Skargards vs Gardenvity: A Comprehensive Comparison of Premium Wood-Fired Hot Tubs

2026-01-22
Kirami logo enclosed in a rounded triangular shape above the Harvia brand name in bold stylized letters.

If you’ve been researching Skargards hot tubs, you’re likely drawn to the idea of a premium Scandinavian-style wood-fired bathing experience. This article compares Skargards with Gardenvity , helping you understand what each approach offers.

This guide walks you through everything. Whether you’re set on a Skargards hot tub or still exploring options, you’ll discover practical advice to help you choose the right wood fired hot tub for your space.

Skargards

Skargards logo
January 19, 2026
Trustpilot
4.8
stars
1318 reviews
Google
4.4
stars
20 reviews
Facebook
0
%
stars
0 reviews
Communication
99% | 1%
Delivery
100% | 0%
Product Quality
99% | 1%

Gardenvity

Gardenvity logo
January 19, 2026
Trustpilot
4.7
stars
180 reviews
Google
4.9
stars
99 reviews
Facebook
96
%
stars
25 reviews
Communication
99% | 1%
Delivery
100% | 0%
Product Quality
99% | 1%

What are Skargards hot tubs?

While Scandinavian wood-fired tubs have a long history, Skargards is looking toward the future. They claim to be "redefining" the entire experience—let's take a look at the innovations they’re making.[About Skargards]

Skargards' commitment to minimalist aesthetics means they intentionally avoid the "command center" complexity found in modern hot tubs. An excerpt from their story explains:

'As opposed to high-tech jacuzzis, we wanted to remain faithful to the elegant simplicity of the wood-fired concept and to our Scandinavian roots.' [Skargards Story]

One could argue, however, that this "ideology" is a clever way to rebrand a lack of high-tech functionality. By framing the absence as a deliberate choice, they maintain a premium "analogue" brand image.

Skargards offer two types and class of hot tubs:

  • The Panel

Wooden outdoor hot tub filled with water, placed on rocky terrain near a calm body of water.

The classic wooden hot tub with a GFK insert and a clip-on fence, to hide the heater.

  • The Regal

Wooden hot tub with a fire stove and steps set on a grassy hillside overlooking a sunlit mountainous valley at sunset.

The premium wooden hot tub with a GFK insert and an integrated heater.

Fun fact: Skargards were the first ones to offer wood-fired hot tubs with an integrated heater.

What are the differences between models?

Panel – The classic wooden hot tub

Seating

Panel 190: 4–5 people

Panel 220: 6-8 people

Heating time

Panel 190: 1.5–2.5 h

Panel 220: 2–3 h

Interior/Exterior diameter

Panel 190:
E: 190 cm
In: 171 cm

Panel 220:
E: 222 cm
In: 200 cm

Price

Panel 190:
*starting at £3,300

Panel 220:
*starting at £3,800

*Tubs do not include filters, jet massaging, lights, flue guard protection, rain cowl.

The one and main difference is the size, and capacity, because of that the heating time and price increases. Both include a canvas cover.

I have not found any more differences.

Regal – The "premium" wooden hot tub

Seating

Regal 190:5-7 people

Regal 220:8–10 people

Heating time

Regal 190:1.5–2.5 h

Regal 220:2–3 h

Interior/Exterior diameter

Regal 190:E: 190 cm
In: 171 cm

Regal 220:E: 222 cm
In: 200 cm

Price

Panel 190:
*starting at £5,050

Panel 220:
*starting at £5,950

*Tubs do not include filters, jet massaging, lights, flue guard protection, rain cowl.

The one and main difference is the size, and capacity, because of that the heating time and price increases. Both include an insulated lid and the Regal 220 includes a Flue guard.

More comparisons and technical info can be seen here: [Compare all models]

What makes the Regal premium and different from the Panel model? I find the heater integration to be more seamless, and the heater itself has a better DualBurn technology. Also it includes an insulated cover.

Anything else? I don't think so.

What people usually like about Skargards wood-fired hot tubs

Despite shunning high-tech complexity, the brand maintains a dedicated following. Here is what customers commonly appreciate:

  • Sleek Scandinavian Design: Clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

  • Established Reputation: Operating across Europe since the late 2000s, they have built trust.

  • High-Efficiency Stoves: Their DualBurn® technology* is a genuine innovation, bringing water to temperature faster than traditional wood-burners.

  • Ergonomic Seating: Fiberglass liners that offer comfort compared to traditional flat-bottomed wooden tubs.

  • Timber Cladding: The use of certified ThermoWood.

* "Thanks to a second chamber that transfers heat from the smoke, the DualBurn® stove can bring the water to bathing temperature in just  1.5-2.5 hours, whereas the standard stove requires 2-3 hours." [Skargards Regal]

Gardenvity’s approach to premium wood-fired hot tubs in the UK

Instead of leaning heavily on “heritage storytelling,” Gardenvity’s positioning is more straightforward: premium hot tubs, without unnecessary complexity, but with the option to add comfort features when they genuinely add value.

