Yes, cedar is a great material to use for building hot tubs. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and damage from water, making it durable and long-lasting. Cedar also naturally insulates water, meaning it will help keep the temperature of your hot tub steady.
Cedar also has an attractive, rich color and texture, so it can enhance the aesthetic value of any hot tub. Many hot tubs are framed with cedar, and the lining can also be made out of it. The wood has a nice aroma, which can make a hot tub even more relaxing.
However, cedar is more expensive than some other materials, making it a less cost-effective option. Additionally, cedar may not be the best choice for people with allergies since it is a type of wood.
Before you decide to use cedar for your hot tub, you should consider other factors such as maintenance, cost, and durability.
How long will a cedar hot tub last?
A cedar hot tub can last for many years if properly cared for. The lifespan of a cedar hot tub can depend on a few factors, such as the quality of the wood and its ability to resist rot and weather damage.
In general, cedar is a durable wood commonly used in outdoor products, and it can last for many years with the proper maintenance. Exposing your cedar hot tub to extreme weather elements like direct sunlight, rain, and snow can do more harm than good and reduce its lifespan significantly.
It is important to regularly inspect and maintain your cedar hot tub and keep it covered when it’s not in use. This means performing regular maintenance such as cleaning the tub and applying a waterproofing sealant every summer.
Doing these things can help your cedar hot tub last for many years.
Are cedar hot tubs hard to maintain?
Cedar hot tubs are not overly difficult to maintain. For general upkeep, you should clean the inside of your cedar hot tub regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent debris and dirt from building up.
Check the water levels in your cedar hot tub every week and replenish them as necessary. You should also empty and refill the tub every 3-4 months to prevent bacteria from building up in the water. Additionally, you will want to test the water chemistry in your cedar hot tub regularly and use the appropriate chemicals to keep the water balanced properly.
Lastly, it is important to take the time to periodically inspect your cedar hot tub for any signs of damage, such as cracks or rotten wood, and repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Following these overall maintenance tips should keep your cedar hot tub running effectively and provide you with years of enjoyment.
What kind of cedar do you use for a hot tub?
The most popular type of cedar used for hot tubs is Western Red Cedar due to its attractive appearance, incredible durability, resistance to warping and splintering, and natural rot-resistant qualities.
It also has a pleasant scent that is often seen as one of its most appealing features. When buying Western Red Cedar for a hot tub, it is important to look for wood marked as “kiln-dried,” as it has had the excess moisture extracted through a controlled process.
This helps to increase the life of the wood, as well as reducing its chances of shrinking, cracking or warping after installation. Cedar is also the best wood for use in areas prone to high humidity, as it naturally resists rot due to fungi, such as found with hot tubs.
Do cedar hot tubs need chlorine?
No, cedar hot tubs typically don’t need chlorine or other harsh chemicals to keep the water clean and safe, as cedar wood is naturally anti-microbial and antibacterial. In addition, cedar is rot-resistant and maintenance-free, making it a good choice for a hot tub material.
A cedar hot tub should be sanitized regularly with a chlorine-free sanitizer, such as bromine, to keep the water clean and free of bacteria. It’s also important to shock your cedar hot tub with a chlorine-free shock treatment every month to help keep the water clear and free of any built up organic material.
Regularly testing the water pH, total alkalinity and hardness is important to keep the water chemistry balanced and healthy so your cedar hot tub will last a long time.
Does cedar rot easily?
No, cedar does not rot easily. Cedar is known for its natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects. In fact, cedar heartwood has natural preservatives that prevent the wood from decaying or rotting.
This wood is also resistant to warping, shrinking, and splitting. Due to its durability and high resistance to moisture, cedar is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decks, fencing, and siding. The wood can also hold up well exposed to extreme weather conditions.
The natural oils present in the wood structure help keep insects away and prolongs the wood’s resistance to water absorption. The wood also contains special cellular structures which reduce the chance of decay.
Cedar, however, is not completely impervious to decay or rot. If left exposed to wet or damp conditions with little air circulation then the wood could be subject to rotting. Therefore, it is important to seal the wood before use when working with cedar, as this will help protect the wood and make it last longer.
How often do you drain a cedar hot tub?
Cedar hot tubs need to be drained and cleaned approximately every three to four months, depending on the frequency of use. To preserve the cedar wood, it is important to keep the water clean and clear and to make sure that the pH balance is maintained at around 7.
