In this article, we compare two special offers from top UK hot tub brands, Royal Tubs and Gardenvity. We have picked deals that are as similar as possible for the most accurate comparison. When choosing between those wood-fired hot tubs, both brands offer high-quality, popular models with similar sizes and comparable features. The models compared here have an external diameter of 78.7 inches (2000 mm), an internal width of 70.9 inches (1800 mm), and a water volume of 317 gallons (1200 l). However, there are important distinctions, such as affordable price, that can influence your decision. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.
Introduction to Wood-Fired Hot Tubs
Wood-fired hot tubs are a unique and natural way to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own garden. These tubs use a wood fire to heat the water, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and socializing. With their rustic charm and eco-friendly design, wood-fired hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for a unique and sustainable hot tub experience.
A wooden hot tub, with its eco-friendly design, offers numerous benefits including faster heating times and lower operational costs compared to electric ones. The use of wood-fired heaters not only enhances the overall experience but also makes it an attractive option for families.
Unlike traditional electric or gas-heated hot tubs, wood-fired hot tubs offer a more authentic and environmentally friendly option. The process of heating the water with wood not only adds to the overall experience but also reduces reliance on electricity, making it a greener choice. The gentle crackle of the fire and the natural warmth it provides create a soothing ambiance that enhances the overall enjoyment of the hot tub.
Whether you are looking to unwind after a long day, spend quality time with family and friends, or simply enjoy the health benefits of soaking in warm water, a wood-fired hot tub can be a perfect addition to your garden. The combination of natural materials, sustainable heating, and the serene outdoor setting makes wood-fired hot tubs a popular choice for those seeking a unique and relaxing experience.
Brand Overview
Gardenvity
Gardenvity is a leading manufacturer of wood-fired hot tubs, offering a range of high-quality and affordable tubs that are designed to provide a unique and relaxing experience. Their tubs are made with durable materials and feature a sleek and modern design that will complement any garden. With a focus on customer service and satisfaction, Gardenvity is a trusted brand in the hot tub industry.
Gardenvity’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials and innovative design features. Their hot tubs are built to last, with robust construction and thoughtful details that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The brand’s emphasis on customer satisfaction means that they offer excellent support and service, ensuring that every customer enjoys their hot tub to the fullest.
In addition to their standard models, Gardenvity offers a variety of customization options, allowing customers to tailor their hot tub to their specific preferences. From additional accessories to personalized features, Gardenvity provides a comprehensive range of options to create the perfect hot tub experience.
Royal Tubs
Royal Tubs is a well-established brand in the hot tub industry, offering a range of wood-fired hot tubs for those who enjoy outdoor bathing. Their tubs are made from durable materials and feature a classic design that blends well into different garden settings.
The brand focuses on solid craftsmanship and practical design, ensuring reliability and ease of use. Each hot tub is built with attention to detail, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Royal Tubs also offers various accessories and customization options, allowing customers to adapt their hot tub to their specific needs. Their customer support team is available to assist with any questions or requirements.
Comparison table
| GARDENVITY | ROYAL TUBS | |
|---|---|---|
| Insert | Fiberglass | Acryllc |
| Integrated heater | AISI 316 | AISI 304 |
| Standard steps |  |
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| Wide steps | optional | |
| Thermowood cladding | |
|
| Thermal insulation | |
|
| Filter connections | |
|
| Hose fittings and high flow drain tap | |
|
| Chimney flue heat guard | |
|
| Chimney elbow heat guard | |
|
| Chimney cap | |
|
| Ash catcher | |
|
| Insulated synthetic leather cover | |
|
| Tightening bands | |
|
| 1 x mini bar / drink holder | optional | |
| Stirring paddle | |
|
| Hydro jets | 12 | 8 |
| Air jets | 12 | 12 |
| LEDs | 11 mini LEDs | quantity is uncertain |
| Capacity | 4-6 | 6-8 adults |
| Price | £ 6000 | £ 6550 |
| Price after discount | £ 4975 | £ 5500 |
Key Features of Gardenvity and Royal Tubs
Gardenvity and Royal Tubs both offer high-quality wood-fired hot tubs, but their features cater to different needs.
Gardenvity hot tubs stand out for their durable and well-insulated fiberglass liners, which help retain heat longer and speed up heating. Safety is also a priority—each tub includes a chimney elbow heat guard and an ash catcher, reducing risks, especially for families with children. Additionally, Gardenvity tubs come equipped with 11 mini LED lights for added ambiance and extra hydro massage jets, enhancing relaxation for multiple users.
