Best Budget Wood Fired Hot Tubs Under $5,000: Luxury Without the Price Tag

Today I’m excited to share with you the best budget wood fired hot tubs for those of you who love the idea of a quiet soak under the stars but have cost restrictions. The models below allow you the luxury of a backyard hot tub without the premium price tag.

Understanding Wood Fired Hot Tubs: Basics and Benefits

First things first – let’s talk about the basic mechanics. A wood fired hot tub is surprisingly simple: it consists of a tub (usually with a cedar exterior and a cedar interior or marine-grade aluminum interior), a wood-burning stove (either internal or external), and a water circulation system. The stove heats the water through natural convection – basically, hot water rises and cold water sinks, creating a continuous flow throughout the tub.

Temperature control is a bit of a learning curve when starting out. You want to feed the fire at a slow and steady rate- a consistent moderate fire is better than a quick-burning hot fire as you heat up your tub. Don’t make the mistake of rushing the heating process by stuffing the firebox full of wood. You want to feed the fire at a slow and steady rate.

You want to maintain your temperature between 100-104°F and you achieve this by adjusting your wood input and monitoring regularly. A good floating thermometer is a great investment to help with this.

The benefits of a wood burning hot tub compared with an electric hot tub are many. While it may not have the convenience of an electric tub, it makes up for it in electric bill savings. By using wood to heat your tub instead of electricity, you can save money and use a sustainable resource. Generally, a few cords of wood to heat the tub during the year will be cheaper than your electric bill for a traditional hot tub. 

The main benefit of a wood-fired tub is actually the whole process- from building the fire to hearing the gentle crackle of wood while you soak. It’s way more engaging than just flipping a switch. Plus, the heat from a wood fired tub feels different – it’s more natural and penetrating, and the water feels better due to the lack of chlorine and other chemicals. 

Maintenance is different from electric tubs but not necessarily more difficult. You don’t have to deal with complex electrical systems or expensive pump repairs. Instead, your main tasks are managing the fire, cleaning out ash, and basic water maintenance. Wood fired tubs actually require fewer chemicals than traditional hot tubs because the constant heating helps prevent bacterial growth as well as the need to change the water more often.

One unexpected benefit is how great these tubs are during power outages. During a big winter’s storm, while your neighbors may be dealing with cold electric tubs, you will still able to enjoy a warm soak. Talk about a silver lining! There’s something incredibly reassuring about having a hot tub that works completely off-grid.

Best Budget Wood Fired Hot Tubs Under $5,000

Let’s take a look some affordable wood stove hot tubs that won’t break your budget!

1. Best Budget Small Tub

Why we chose this tub: We love the rustic cedar interior and exterior of this tub and that fact that offers a deeper soak than regular hot tubs. It’s also a compact enough tub to fit on a small patio or in a small backyard making it an accessible option for more people. It’s priced under $5,000 at the time of this writing depending on the which type of stove or heating element you decide on as well as any accessories or add-ons you include.

2. Best Large Budget Tub (3 Person)

Why we like this model: This tub is budget friendly coming in under $4,000 at the time of this writing and is big enough to fit up to three people. It maintains a rustic aesthetic for the backyard or porch, and the internal stove is efficient and boasts heating times of 2-4 hours to soaking temperature.

3. Best Budget Friendly

What’s Neat about this tub: The Salty Barrel Tub is the most portable option that we’ve found so far. There are basically two pieces involved- the tub itself and the heating coil. It is also the least expensive option we reviewed at $1600 total. It is a great option to take camping, to the beach or any other outdoor adventure you may have as it is super packable!

Essential Features to Look for in Budget Wood Fired Hot Tubs

There are some essential features you absolutely can’t skimp on, even in the budget category.

1. Insulation

First up, let’s talk about insulation as this can make or break your experience. A poorly insulated tub will use much more wood to initially heat and then retain heat than a well-insulated model. A good budget wood fired hot tub should have at least 2 inches of foam insulation under the shell and a well-insulated cover. Even at the under-$5,000 price point, you should expect your tub to maintain temperature for 4-6 hours with minimal wood input.

2. Construction Materials 

The material quality of the firebox is another non-negotiable feature, and marine-grade stainless steel fireboxes with walls at least 2mm thick are the way to go. They might cost a bit more initially, but they’ll last years longer and won’t crack.

Western red cedar is often used for wood burning tubs due to its ability to resist rot and mold. It also looks beautiful and smells nice. Other options can include Thermowood exteriors and aluminum interiors. Aluminum or fiberglass interiors are easier to clean than cedar, but wooden interiors also have some benefits including a more rustic look and feel.

Water temperature control features are always important, and they don’t have to be fancy. A good damper system on the stove and a reliable thermometer are essential. Look for tubs with easily adjustable air intake controls – they’re worth their weight in gold when you’re trying to maintain that perfect 102°F temperature.

