How to Use a Wood-Fired Hot Tub

A wood-fired hot tub outside a private wooden cabin at The Meadows at Polehanger, a beautiful glamping location in the UK.

A step-by-step guide to using a wood-fired hot tub.

Learn how to keep a consistent temperature for maximum enjoyment of your wood-fired hot tub whilst glamping in the UK.

We will talk you through which wood to select, the amount of water to use, how to prepare and light the firebox, water circulation, keeping a consistent temperature and how to extinguish the fire after enjoying the hot tub

You won’t need to worry about the hot tub if you are staying with us at The Meadows at Polehanger as we provide all the wood you need for your stay, daily cleans and will also have your first wood-fired hot tub heated and ready for your arrival at check-in. Here is your step-by guide:


  1. Fill the Tub

Start by filling the hot tub with water. Ensure that you fill the tub to the recommended level specified, which for our tubs is a few inches above the top water pipe.

2. Gather Your Firewood

Hardwoods like ash, oak, maple and cherry are ideal woods for maintaining a consistent temperature. We provide all the seasoned firewood for guests of our UK glamping site, so no gathering required here. Our firewood is sourced from our very own 42 acres of Polehanger River Woodland.

3. Prepare the Firebox

Our wood-fired hot tubs have a firebox attached to the tub. Load your firebox with firewood, kindling and firelighters ready to be lit. We load the firebox ready for you on your first night with us.

4. Ignite the Fire

Use the provided long matches to ignite the firelighters in the firebox. Ensure proper ventilation to allow air to reach the fire by opening the air vent on your firebox. Add more logs as the fire gets going.

5. Monitor and Adjust

As the fire burns, keep an eye on the water temperature by testing it with the thermometer. Stirring the water with the large paddle provided helps to mix the water and take an accurate temperature reading.

Adjust the fire by adding wood to maintain your desired temperature, or by closing the air vent to slow the fire. Remember that it may take some time to heat the water, so be patient.

6. Circulate the Water

The wood-fired hot tubs at The Meadows at Polehanger have a basic circulation system that uses convection to move the water through the firebox, heating it evenly. Stir the water occasionally with the paddle to aid this process.

7. Stay Safe

Always follow safety guidelines and keep an eye on the fire to prevent overheating. Use the provided gloves for adding wood or adjusting the fire. Keep a bucket of cold water nearby or use the hose provided if staying with us to add cold water if needed.

8. Enjoy!

Once the water reaches your desired temperature, you can enjoy your wood-fired hot tub. Relax, unwind, and savour the natural and rustic experience it provides. Particularly relevant when glamping in the UK.

9. Extinguish the Fire

After using the hot tub, allow the fire in the firebox to burn out and cool down before leaving it unattended. Ensure that it is fully extinguished and safe.

Thank you for reading our step-by-step guide to using a wood-fired hot tub, we hope you found it useful.

Benefits of a Wood-Fired Hot Tub

Our luxury timber glamping cabins at The Meadows at Polehanger are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life allowing you to unwind and relax in the peaceful surroundings of our farm. What could make this time even more relaxing? The opportunity to take a dip in our wood-fired hot tubs all year round.

Heated using sustainable seasoned timber from our very own woodlands and filled with fresh water daily during your stay. We do the gathering and lighting, giving you time to enjoy the benefits of the warm water and rustic feel that a wood-fired hot tub creates – unwind, relax and enjoy the perfect escape.

There are several benefits of a wood-fired hot tub, including:


  1. Natural Heating

Wood-fired hot tubs use a traditional and sustainable heating method, making them more eco-friendly compared to electric or gas-heated options. Especially when you have an abundance of seasoned wood available in your own woodland.

2. Relaxation

The crackling sound of the fire, the smell of the wood and the natural heat can create a calming and relaxing feel, enhancing your experience and helping you to unwind.

3. Temperature Control

You have more control over the temperature with a wood-fired hot tub, allowing you to achieve your desired level of heat.

4. Aromatherapy

The aroma of burning wood can add a pleasant sensory element to your hot tub experience.

5. Aesthetic appeal

Wood-fired hot tubs have a natural look that can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space and provide a feeling of being at one with nature.

The natural look of a wood-fired hot tub sits perfectly with our timber glamping cabins at The Meadows at Polehanger. The hot tubs provide our guests with the opportunity to take a warm and cosy dip in the coldest of winters or a refreshing cool dip without heating the tub on the warmest days of summer!

Why not try glamping in the UK and stay in one of our contemporary styled wood cabins with beautiful countryside views and a private wood-fired hot tub.

Explore our website, visit our socials or contact us for more information and book your stay.

We would love to see you soon, from the Fosters x

800 534 Andrew Foster

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