Uncategorized | Top Wood Fired Hot Tub UK Brands

A wood-fired hot tub from Skargards with the main components added on package — Photo credit: Skargards

Photo credit: Skargards

What does the tagline “From £XX” really mean when browsing the e-stores of wood-fired hot tub manufacturers, such as Gardenvity, Royal Tubs, Skargards, and others? How much is this figure going to change by the time you’ve added all of the essential parts to your cart and you’re ready to check out your completed ready-to-use wood-fired hot tub kit? Brands either choose to show the lowest possible price first and then offer a wide range of extra components as accessories, or they will include the essential parts in a package to save you the trouble of checking boxes to give you a realistic price. If you’re looking to purchase a wood-fired hot tub for ultimate comfort and relaxation, keep reading to learn about the differences between the top wood-fired hot tub brands in the UK.

Let’s compare each brand’s basic package when you click on a hot tub model from their product list.

A glimpse into a brand’s hot tub kit contents

Here’s a quick summary:

Gardenvity offers all the essential parts as standard in their all-inclusive hot tub packages (unless you are choosing from their premium models, where you select most components yourself). The price will only be slightly altered if you add on additional accessories.
Royal Tubs allow you to choose from their special offers with a fixed price as they keep those models in stock with the most necessary parts packaged and ready to load onto the delivery truck. Only minor additions are possible to that, or you can design your own hot tub and obtain a personal quote based on your chosen specifications.
Kirami (The Log Company) hot tub kits have many parts included to meet your basic hot tub needs. For the ultimate relaxation and comfort, you’ll need to add on massage and water filtration systems at extra cost.
TimberIN’s starting prices may be very low, but you’ll soon realise that the basic kits for some models do not include a heater, for example. There are variations between different product lines when you are customising your ideal hot tub kit. Have patience as you browse through the various options since you’ll only see the total price once you have a complete hot tub kit.
Lastly, Skargards’ product prices almost double after you select all the necessary parts to use your hot tub as a modern spa properly.

Comparing the essential hot tub components included in wood-fired hot tub kits at initial price. You can download and print the comparison table below for your needs.

Column of what Gardenvity adds to their kit at the initial price

Column of what Royal Tubs add to their kit at the initial price

Gardenvity	Royal Tubs*	Kirami (The Log Company)	TimberIN	Skargards
Gardenvity		Royal Tubs*		Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN		Skargards		Wooden hot tub with a liner**
Gardenvity	Heater, chimney, heat guard, rain cowl	Royal Tubs*	Heater, chimney, heat guard, rain cowl	Kirami (The Log Company)	Heater, chimney, heat shield, rain cowl	TimberIN	Heater, chimney, heat guard Not included in initial offer with cheaper models	Skargards	Heater, chimney Heat guard, rain cowl	Heater and chimney
Gardenvity		Royal Tubs*		Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN	Not included in initial offer with cheaper models	Skargards		Steps
Gardenvity	Insulated artificial leather cover	Royal Tubs*	Insulated artificial leather or wooden lid (depends on the model)	Kirami (The Log Company)	ABS plastic lid	TimberIN	Fiberglass lid, insulated artificial leather or wooden lid Not included in initial offer with cheaper models	Skargards		Cover
Gardenvity	Integrated cartridge or sand filter (depending on the model) Must be added for Premium models	Royal Tubs*		Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN		Skargards		Water filter**
Gardenvity	Air and/or hydro massage jets Must be added for Premium models	Royal Tubs*	Air and hydro massage jets in Deluxe	Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN	Hydro massage (only included for some models)	Skargards		SPA system**
Gardenvity	Must be added for Premium models	Royal Tubs*		Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN	Only included for some models	Skargards		LED llighting**

Download PDF

*Only the information for special orders of the Royal Tubs hot tub kits is shown. For a customized hot tub kit, each component must be manually selected and there is no initial price shown prior to checkout.

**None of the manufacturers include a liner in any all-wood hot tub models. Components requiring electric power are also not included in any manufacturer’s off-the-grid models.

Let’s dive into the specifics, shall we?

Gardenvity

This brand is our clear favourite in terms of showing the customer the price in the clearest and fairest way. What you see on the product page is how much you’re going to spend on your hot tub with the essential parts included in their “all-inclusive package”. That kit is built to contain all that you will need – just have a look at the screenshot from one of their product pages below:

From the base model, you can then add accessories such as a minibar, glass holders, hearth plate and chimney extension, depending on your needs. Unless you add on these extras, the price shown is pretty much the final price you’re going to pay.

With Gardenvity’s premium models, however, you get the hot tub with an acrylic liner, heater and chimney with heat guards and rain cowl, insulated cover and high-flow tap already included, but then you’re offered to customise the water filtration, massage, lighting and similar features which adds to the overall price.

Royal Tubs

On the Royal Tubs website, you face two paths when it comes to your hot tub kit: You can opt for a pre-packaged special offer with a fixed price which is almost instantly ready to ship to your backyard, or you can click on the “Design Your Hot Tub” option to select each component separately then receive a personal quote.

