A wood-fired hot tub is one of those weekend projects that sounds crazier than it is. We see a lot of them around Lake Tapps, Lake Steilacoom, and the PNW lake communities — they’re a logical fit for a place with cold rain nine months a year.
Building a Heated Jacuzzi for Your Enjoyment
The basic build: an insulated wooden tub (cedar’s traditional; redwood works), a wood-fired stove or external heating coil, a circulation system. Done right, you get hot soak water in 90 minutes from cold.
Upgrade Your Tub
Or just buy a manufactured spa. They’re easier and last longer. We mention this because hauling happens both the DIY tubs and the manufactured spas when they eventually die.
Stuff You’ll Need
- Cedar or redwood planks for the tub body
- A wood-fired heating stove (or external coil setup)
- Insulation
- Plumbing fittings
- Cover
- Sealant
- Time
Step 1
Pick a location. Level ground, drainage considered, access for wood/firewood.
Step 2
Build the base. Pressure-treated lumber, level, sturdy enough for 1,500+ pounds of water plus humans.
Step 3
Construct the tub. Tongue-and-groove cedar planks, bound with steel hoops. Plenty of online plans.
Step 4
Install heating. Either a “snorkel-style” wood stove submerged in the tub, or an external coil that circulates through firewood.
Step 5
Fill, fire it up, test. Adjust as needed.
Tips
- Sturdier base — over-build it. A wet hot tub weighs a lot.
- Insulation — PNW winters demand it. Wrap the exterior.
- Better heating coil — external coil setups heat faster and don’t cook your toes.
- Maintenance — drain and clean annually. Reseal the wood every 2-3 years.
When the Hot Tub Dies
Hauling happens it. See Hot Tub & Spa Removal — drain, dismantle in place, gone.
Call (253) 553-2978.