Fill the Hot Tub: Fill with clean water using a hose until the water level is about 8 inches (20 cm) from the top rim, ensuring the top of the submerged stove is covered by at least 1.5 inches of water.

Build and Ignite the Fire:

• Lift off the wood stove lid, ensuring the lower lid is hooked, and lifted out along with the top lid.

• Place a few peices of kindling and/or a firestarter at the bottom of the firebox careful not to drop it through the grate.

• Add a generous amount of dry kindling in a crisscross arrangement to allow air circulation.

• Light it with the torch.

Add Larger Firewood: Once the kindling has caught and the fire is burning strongly, add progressively larger peices of firewood.

Manage the Burn:

• Replace the stove lids together

• Top lid vent (slide it forward or back to control air intake)

  • fully open creates a fierce fire

  • closing it slows the burn.

• Stir the water frequently with the paddle throughout heating process to circulate the top and bottom water temps

• Add more wood every 15-30 minutes to maintain a hot fire. Keeping the cover closed speeds up the heating process.

Monitor the Temperature: The ideal spa temp is between 100°F and 104°F (38°C to 40°C).

Slow the Burn: When the water is close to your desired temp (around 95°F), stop adding firewood and close the lid completely to let the fire smolder and prevent overheating.

Enjoy and Maintain Heat: Enjoy your soak! If the temperature drops, you can add a single log to the fire to maintain warmth. To cool the water, simply remove the tub cover or add a bucket of cold water (do not overfill).

End a Session:

• Ensure the fire dies down to coals

• Place the insulated cover over the tub

When Not in Use - Monitor Water Temperature: To prevent freezing while avoiding overheating.

• If it’s a very cold night, make sure the hot tub is a good warm temperature before going to bed.

• Check tub temp in the morning and be sure to keep the temp above freezing in between uses.

The Water will Turn a Cedar Color: Due to the cedar tannins. Cedar releases oils and tannins, which give the water a warm, woodsy scent and a smooth texture.

• Cedar’s oils help prevent harmful bacteria and germs from growing. The tannins in the wood give the water its signature tea-colored hue.