Cedar Hot Tub
In a world of plastic, sometimes it is the simple and traditional style that we yearn for. A sense of warmth and nostalgia tends to overcome us when we first lay our eyes on a wooden spa.
We'll review two distinct cedar hot tub brands for those looking to enjoy the rustic experience from a spa made of natural materials.
Come with us as we explain everything you need to know before purchasing a hot tub made of cedar or other popular woods.
Our Top Pick  | Classic Cedar
| View Best Price → |
 | Ofuro
| View Best Price → |
Who Is Cedar Hot Tubs?
Cedar Hot Tubs, otherwise known as Northern Lights Cedar Tubs, is a family-owned hot tub manufacturer that has been around for over 20 years. The company is the number one supplier of wooden hot tubs in the world. They have a vast selection of wooden hot tub models, all of which use the finest Canadian western red cedar.
The tubs are manufactured with clear Grade "A" cedar to ensure longevity and durability. You won't find any knots, which could eventually lead to warping and cracking down the line.
The company sells its hot tubs in kits so that consumers can easily install them, saving both time and money. Most hot tubs purchased from Cedar Tubs can be installed within a day without any special tools. However, the brand also offers professional factory installation for those who require it.
The Classic Cedar Hot Tubs are very popular among homeowners, resorts, architects, and designers.
Each model draws from the ancient art of hydrotherapy, though it adds unique depth and simplicity, which provides a unique twist compared to modern spas.
With a round design, these Cedar hot tubs are great for family or friend gatherings.
Each of the Cedar tubs in the lineup uses powerful jets, which are completely adjustable and can be used to gently massage problem areas on joints and muscles.
It is worth noting that Cedar Hot Tubs makes use of 100% sustainable forestry practices. Compared to plastic spas or other spa styles, Cedar Hot Tubs has the smallest carbon footprint for manufacturing.
The Classic Cedar hot tubs are sturdy and durable and can be installed in just about any space, whether above-ground or flush in the ground.
Ofuro Hot Tubs
Ofuro hot tubs are great for those who are looking for a more spiritual ritual along with the health benefits of soaking.
These Japanese-influenced bathtubs provide a private relaxation space for one, all while promoting good health and stimulating blood circulation.
The Ofuro tub is a bit deeper than traditional tubs and is traditionally heated using non-electrical, wood-fired systems.
Similar to the classic cedar tubs, the Ofuro tubs are also made with Western Red Cedar, a very close cousin to cypress wood, which is often used to make these tubs in Japan.
What is worth noting is that Red Cedar has advantages compared to cypress in that it has pleasant aromatherapy when heated and is naturally resilient to bacteria or decay.
Each Ofuro cedar hot tub is wrapped with a stainless steel strap system, allowing the tub to expand and contract naturally without users having to worry about it splitting or cracking.
It is worth noting that both of their hot tub designs make use of high-quality, laser-guided milling machines to guarantee each stave is built precisely. You won't find a cleaner design for hot tubs anywhere else.
Heating Options
Though all of the Cedar Tubs that come from the brand are made with Cedarwood, there are different types of heating systems depending on your preference. Every heater also comes with jetted options, perfect for retrofitting other hot tubs.
Electric
The electric heating system is one of the most popular in the Cedar tub lineup, as it blends old and new. All of the main electrical components built into each tub come from Balboa Water Group, which is one of the premier manufacturers of hot tub electrical components.
There are three different electrical series to pick from, including the BP Series, GS Series, and EL Series. The EL Series is the top-of-the-line choice, which offers users a full-featured, high-performance heating experience.
The beauty of the EL Series is that users can rig it for wireless use, allowing them to control it from anywhere in the home. You can program this particular system on a 12-hour or 24-hour cycle to save energy when the tub is not in use and prepare for soaks later in the evening or the next day. There is also a handy day schedule, which can be used for those who have very specific time settings they'd like to input.
Some of the other features on the EL Series include the cleanup cycle, panel lock, and ozone suppression.
The beauty of the electric system is that they are very easy to control. You can set your hot tub to the desired heat with the intuitive controls and save money in the long run.
Gas
There are plenty of high-quality gas heating systems to choose from at Northern Lights. These systems are wonderful in places where electricity costs are extremely high, as there has been a recent reduction in natural gas prices.
The standard gas heating component is the Pentair Mastertemp 125,000 BTU/Hr Mini Max. When it comes to hot tubs with a ton of volume, gas heaters are a great choice. They tend to heat up larger tubs much faster than others.
All of the tubs in the Cedar Hot Tubs lineup can be linked up with gas heater, including the 4-8 jet standard tubs, the soaker tubs, and the 16-20 jet high-performance hot tubs.