5 and the sanitizer levels are also at an acceptable level. To do this, it is recommended that the hot tub water be changed every three to four months or up to as often as once a month for heavily used tubs.
Before draining and refilling the hot tub, it is important to clean and scrub the sides of the tub with a natural cleaner to prevent the buildup of soap, body oils, and other residues from affecting the pH balance of the water.
Additionally, the filters should be cleaned regularly and replaced every six months or as needed.
What is the easiest hot tub to maintain?
The easiest hot tub to maintain is an acrylic hot tub. This is because acrylic hot tubs require minimal maintenance, and their repair and replacement aspirations are low. They are corrosion resistant and very durable, making them a great option for owners who want to enjoy their hot tubs for many years.
Acrylic tubs are easy to clean and take care of, as you simply need to use diluted bleach and hot water when cleaning the surface. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors and styles, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your home.
It’s also important to note that you should also periodically change the water in your hot tub to help keep it clean, and this can be achieved easily as acrylic tubs tend to hold their temperate better, lowering the amount of energy required.
Lastly, you should also regularly check and refill water levels, monitor pH levels, and inspect the jet pumps and filters on a regular basis. Doing all of these will help keep your hot tub running efficiently and smoothly for years to come.
Is it cheaper to keep hot tub on all the time?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. It is generally accepted that you can save money by keeping your hot tub on all the time, if you properly maintain it. It allows the temperature of the hot tub to stabilize and maintain a consistent level.
This can help save money since you are not using extra energy to heat the tub each time you use it.
Additionally, running your hot tub constantly can help reduce deterioration and costly repairs in the long run. Regular use helps keep the water clean, aerates the water, and reduces the chance of bacteria and algae propagation.
Furthermore, there are some energy efficient hot tubs on the market that take advantage of variable speed pumps and two-speed heaters. These features are designed to cut down on energy consumption, which could help make running your hot tub all the time more manageable and cost effective.
However, it is important to maintain and clean your hot tub on a regular basis to keep it running optimally and prevent costly damage. This means changing the filters, cleaning out the skimmer baskets, and topping up the water as needed.
So, the answer to whether it is cheaper to keep your hot tub on all the time is not a simple one. It depends on the cost of energy in your area, the cost of regular maintenance, and the type of equipment you have.
Ultimately, you should consult a professional to determine the best and most cost effective solution for your particular needs.
What kind of wood are hot tubs made of?
Hot tubs are typically made of pressure-treated softwoods such as cedar, cypress, redwood or pine. Pressure-treated wood is ideal for hot tubs because it’s naturally resistant to rot and decay, and also resistant to temperature and moisture changes.
It is important to select good-quality woods like redwood or cedar because they are very dense, allowing them to hold less moisture and resist warping and cracking. Pressure-treated wood needs to be re-treated occasionally to keep it protected from the elements.
Hot tubs can also be made from other types of wood, such as teak and mahogany, but these woods tend to be more expensive and require special care, including oiling and waterproofing treatments.
Do you need chemicals for a cedar hot tub?
If you want to use a cedar hot tub, you may need to use chemicals to maintain the water quality. Chemicals used may include chlorine, bromine, or a biguanide to kill bacteria and algae; pH balancing agents to maintain the proper pH level; and mineral sanitizers like salt and phosphate removers to reduce hardness and improve clarity.
Keeping the water chemistry balanced is important to ensure a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience. For example, chlorine can be used to combat risk of illnesses. Balanced water also helps to prevent hot tub damage or corrosion, as well as providing a nicer feel when using the hot tub.
To ensure you are using the correct amount of each chemical, it is best to use a test strip or a digital tester to test the quality of your water. An unbalanced water quality can cause the water to become cloudy, upset users who experience burning eyes or itchy skin, or even cause equipment problems, so it is important to keep an eye on your hot tub’s water chemistry.
Can I use my hot tub without chemicals?
No, you cannot use your hot tub without chemicals. Doing so would lead to a build-up of bacteria and contaminants in the water, making it potentially hazardous for anyone to use. At minimum, chlorine or a bromine-based chemical should be used in your hot tub to keep the water clean and free of dangerous contaminants.
Additionally, pH levels should be tested and balanced on a regular basis. Installing a hot tub filter can also help to reduce the amount of maintenance and chemicals needed. Without proper use of chemicals, your hot tub is at risk of an outbreak of bacteria, fungus, algae and other contaminants.