The drain system is another feature where cutting corners will come back to bite you. A proper drain should be positioned at the lowest point of the tub. If you can, divert the used water to landscaping or garden areas to recycle and reuse it.

3. Safety Features

Safety features are absolutely critical, even in budget models. The stove should have proper heat shielding and a secure lid. Check for sturdy railings or steps, especially since wet feet and winter conditions can be a dangerous combination. One feature I consider essential (for internal stove models) is a screen or guard around the stove area (for external firebox heaters) – this has saved many curious kids (and adults!) from accidental burns.

Remember, when you’re looking at budget wood fired hot tubs, you’re not necessarily sacrificing quality – you’re just being smart about which features matter most. Focus on heat retention, sturdy construction, efficient water circulation, and safety features. These elements will give you the best bang for your buck and ensure your wood fired hot tub experience is enjoyable rather than frustrating!

Installation and Setup Guide

Let’s start with site preparation, which is the first step. Always create a proper level foundation first. You’ll need a solid, base that can support at least 3,000 pounds (that’s your tub, water, and people combined). A thick concrete pad or a carefully leveled bed of crushed stone that extends at least 6 inches beyond the tub’s perimeter can work well.

Your site selection is very important as wind exposure can dramatically affect your heating efficiency. Always look for natural windbreaks or install a privacy screen on the windward side in order to retain the most heat in your tub.

Generally, you’ll need to check three things in regard to permits in your area: zoning regulations, fire safety codes, and possibly plumbing permits.

Chimney installation is another critical step and the height matters more than you might think! Don’t skip the spark arrestor and keep your chimney well away from any rooflines or hanging tree branches. Also, make sure your chimney has proper support and bracing. The wind can really catch these pipes, and the last thing you want is a wobbling chimney.

Water supply is something people often overlook in the planning stage. You’ll need a good water source nearby like a garden hose – filling a tub with buckets is not fun. If you’re running a hose and are on well water, check the water pressure beforehand. Low pressure can turn filling into an all-day affair.

Plan where you will place your drainage piping. You should have a slight downward slope (at least 1/4 inch per foot) and direct water away from your house’s foundation. You can install a drainpipe that extends at least 10 feet from the tub, preferably to a gravel pit or appropriate drainage area. This might seem excessive, but the first time you need to drain 500 gallons of water, you’ll be glad you planned ahead!

Finally, don’t forget to do a test run before considering the job complete. Fill the tub, check for leaks, and run a full heating cycle. It’s much better to catch any issues right away than to discover them later!

Maintenance and Operating Costs

While maintenance for a wood burning hot tub is less than an electric hot tub, there are still some maintenance and operating costs to be aware of.

1. Wood Consumption

The type of wood matters and understanding wood consumption will affect your bottom line! If you don’t understand proper fire management, you will burn through more wood than you need to. For regular use (3-4 times per week), you’ll typically need about 2-3 cords of wood per year. Use softwoods like pine to initially start your fire and then switch to hardwoods like oak to keep the fire going at a sustainable temperature. Oak may cost more than pine, but it burns longer and more efficiently making it overall cheaper to run and worth every penny.

2. Water Treatment and Filtration

Water care is another learning curve. Unlike traditional hot tubs, wood fired ones actually need fewer chemicals because the water is changed more often. You will need to test your water chemistry twice a week, add a small amount of natural water treatment (or chlorine or bromine if you choose) after each use, check and maintain the water pH, empty and refill the tub depending on your usage.

3. Keep Your Tub Covered

Many wood hot tubs come with a cover, but if yours doesn’t make sure to get one ASAP. A good, insulated cover will maintain heat in your tub and protect it from debris getting in the water. By maintaining a warmer temperature in the tub, your heating time the next session will be shorter and require less wood consumption to get going. A cover is especially important during the winter months when you need to prevent freezing.

4. Tub Maintenance

After using the tub, you will want to take care of ash removal from the stove each time you finish. Every week you will want to check the water pH and chemistry. Check your stove for any cracks as well as the chimney pipe. Monthly you will want to check the tub’s seals and gaskets for any leaks and clean with a natural vinegar solution on the inside of the tub. 

The chimney also needs special attention. Clean and inspect every 4-6 months, depending on use. A chimney brush and basic cleaning kit costs about $50, and it’s way cheaper than calling in a professional every time. Just make sure you check for creosote buildup regularly – it’s not just about efficiency; it’s about safety too.

Finally, if you would prefer to go the DIY route, check out this great article over at Field Mag about a couple who built their own wood fired hot tub for around $2,000!

Investing in a budget wood fired hot tub doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or comfort. By choosing the right model and following proper maintenance procedures, you’ll enjoy years of relaxation. Ready for a hot chemical-free soak? Use this guide to make an informed decision and find the perfect wood fired hot tub for your budget and needs!