Soak Your Cares Away in a Cedar Hot Tub

by: Michael O’Brien

The nineteen sixties were a decade of incredible social change especially on the West Coast and California in particular. The Age of Aquarius ushered in a wave of therapies and techniques to relax, unwind, meditate and reflect. For those folks not interested in metaphysics, EST or meditative chants, the simple pleasure of soaking in a cedar tub filled with warm water certainly seemed appealing.

Once the talk of California, cedar hot tubs have gained in popularity across the country. Wood cedar hot tubs differ from fiberglass spa in many significant ways. Early California hot tubs were wood fired and wood heating systems are still in vogue today. Most fiberglass spas use electric water heating systems combined with an electric jet pump that creates the swirling water effect that is popular. Wood fired hot tubs focus less on the water jets of spas and more on the simplicity of relaxing and soaking in warm water.

The benefits of soaking in warm water have some roots in natural hot springs that have drawn people for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans made liberal use the baths, becoming a place to relax with friends, socialize and even do business. The Japanese have long taken advantage of hot spring baths and the practice of communal bathing is an important part of Japanese social culture. The waters originate deep below the ground and are thermally heated by nearby volcanic activity that occurs deep underground. Other sources of heat for natural hot springs is any form of geothermal energy derived from the natural rise in temperature that occurs deep in the earth’s crust.

The introduction of wooden hot tubs to a mass market meant that people no longer needed to travel great distances to enjoy the benefits and soothing effects of a hot water soak. Instead, one need only venture out the door of their homes. Personal hot tubs allow you to control the water quality and temperature as well as how often to enjoy the warmth of your personal hot tub.

Many manufacturers offer their hot tubs as kits which can be assembled on site and in a relatively short period of time. Most hot tubs are typically made of cedar and are designed to go together in very much the same way a wooden barrel is assembled. Wooden slats that have been pre-shaped to fit together tightly are held by metal staves or hoops. Adding water to the hot tub makes the wood swell ensuring a tight seal. Modern hot tubs can be heated by several methods that include traditional wood burning water heaters, natural gas or propane heaters and electric water heaters.

Like their cousin the fiberglass spa, hot tubs can be equipped with jet pumps and aeration systems. Modern hot tubs can also be equipped with water filtration systems. An absolute necessity for your hot tub is some type of bench seating which makes it easier to share the space with friends and family. An insulated will help retain heat, making your hot tub more economical to operate.

Unlike fiberglass spas which can be rather large, small wooden hot tubs can take up a relatively small amount of space. Fiberglass spas must be constructed with lots of sound proofing material some of which can be chemically toxic as is the fiberglass material itself. Producing fiberglass requires hydrocarbon solvents that can be hazardous to workers and the environment. Wooded hot tubs are manufactured primarily from natural wood materials. Wood hot tubs can be placed away from pumps and heaters reducing the ambient noise level and raising the level of enjoyment and relaxation.

About the Author

Michael O’Brien

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