Wood-fired hot tubs: everything you need to know before your stay

Lahtle Wood’s wood-fired hot tubs are a major draw for our visitors. The cozy warmth, the smell of woodsmoke, the fact that by their nature they force you to leave your electronic devices out of reach… it’s a recipe for relaxation, and dare we say it, romance. We want you to get the most out of your hot tub time, so here’s some tips and what to expect when you book one of our glamping pods equipped with a hot tub.

1. Our hot tubs are fairly small — just right for two people to soak! — but depending on ambient temperature, it could take more or less time to heat up to a comfortable temperature. Plan on about two hours for your hot tub to be ready to soak.

2. Remember, it’s a slow burn. Build up the fire in the chamber with our provided firestarters first, then smaller pieces, then larger logs. Leave the lid on between adding fuel and resist the urge to check it too often — lifting the lid lets heat escape! Ten to fifteen minutes between checks should be about right.

3. Stir the water with the provided paddle as it heats. Hot water rises, so if you don’t keep things mixed up, you could be in for a cold shock when you step in.

4. Once the water temperature is where you like it, level off that flame but don’t let it die entirely. Keep it to about the level of a low campfire — glowing, not roaring.

5. Keep safety in mind. The water should be pleasantly warm, not hot enough to be painful! In addition, keep food and drinks out of the tub and especially leave all glass vessels outside. Broken glass is a hazard and it’s hard to see in water.

When you book a pod with a hot tub with us, we’ll get the fire started for you before you arrive and of course we’ll walk you through the process of lighting and maintaining the fire - which we think is part of the fun! We hope this introduction to wood-fired hot tubs helps you enjoy your stay at Lahtle Wood.