Baltic Hot tubs

There are no specific regulations for wood-fired hot tubs in the UK. The major considerations for wood-burning appliances, which could be extrapolated to wood-fired hot tubs, revolve around smoke control areas. In these areas, there’s a limit on how much smoke you can release from a chimney and you can only burn authorised fuel, unless you use an ‘exempt appliance’. To find out if you live in a smoke control area, you can contact your local council. The environmental services department will be able to help you Outdoor ovens, burners, and barbecues can be used in smoke control areas, which would suggest that wood-fired hot tubs can be used as well, provided they adhere to the rules on smoke control.

You can learn more about the government's smoke control areas here

This depends on the logs you use. If you use kiln dries or well seasoned logs then you will get very little smoke. If you use wet/unseasoned logs or treated timber then you will see a lot of smoke.

Yes! when a tub is thermally insulated, they can stay warm for several hours after they have reached the desired temperature. If the lid is used between soaks then getting the tub up to temperature the next day will take significantly less time too.

Yes! Start by filling the tub if it isn't already. load your wood into the burner, light it and manage the fire over a 2-3 hour period. Occasionally stirring the water to spread the heat around the tub. Once the water hits 37-40°C you're good to go! After that you can either maintain the fire or let it die down depending on how long you want your soak session to be.

A wood fired tub works on the principle of heat conduction and natural circulation. This process is also known as convection:

A fire is lit in the burner which is either integrated into the side of the tub or stands separately whilst being connected with pipes

The burner then heats the water either through the walls (integrated) or through the pipes (stand alone) connected to the tub. This actually causes the water level to rise slightly as warmer water is not as dense as cold water.

As the warmer water rises from the heat source it pushes the cooler water around the tub creating a gentle circulation. This then turns the cold water into warm water as it passes by the heat source

The temperature of the tub is controlled by the intensity of the fire inside the burner. A hot and fast burning fire will bring the tub up to heat whilst a slower calmer fire will maintain the desired temperature.

An Ofuro tub is a deeper, more upright tub inspired by the Japanese style of bathing. This tub is designed more for a calmer, meditative soak to be enjoyed alone or as a couple. Traditionally the water is warmer at around 40-44°C and there are no jets or bubbles

Yes! An Ofuro uses less water than a traditional hot tub making them quicker to heat and they use less chemicals to keep them clean. Wood is also a sustainable and relatively clean fuel source.

A filtration system is unnecessary if you change your water after every use. However, if like most people you would like to use the water over several soak sessions a small pump and filter system can be helpful. There are also natural mineral sanitisers available that can help with water clarity.