Royal Tubs, on the other hand, include wider steps as standard, which may be beneficial for older users or those looking for easier access. While Royal Tubs advertise a seating capacity of 6-8 adults, their tub dimensions are similar to Gardenvity’s. The key difference is that Gardenvity specifies how many people can sit comfortably, while Royal Tubs lists maximum occupancy, which may mean a tighter fit.
Both brands offer an authentic wood-fired hot tub experience, but Gardenvity prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and safety, making it a great choice for families and relaxation seekers alike.
Material of the Insert
Gardenvity offers a fiberglass insert, while Royal Tubs uses an acrylic insert. Acrylic is newer in the wood-fired hot tub market, but fiberglass remains a trusted material. When fiberglass is manufactured correctly, using a double coat similar to yacht standards, it matches acrylic in quality, durability, and comfort. Gardenvity claims to apply this double coating successfully. Both materials offer a smooth, body-contoured surface for comfortable seating and efficient water drainage.
Heater Metal Quality
Gardenvity equips their hot tubs with an integrated AISI 316 stainless steel heater, while Royal Tubs uses AISI 304 stainless steel. AISI 316 offers superior corrosion resistance, making it a better choice for those living near the sea or using more chemical treatments in the water. Overall, the AISI 316 is considered a higher-grade material for long-term durability.
Steps and Accessibility
Gardenvity includes standard, simple steps, while Royal Tubs offers wider, more stable steps. Although wide steps are often preferred for added safety, Gardenvity allows you to upgrade to these if desired.
Exterior Cladding
Both Gardenvity and Royal Tubs use ThermoWood cladding, known for its durability and weather resistance. This long-lasting material ensures a beautiful appearance while requiring minimal maintenance.
Thermal Insulation
Gardenvity’s thermal insulation provides faster water heating, giving it a slight advantage in energy efficiency and heating time compared to Royal Tubs.
Filter Connections
Gardenvity has a filter connection, while Royal Tubs does not. This feature allows for the installation of a sand filter system, helping to keep the water cleaner for longer periods and reducing the need for frequent refills and water waste.
Hose Fittings and High Flow Drain Tap
Both Gardenvity and Royal Tubs provide hose fittings and a high flow drain tap, making water drainage and maintenance easier and faster. These features are especially useful for large tubs, helping to reduce the time and effort needed for cleaning and refilling. Additionally, you can use a garden hose to add cold water to the hot tub to lower the temperature if it becomes too hot, ensuring a safe and comfortable bathing experience.
Chimney Safety Features
- Chimney Flue Heat Guard: Both Gardenvity and Royal Tubs offer a chimney flue heat guard, which helps prevent accidental burns while the chimney is in use.
- Chimney Elbow Heat Guard: Gardenvity includes a chimney elbow heat guard, providing additional protection when loading firewood, a feature not included by Royal Tubs.
- Chimney Cap with Ash Catcher: Gardenvity offers a chimney cap with an integrated ash catcher, reducing the risk of sparks and ash escaping from the chimney. Royal Tubs does not include this feature, giving Gardenvity an edge in safety.
Lids and Heat Retention
Both brands offer insulated leather covers, which are essential for heat retention and energy efficiency. Older wooden or fiberglass lids are less effective, making this feature a significant advantage for both Gardenvity and Royal Tubs.
Tightening Bands
Both brands include tightening bands around the hot tub, which enhance structural integrity and contribute to the aesthetic appeal.
Accessories
- Drink Holders Royal Tubs includes drink holders as a standard feature, while Gardenvity offers them as an optional add-on, allowing for customization based on personal preference.
- Stirring Paddle Gardenvity does not include a stirring paddle, considering it unnecessary in modern hot tubs equipped with air and hydro jets. Stirring can be effectively done using the jet systems rather than a manual paddle.
- Wide Range of Accessories: Gardenvity offers a broad selection of additional accessories, including LED bars, drink holders, firewood storage, bathrobes, and more, allowing for a complete home spa experience and enhanced hot tub enjoyment. Both brands offer various payment options, including bank transfer, for purchasing their hot tubs.
