cool weather. All that sunscreen, sand and debris overhead can make it harder to keep your water clean and clear. Here’s how to keep it on track:

• Daily skimming: Use a lightweight net to remove bugs and leaves after use.

• Quick rinses: Hose it out when drained, wipe with a mild soap mix if needed.

• Filter backup (optional): A pump and circulation system help during heavy use—but chemical‑free options also work.

• Rinse off before use. The best way to keep your tub water clean is to keep the bodies that enter it clean first. 

Clean water equals longer enjoyment and fewer changes, cutting down on water use and time spent on maintenance.

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10. Use Contrast Bathing for Wellness

Alternating between hot and cold is a time‑honored wellness hack:

• Heat, cool, repeat: After a hot session, dip in your cold plunge—or splash with fresh hose water.

• Therapeutic benefits: Improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and sharpens alertness.

• Safety first: Keep cold-water intervals brief (1–2 minutes) and re-enter hot afterward to avoid shock.

This pattern mirrors pro-athlete routines and enhances relaxation.

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11. Extend Soaking into Nightfall

Summer nights under stars are unforgettable in a tub:

• Lantern lighting: Low-voltage LEDs or solar lanterns set festivals of soft, natural light.

• Fire-pit pairing: A small firepit nearby adds warmth and ambiance.

• S’mores optional: Toast marshmallows or snacks safely for a cozy ritual in or out of the tub - just keep spills out of the water.

Turn your soak into a memorable dusk or evening experience.

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12. Schedule Consistent Sessions

Summer tub use works best when choreographed:

• Weekly routine: Pick one evening a week for a ritual soak—cool starts earlier in evening.

• Heat maintenance: Keep logs going between sessions to avoid restarting from cold.

• Social soak: Early summer evenings are great for hosting a quiet soak with friends—lay out simple snacks and hydration.

Consistency turns soaking from novelty into ritual.

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14. Use Your Tub As a Summer Social Hub

Friendly gatherings around a hot tub can elevate your yard and take your summer living up a notch: 

• Decorate moodfully: Add cloth lanterns, floating blooms for ambiance.

• Bring drinks & snacks: Keep a tray of iced fruit, cheese boards, or tea nearby.

• Plan mini rituals: Limit talks to soft enjoyment; offer s’mores or herbal brews.

• Accessible entrance: Create a tidy step stool and changing station nearby to encourage use.

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15. Cool Down & Close the Day

Post‑soak, take a delicate shift into silence:

• Light rinse: Cool water rinse helps temper your body.

• Soft robe ritual: Step into a light cotton robe or towel wrap.

• Evening reflection: Take a moment to breathe deep—stillness helps the body transition back into rest.

A heated tub followed by calm quietness makes for luxurious summer evenings.

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Here are your top takeaways:

Summer wood‑fired hot tubbing is more than a warm soak—it’s a season of simple rituals that nourish the soul, bring people together, and imprint memories of the good life. By blending hot and cold, routines and free‑form moments, you can turn your backyard or cabin into your sweetest summer season yet.

1. Cold plunges invigorate & reset.

2. The tub can serve as a splash pool or kids’ zone.

3. Reuse water responsibly—save or irrigate wisely.

4. Nature-fill transforms your soak into place-keeping.

5. Fire safety is essential—stay informed and cautious.

6. Stay hydrated and sun-protected.

7. Seasoned wood fuels efficient, clean fire.

8. Stir water, insulate, and lid up to hold the heat.

9. Keep the water clean with quick rinse routines.

10. Contrast therapy enhances physical recovery.

11. Night sessions under sky lights are magical.

12. Build ritual with weekly or impromptu soaks.

13. Maintenance prevents tub decay.

14. Social gatherings can be elevated yet simple.

15. Calm cooldowns complete the experience.

16. Try sampling infusions like citrus peels or mint in your water for natural aromatherapy—or just enjoy water as-is for pure, elemental enjoyment.

Enjoy designing your summer tub ritual - whether you’re chasing sunrise silences, cooling dips, or warm evening gatherings, your wood‑fired hot tub  holds a lot of magic, day or night and all season long, even without the fire.

From cold plunging Wim Hof style, to the kids splash pool, recycling water for the lawn & garden, pumping water directly from the ocean or lake, or the perfect circuit of hot-to-cool to hot again, the most important thing is to do your homework on your regions fire regulations, and follow them without compromise. While we recommend a 10 ft distance from flammable objects, your local fire department is the source of truth when it comes to safe fire use. They know the specific level of risk in your area and the restrictions in place to keep your environment safe from sparks. Let them know that unlike external fireboxes or open flames, our wood burning hot tubs have an internally submerged firebox, meaning it's completely under water and enclosed. Sparks remain a legitimate concern, and while a spark arrestor can help, fire in dry season is nothing to mess with, so be diligent about abiding by your local regulations, use common sense, or chat with us about heating alternatives like electricity, propane, or solar compatibility.