There are simple controls built into the gas heating systems, which allow consumers to switch between a single, two-speed pump or a high-end, multi-pump system.
All of the gas systems from Cedar Hot Tubs feature electronic ignition, either with Natural gas or LPG (propane gas). All of the gas heating systems come standard for use outdoors, though do not need any additional manipulation for use indoors, which is one thing that makes these systems so unique.
Wood-Fired
If you're looking for an economical way to enjoy your Cedar soaking tub, we recommend going with the wood-fired system. The only cost that you must incur with this system is the preparation of a solid foundation. Wood-fired systems are great for those who live off the grid or in very rural parts of the world.
These heating systems release a surprising amount of heat too. In as little as 1-4 hours, you can get your hot tub heated to operating temperatures depending on the size of the tub and the starting temperature of the water.
Because the TimberLine heater is made with 340-grade stainless steel, you can use it outside for many years without worrying about it losing integrity. The smoke outlet makes use of a unique venting collar, which provides unburned gases with secondary combustion, reducing chimney sparks and smoke emissions.
If you're looking for a more organic hot tub experience in a rural setting, the wood-fired option is an excellent choice.
Arctic Heat Pump
The Arctic Heat pump is the only cold weather spa heating pump in North America that is UL-listed . Heating pump technology is very cost-efficient and was adopted into the spa and pool industry many years ago. Installing an Arctic heat pump can save you up to 70% or more on traditional heating costs.
These heating pumps are highly recommended for those who live in warmer climates, as they tend to lost efficiency when outdoor temperatures are low. Plus, it is worth noting that these units only output temperatures below 90-degrees Fahrenheit, which isn't that great for those looking for a true spa experience.
Cedar Hot Tubs Sanitization
There are plenty of ways to keep your hot tub clean. Here are a few sanitization options that Cedar Hot Tubs offers.
Ozone
Ozone is one of the best natural cleansers around. Compared to chlorine, it is 1000 times more powerful. It has the ability to oxidize foreign matter, killing bacteria and viruses that it comes in contact with.
Once ozone has oxidized, it reverts to pure O2, meaning it does not leave behind any unwanted byproducts. Those not familiar with ozone water treatments should note that it is very common in municipal water treatment plants. More often than not, grocery stores use ozone in their water dispensers.
Need a Hot Tub?
Ionization
Ionization is just a step above ozone systems. The ionization process occurs naturally when atoms gain or lose electrons. When electrically charged, natural minerals act as ionizers. The Cedar Hot Tubs ionization system is quite unique in that it utilizes three types of metal, including copper, silver, and zinc, making it one of the best cleaning systems on the market for hot tubs.
Ozone and Ionization
The top system from Cedar Hot Tubs is the hybrid Ozone and Ionization system. With it, you'll get the cleanest and clearest water at all times, rarely having to rely on maintenance to keep it that way. With this kind of system, you can leave town for a month and return to your hot tub without any new bacteria or algae growing inside.
In fact, you'll even be able to drain your hot tub on your lawn or use it to water your garden, all without having to worry about the consequence of dumping chemicals.
Why is Red Cedar Used Over Other Wood Types?
Red Cedar is one of the best thermal insulators compared to the many available softwood species out there.
In terms of insulation, it surpasses concrete, steel, and brick. Cedar can deliver decades of use without maintenance if it has been properly maintained and finished.
In fact, grade-A Cedar can be used for more than 30 years.
Like many kinds of wood, Red Cedar is hygroscopic, meaning it will absorb moisture and discharge it, remaining at a constant equilibrium. The thing that sets Cedar apart is its low shrinkage factor and warp-resistance.
Final Thoughts - Should You Get a Hot Tub Made Of Cedar?
There is no question that acrylic spas have become the most prominent spa models on the market today. With the latest manufacturing technologies, they are easy to produce in large quantities. However, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to look into cedar hot tubs rather than a regular acrylic spa.
For starters, because cedar hot tubs are assembled, you can carry it through just about any doorway to any location you can think of rather than having to carry a large, single piece of plastic, which can be bulky and difficult to deal with. The installation process is much easier overall, especially if you get a tub that is large in size.
Compared to the average acrylic spa, hot tubs made with cedar are deeper, giving you a high-quality and buoyant soak with more room to stretch your legs.
Lastly, cedar hot tubs are great for those who are looking to get in touch with tradition. These craftsmen-made tubs have the look of rustic wine or whiskey barrels, perfect for just about any rural backyard setting. With an old-world design, people can connect with themselves better and enjoy a far more natural experience.
Of course, even with the design simplicity, you'll still get to enjoy modern features with these soaking tubs, such as jets.
To save time, get multiple quotes on hot tubs in your area from one simple request! Click the button below! It's out job to get you the best deal based on your spa preferences.
