Place the AlumiTub on a flat surface and fill it with a hose from any clean water source - salt water from the ocean, lake water, community or well water are all compatible with the AlumiTub. 

Once filled, light a fire in the firebox and heat the hot tub stirring it occasionally as it rises to your desired hot tubbing temperature. 

Initial heat times average 90 minutes for the Small, 2 hours for the Standard and 4 for the Large, each size holding its temperature with an armful of wood a day. The AlumiTub Hybrid can augment wood fired heat, expediting the initial heat times and automating the temperature year round for the more frequent soaker.

Chemical water treatments are not necessary with the AlumiTubs naturally hygienic materials. We recommend using a natural cleaning product to extend the water hygiene for weeks of use from a single fill, or adding filtration for seasons of clean use between water changes.

Check out this video to learn how to use an AlumiTubs Wood Fired Hot Tub.

AlumiTubs are constructed from a marine grade aluminum foundation making it more enduring, functional, high performing, and easy to maintain. The aluminum lining ensures your wood burning hot tub will never leak, allows for salt or freshwater use, is lightweight making it ideal for remote access, arrives fully assembled so it can be rolled off your truck and into place for soaking in the same day it arrives, and creates unparalleled heat performance with three layers of insulation. Aluminum is an infinitely recyclable material that will never sit in a landfill, and it offers naturally hygienic properties making it a safer and lower maintenance alternative to cedar hot tubs.

A wood-fired hot tub offers a simple, off-grid way to enjoy hot water soaking in the great outdoors. Using a wood stove, it naturally circulates water as it heats, without the need for electricity or pumps. Just add water, light a fire, and let the wood-burning stove do the work.

The result? A relaxing, authentic outdoor bathing experience that connects you to nature while keeping things hassle-free. Want to learn more? Check out our detailed guide.

The heating time for a wood-fired hot tub depends on a few factors, including the outside temperature, the amount of cold water added, and the type of wood stove used. On average, an AlumiTub wood-fired hot tub reaches the perfect soaking temperature of 100-104°F (38-40°C) in 2-4 hours.

Using dry hardwood like oak or maple helps speed up heating, while softwoods burn faster but provide less heat. For a deeper dive into how to get the best performance, visit our heating tips.

If you're choosing between a wood-burning hot tub and an electric hot tub, it comes down to lifestyle and location. Here’s why many people prefer a wood-fired hot tub:

• Completely off-grid – No electricity required, perfect for cabins, remote properties, or backyard escapes.
• Faster heating – A well-lit fire can bring your tub to temperature in just a few hours.
• More natural experience – The crackle of wood and scent of cedar make for a truly authentic outdoor bathing experience.
• Eco-friendly & cost-effective – Wood fuel is a renewable resource, reducing energy costs over time.

Still not sure which is best for you? Our comparison guide breaks it down.

For the best heating experience, use dry, seasoned hardwood, such as:

• Oak – Long burn time and high heat output.
• Maple – Burns clean and efficiently.
• Birch – Ignites quickly but burns moderately.
• Ash – Low smoke and steady heat, even when not fully dried.

Avoid softwoods like pine, which produce excessive smoke and can lead to creosote buildup. For eco-friendly heating tips, check out our sustainable soaking guide.

Nope! A wood-fired hot tub is completely self-sufficient. The wood stove generates heat, and natural convection circulates the warm water evenly—no need for electric pumps or heaters. That’s why these tubs are a favorite for off-grid living and nature retreats.

If you want the flexibility of both wood-fired and electric heating, consider the Hybrid Hot Tub, which offers the best of both worlds.

Keeping your wood-fired hot tub clean is simple and ensures long-term enjoyment. Here’s how:

1. Drain the tub – Use the AlumiTub Drain Kit for easy water removal.
2. Wipe the interior – Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner like the Good Clean Living natural hot tub cleaner to maintain the cedar hot tub’s finish.
3. Rinse thoroughly – Make sure there’s no soap or residue left behind.
4. Refill with fresh water – Keep your hot tub ready for the next soak.

For more detailed maintenance tips, visit our hot tub cleaning guide.

At AlumiTubs, we build wood-fired hot tubs that are designed to last a lifetime. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Leak-proof guarantee – The only cedar hot tub that’s guaranteed never to leak.
• Handcrafted quality – Made with Canadian cedar and reinforced with stainless steel bands for ultimate durability.
• Fast & efficient heating – Reaches optimal temperature in 2-4 hours, even in cold climates and holds its temperature indefinitely with a few pieces of wood a day
• No installation needed – Our hot tubs arrive pre-assembled and ready to use.
• Sustainably sourced materials – Built with a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Want to see why an AlumiTub wood-fired hot tub is the best investment for your outdoor space? Check out our full guide on why AlumiTubs stand out.