Royal Tubs’ special offers include all of the parts you need to use your hot tub safely and comfortably, except for a water filter, which you are offered and can add on before you checkout, same as a minibar.

Here’s a snapshot of the parts that are included in one of Royal Tubs’ special offers:

Displaying a Royal Tubs special offer with its price and the parts included in the deal.

Kirami (The Log Company)

When buying a wooden hot tub from Kirami, the basic kit may be all you need. Below is an outline of the parts that are included as shown on their website:

The parts included inone of the Kirami wood-fired hot tub package.

What’s missing for your complete relaxation and comfort that you can expect from a modern wood-fired hot tub, we believe, are the massage and water filtration systems. You can add these, of course, for an extra fee that will increase the initial price of the hot tub kit.

TimberIN

Ugh… It takes a bit of time to get to grips with TimberIN’s user experience and pricing approach, but we believe we’ve finally managed it to be able to provide you with this summary.

TimberIN’s initial price (“from £XX”) includes a hot tub with or without a liner (depends on the model), wooden stairs, a stirring paddle and a fibreglass or a wooden lid. If you find yourself wondering why this price would not include the heater (we’re talking about a hot tub, not a cold one, after all), then you’re not alone – it’s quite weird to us, too.

BUT! That’s not the case with all models, since if you start customising, for example, their Wellness Royal model, the heater is there, included in the initial price. The Royal model will also include a heat guard and a minibar (not included for some other models).

So, you have to play around with the options and accessories for each TimberIN hot tub model since there’s no uniform approach when it comes to their offered wooden hot tub kits. After patiently checking the parts included in the hot tub kits or that have to be ordered as accessories for different models, the hydro and air massage, electric heating, water filtration systems and water discharge valves have to be added to the cart for any model, which increases the initial price.

As mentioned in our previous article, TimberIN’s specifics are that their prices are shown in Euros (lucky us – conversion rates are in favour of the Pound sterling), but they do not include shipping, VAT and UK customs fees, so the final bill will be quite different from the tempting prices shown initially on their product pages.

Skargards

Visiting Skargards’ glamorous e-store, you’ll see the “from £XX” prices shown with each model, but this isn’t the price you’ll ultimately pay for your complete hot tub kit.
The price of the basic package only covers the hot tub with a liner and the heater and chimney (but without a heat guard or rain cowl). Any other components, from an insulated lid to water filtration or massage systems, have to be added to your cart as extra items – for nearly double the initial price. As you’re unlikely to be able to enjoy the full relaxing, comfortable, safe and enjoyable hot tub experience without stairs, a water filter, massage system, cover or heat guard, our conclusion is that Skargards’ hot tub kit is not complete without paying extra for those essential parts.

Ready to learn more about the components of wood-fired hot tubs?

If you’re keen to get a better understanding of the main components and technologies used in modern wood-fired hot tubs and the benefits of each accessory, check out these two blog posts on our website.

The first article will help you to decide which hot tub types and features best suit your needs. The next article details the wood-fired hot tub accessories you do and don’t need and how they add to your experience.

Take care!

Reading the wood-fired hot tub warranty and payment details

Let’s say, you need to compare Skargards, Royal Tubs, Gardenvity and other top wood-fired hot tub brands’ warranty and payment terms and conditions. Reading long and complex documentation can be an especially laborious, not to mention confusing, task. Even so, to ensure you understand your rights as a consumer, it’s essential to read them as best as you can. Since many hot tub producers have production facilities outside the UK, it is important for them to consider how to handle defects covered by the warranty. Shipping has become more difficult in the wake of the pandemic, so when you are purchasing a new hot tub, make sure to pay special attention to who is obligated to cover transportation costs if you have purchased a defective hot tub or if you simply want to return it to the manufacturer if you don’t like it.

Let’s take a look at how each hot tub brand makes it easy, or not so easy, for you to buy your selected hot tub model. Is it straightforward and secure enough, or do you have to go through a million clicks to finally place your order?

Summary of warranty conditions from different manufacturers

Check out the list below for a condensed summary of general warranty conditions and requirements that seem like common sense but they still need clarification.

1. Hot tub manufacturers will typically guarantee that the items they are supplying are free from manufacturing defects upon delivery.

2. The warranty will typically have different set periods for different parts of the hot tub. Most wood-fired hot tub manufacturers provide a general 24-month warranty for households and 12 months for business entities. This leaves you with some fine print to read about which parts are covered for a shorter period than others under the warranty.

3. As a hot tub owner, you must guarantee that the hot tub is assembled correctly by following the accompanying instruction manuals provided by the manufacturer.

