Choosing a hot tub: electric or wood-fired
A hot tub is the social heart of the wellness room. The choice comes down to three things: how you heat it, where the tub goes and how many people need to fit in.
Electric
An electric tub with a heater unit and filter keeps the water at temperature and clean, even with daily use. It needs an electrical connection (often 230 V, 16 A or more) and a place for the equipment.
Wood-fired
A wood-fired stove — internal or external — heats a 1,500-litre tub in two to three hours. No electricity needed, but wood, supervision and a good cover to hold the heat.
The spot
A filled tub with four people in it soon weighs 2,000 kg. A terrace on sand or a concrete slab is fine; a timber deck must be designed for it. Keep a water point and a drain within reach.
Material
Solid timber (cedar, larch, thermally treated wood) is warm and natural; composite or a synthetic shell with timber cladding needs less maintenance and is easier to keep clean.