They offer an all-inclusive at home SPA experience and focus mainly on having the must features for a Hydro an Air massaging.

Gardenvity takes a modern approach to premium wood-fired hot tubs—combining Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics with practical design choices that suit British gardens, weather, and customer expectations.

Rather than offering a “one-size-fits-all” imported model, Gardenvity builds its tubs with everyday UK ownership in mind: durability, easy maintenance, efficient heating, and a clear buying experience from start to finish.

The UK climate is demanding—rain, wind, frost, and constant humidity can quickly expose weaknesses in materials and construction. Gardenvity addresses this by using:

  • A great filtering system: Every filtering system option includes the sand filter, UV-C lamp (for disinfecting),  matching wooden filter box (square or round), that helps to protect the filter system from the UK weather.

  • Premium Sand Filter: An Ultimate Three Step Filtration System.
    Components include: the sand filter, UV-C lamp, 3kW Heater, Prefilter and a Control Center. [Premium Sand Filter]

Component Overview

  • Sand filter

  • Blue Lagoon UV-C lamp

  • 3 kW Electric Heater, 220 V (Premium feature)
    Prevents the hot tub from freezing even in lower temperatures.

  • Prefilter (Premium feature)
    The prefilter catches debris before it even reaches the main filter.

  • Independent controls (Premium feature)
    Ensures convenient, customized operation while extending the lifespan of the UV-C lamp.

More about the filter [Premium Sand Filter]

Massage systems

They also offer almost fully customizable Air and Hydro massage systems. [Fully Customizable Massage Experience]

The customization is by seat. "Choose each massage seat individually and add as many hydro jets as you want."

Choose up to 28 Hydro massage nozzles and up to 12 Air massage nozzles.

They offer seperate Hydro Zones and Flow Adjustment [Hydro massage]

Why the Market Loves Them

Even in a crowded category, Gardenvity has earned a strong reputation with buyers who want a high-end wood-fired hot tub experience, but also want the purchasing process to feel easy and safe.

Here’s what customers typically appreciate most:

  • Clear, modern design: Minimalist aesthetics that fit both traditional and contemporary UK gardens—without looking like an oversized plastic spa.

  • Practical build choices: ThermoWood cladding, durable inserts, and insulation.

  • Comfort-first options (without forcing “high-tech”): you can keep it simple—or choose upgrades like jets, lighting, and filtration depending on your priorities.

  • Transparent pricing and buying experience: VAT-included pricing, clear delivery information, and an overall purchase flow.

  • Useful content: Gardenvity has many useful guides and blogs to learn more about the maintenance of a hot tub. [Guides & Resources]

Customers can order fully pre-configured models or use the online configurator to customize layouts, jets, lighting, and accessories.

Whether you have a compact urban garden or a sprawling country estate, there are options to match your space and usage habits.

Design & build

When comparing typical Skargards Scandinavian wood-fired tub design with Gardenvity’s approach, you’ll notice similarities and important differences in how products are optimised. Both traditions value natural materials and clean aesthetics.

The difference: Gardenvity offers both: Square and Round wood-fired hot tubs.

Also you can get a 1-2 person Ofuro shape, or an easy-entry hot tub.

Low-Profile Access for Effortless Entry

With its low height of just 72 cm, this hot tub offers remarkably easy entry and exit — especially compared to the ~1 m walls of traditional tubs.

The flat-bottom design ensures stability and comfort every time you step in or out.

Child-Safe & Family-Friendly Height

The lowered walls make this hot tub safer and more accessible for the whole family, including children and those with mobility challenges.

Forget the struggle of climbing over high sides — simply step in, relax, and enjoy.

Parents can rest easy knowing that the reduced height helps prevent slips or falls while making it easier to assist younger family members.

It’s a thoughtful design made for both comfort and peace of mind.

Brand Offered Features

Kirami UK logo with blue text enclosed by an abstract blue circular line design.

Skargards

Gardenvity

Insert options

Skargards:Fiberglass
1 color

Gardenvity:Fiberglass, Acrylic
8 Fiberglass colors, 5 Acrylic

Cladding and exterior finish

Skargards:Thermowood
1 color available.

Gardenvity:Thermowood
3 colors available.

Heaters

Skargards:Integrated: Classic or DualBurn® technology, AISI 316

Gardenvity:*Integrated: Standart, Verta™, Horizon™
*External: Octa

Skargards:*All Gardenvity heaters have options for 2 types of stainless steel and heat output ranging from 20kW to 39kW.

Filter

Skargards:Polymer balls filtration system
No filter box

Gardenvity:Sand filter, filter box, UV-C.
Can be upgraded. [Premium Sand Filter]

Massage options

Skargards:Air: 1 jet

Gardenvity:Hydro: up to 28 jets
Air: up to 12 jets

Both brands offer Premium features.

Gardenvity is the choice for a personalized spa experience, offering advanced hydrotherapy jets, high-end finishes, and extensive wood options.

Skargards prioritizes simplicity, delivering standardized, quality Swedish tubs, though with fewer massage and comfort upgrades.

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