Air and Hydro Jets
Both brands offer 12 air jets, providing a comfortable bubble massage experience. However, Gardenvity surpasses Royal Tubs by offering more hydro jets, delivering a stronger and more therapeutic massage. Additionally, cold water enters the heating system through an inlet while heated water flows back into the tub, utilizing natural circulation methods that eliminate the need for mechanical pumps.
LED Lighting
Gardenvity offers modern mini LED lights, which provide a more subtle, aesthetically pleasing glow compared to Royal Tubs’ single large LED. The larger light can be slightly blinding, while mini LEDs create a cozier ambiance.
Capacity
Both hot tubs are marketed for similar capacities, fitting four to six people comfortably in a 1.80m diameter tub. From our experience, four adults can sit very comfortably in this size tub. If you plan for six people, it remains a comfortable fit. However, fitting eight people would be less comfortable and more suited if two of the occupants are children. A larger group can lead to a more crowded experience with splashing and less personal space. It’s important not to rely solely on Royal Tubs’ claim that eight people fit comfortably, as fitting does not necessarily mean comfort. Choosing a more spacious option and physically checking how comfortably you can sit will ensure a better overall hot tub experience. A round hot tub, with its spacious design and comfort for small groups, can enhance your relaxation experience, offering quality materials and efficient wood-fired heating.
Performance and Efficiency of Wood Burning Hot Tubs
Wood burning hot tubs are designed to provide a unique and efficient way to heat water, using a wood fire to warm the tub. The performance and efficiency of a wood burning hot tub depend on several factors, including the type of wood used, the size of the tub, and the insulation of the tub.
In general, wood burning hot tubs can heat water to a temperature of around 104°F (40°C) in about 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the tub and the type of wood used. The heating time can be affected by factors such as the outside temperature, the type of wood used, and the insulation of the tub.
To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, it is important to use high-quality wood that is dry and well-seasoned. Dry wood burns more efficiently and produces more heat, reducing the time needed to warm the water. Additionally, maintaining the tub regularly, including cleaning the filter and checking the water temperature, helps to ensure consistent performance.
Overall, wood burning hot tubs are a unique and efficient way to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own garden. With their rustic charm and eco-friendly design, these tubs are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for a sustainable and relaxing hot tub experience. The combination of natural heating, efficient performance, and the serene outdoor setting makes wood burning hot tubs a perfect choice for those seeking a unique and enjoyable hot tub experience.
Customer Support and Service
Excellent customer support and service are essential for a satisfying hot tub experience, and both Gardenvity and Royal Tubs excel in this area. Gardenvity’s customer service team is known for being accessible, responsive, and helpful, providing great after-sales support to address any practical questions or concerns you may have about your hot tub. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures that you can enjoy your hot tub with peace of mind.
Royal Tubs also offers a comprehensive warranty and a dedicated customer support team to ensure that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. Their focus on providing top-notch service means that you can rely on them for assistance whenever needed, making your hot tub ownership experience smooth and enjoyable.
Pricing and Value of Wood Fired Hot Tubs
Investing in a wood-fired hot tub can be a significant decision, but the benefits they offer make them a valuable addition to any home. Gardenvity’s hot tubs are competitively priced, starting at around £4,000, offering a range of features and customization options that provide excellent value for money. Royal Tubs’ hot tubs are also priced competitively, with starting prices around £3,500, reflecting their features.
While the initial cost may seem high, wood-fired hot tubs offer numerous benefits that justify the investment. These include health benefits such as improved circulation and relaxation, the ability to use the hot tub year-round, and the unique and natural experience of wood-fired heating. Both Gardenvity and Royal Tubs provide high-quality, durable hot tubs that enhance your outdoor living space and offer a relaxing retreat in your own garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gardenvity and Royal Tubs offer a range of wood-fired hot tubs that provide a unique and natural hot tub experience. With their durable and smooth liners, fast heating, and comfortable seating, these hot tubs are perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind in their own garden. Both brands prioritize safety and maintenance, ensuring that their hot tubs are safe and easy to maintain. Their excellent customer support and service further enhance the ownership experience, making them reliable choices for any hot tub enthusiast.
Whether you’re looking for a round hot tub or a model with stainless steel straps, Gardenvity and Royal Tubs have a range of options to suit your needs. With their competitive pricing and the numerous benefits they offer, investing in a wood-fired hot tub from either brand is a decision that will bring joy and relaxation for years to come.