4. At times, a manufacturer may not be able to offer any guarantees if they do not have complete control over certain situations where the warranty cannot be applied or will be rendered void:

If you are using coal or any other wood alternatives as a fuel. This is because the higher burning temperatures may damage the heater components, cause deformation, leaks or other defects.
If you cause damage, such as structural or mechanical damage, to the hot tub and any of its components due to incorrect handling, storage, installation, operation or negligence.
If you modify or repair the hot tub without consulting the manufacturer and without their written consent.
If you use unauthorised spare parts.
If you connect any items to your hot tub without prior (written) approval from the manufacturer.
If you experience accidental damage, which is not the fault of manufacturing.
If you experience damage due to freezing. Every hot tub manufacturer will provide you with instructions for avoiding this, but if you do not follow those instructions, you cannot necessarily expect to claim under the warranty.
If corrosion occurs due to the use of unsuitable chemicals and/or incorrect dosing.
If you fail to complete maintenance as instructed by the manufacturer.
If defects occur as a result of a natural disaster or the forces of nature, such as a flood, fire or storm.
If the hot tub operation is not perfect due to the individual characteristics of its settings. For instance, mould appears due to lack of ventilation or weak chimney draught when the hot tub is on a low level.
If signs of general wear and tear begin to show due to normal hot tub use.

5. Some natural characteristics and behaviour of the wood materials used in producing the hot tub may also not be covered by warranty, including:

If there are leaks in a newly-built all-wood hot tub. The timber parts must come into contact with water to swell and seal up, which can take 3-5 days in most cases, but under certain conditions or for some types of wood, this may take even longer.
Varying grains and knots or discolouration, depending on atmospheric conditions.
If cracking or splitting of the timber occurs due to expanding and contracting cycles as a result of changes in humidity and temperature. Don’t worry though, as these changes do not affect the overall integrity of the timber.

5. Wear and tear, burning and changes in the shape of the heater grate and door, along with other inner parts of the chamber, are also normal due to metal reacting with high temperatures. These are also not subject to warranty.

6. Make sure you hire a competent electrician to make the necessary connections and testing for your hot tub. If not, you risk losing the warranty, but even more importantly, your health and life.

7. Finally, ensure you inspect the hot tub closely upon arrival and take note of any missing parts or damage caused by transportation to avoid any delays in resolving any issues that have arisen during the time in delivering the hot tub from the factory to your backyard.

Are there warranty differences between manufacturers?

The warranty policy might look like a copied and pasted block of generic text, but you should ensure you read it carefully. In doing so, you should notice some differences between the warranties provided by different manufacturers. Because we know how daunting a task it can be to read through dense warranty booklets, we’ve done the hard yards for you. Below are some important points about warranties to keep in mind when purchasing a hot tub, as there are differences between the warranties offered by different manufacturers.

Warranty period

A 24-month general material and manufacturing guarantee is provided by The Log Company (Kirami), Gardenvity, Skargards and TimberIN.

For commercial clients, some companies give a shorter warranty period, for instance, 12 months from Skargards and 6 months from The Log Company (Kirami).

In our research, we found no warranty periods shown openly on Royal Tubs’ website. If you are considering buying a hot tub from this brand, you should make sure to request the details by contacting them or entering into a purchase contract.

What parts are covered by warranty?

Gardenvity provides customers with a clear outline of which parts have a shorter 12-month warranty. These include steps, wooden side shelves, glass holders, insulated faux leather cover, thermometer, heater door and ash drawer. Other parts of the unit come with a two-year warranty period.

Royal Tubs does not provide a warranty for any wooden parts. This manufacturer makes it clear that you should fill the fully wooden models with water within seven days after delivery to avoid excessive shrinkage, and they recommend keeping the tub filled at all times.

Other manufacturers make no distinction, at least on their websites, between warranties for different parts, providing the same overall warranty period.

Who fits the replaced parts?

Royal Tubs require you as an owner to fit the replaced defective part under warranty.

TimberIN offers to cover the repairs invoice if you find a local repairman to fix the issues under their product warranty.

Other brands, however, don’t explicitly comment on the matter, so our general understanding would be that the manufacturer takes full responsibility for any such repairs.

Will the manufacturer replace a defective hot tub with a new one?

When it is not possible or economical to repair or replace some hot tub elements, some manufacturers, such as Gardenvity and Skargards, note in their terms and conditions that they will reimburse the full price or provide an equivalent replacement unit to the buyer.

Important questions about hot tub warranty details

Payment process for the top 5 UK wood-fired hot tub brands

Skargards

We are big fans of the simple payment method offered by Skargards. After building your hot tub package and adding it to your shopping cart, you’ll be taken to the checkout. The VAT amount is shown with the final price of the product so it is clear and easy to understand just how much you are paying.

You can opt for a secure checkout with encrypted SSL technology using your Visa, Mastercard or American Express card, make a transfer to their bank account, or choose to pay the invoice within 15 days after delivery.

However, Skargards do not offer the ability to pay in instalments.

When you purchase a hot tub unit from Skargards, you have the benefit of a 40-day right of withdrawal if the product does not meet your expectations.