New vs Second Hand Wood Fired Hot Tub: Is It Worth Saving Money?

Buying a wood fired hot tub is an exciting decision. You’ve probably spent time browsing online, imagining relaxing evenings in your garden, and you’ve now landed on the big question should you go for a brand new one or save some cash by picking up a second hand model?

It’s a fair question. The price difference can look very tempting at first glance. But there’s a lot more to consider than the upfront cost. This guide walks you through every angle so you can make a confident, informed choice.

What Does a New Wood Fired Hot Tub Actually Give You?

When you buy a new wood fired hot tub, you’re not just paying for the tub itself you’re paying for peace of mind, full control over the product, and a known history from day one.

Here’s what comes with a new purchase:

Manufacturer’s warranty

Most new wood fired hot tubs come with at least a one to two-year warranty on the structure and stove components. If anything goes wrong within that period, you’re covered. With a second hand tub, that warranty is typically gone, or transferred in a very limited way.

No hidden wear

Wood degrades over time, especially when it’s exposed to water, heat, and outdoor weather. A new tub means the timber is fresh, the seals are intact, and the stove has never been used. You won’t be inheriting someone else’s maintenance problems.

Correct assembly and delivery

Reputable suppliers deliver new tubs with all the fittings, instructions, and in some cases professional installation support. With a second hand tub, you often collect what’s there missing parts, worn fittings, and no guarantee everything is watertight.

Choice of specification

Buying new lets you choose your size, wood type, stove position (internal or external), and any add-ons you want. Second hand means you take what’s available, not necessarily what suits your garden or your needs.

The Real Appeal of Second Hand and Its Real Risks

Let’s be honest. A second hand wood fired hot tub for sale can save you a few hundred pounds upfront, and for some buyers that’s genuinely worth it. But it comes with risks that are easy to underestimate.

What You Might Save

A new wood fired hot tub typically costs anywhere from £1,500 to £4,000+ depending on size, wood quality, and stove type. Second hand models can appear on marketplaces for £400 to £1,200. On paper, that looks like a significant saving.

What You Might Actually Spend

Here’s where it gets more complicated. Consider the following hidden costs that often come with a second hand wood fired hot tub:

Repair and refurbishment

Wooden stave tubs are prone to warping, cracking, and leaking if they’ve been left to dry out between uses or stored incorrectly. Fixing leaks, replacing staves, or re-treating the wood can easily cost £200 to £500 or more.

Stove replacement

The wood-burning stove is the most mechanically demanding part of a hot tub setup. If the previous owner used it heavily or didn’t clean it properly, the stove may be damaged internally — flue corrosion, cracked firebox, or poor draw. A replacement stove alone can cost £300 to £800.

Delivery and reassembly

Second hand tubs are usually flat-packed or partially dismantled for collection. Transporting a large wooden tub, then reassembling it correctly so it doesn’t leak, is harder than it looks. If you get it wrong, you’ll spend hours troubleshooting before you ever get in.

Missing components

Filters, drainage plugs, cover lids, benches, thermometers — these small parts add up quickly if they’re not included in the sale.

No returns

Private sellers rarely offer returns. If you get the tub home and it doesn’t hold water or the stove won’t draw properly, you have very little recourse.

How to Assess a Second Hand Wood Fired Hot Tub Properly?

If you’re still drawn to the second hand route, you can reduce your risk significantly by knowing exactly what to inspect before you commit.

Check the wood condition carefully

Look for black mould, soft spots, or visible cracks in the staves. Run your hand along the inside — it should feel smooth and solid. Any sponginess or discoloration suggests water damage or rot.

Fill it before you buy it

. Ideally, ask the seller to fill the tub so you can check for leaks. A tub that’s been dry for months may swell and reseal once water is added, but it may also never seal properly again. Don’t take the risk without seeing it wet.

Inspect the stove thoroughly

Look inside the firebox for cracks, rust, or ash build-up that suggests poor maintenance. Check the flue connection points for gaps or corrosion. Ask how old the stove is and how regularly it was serviced.

Ask for the full history

How long has it been owned? Has it been used year-round or seasonally? Has it ever leaked? Has the stove been replaced? A seller who can’t answer these questions confidently is a red flag.

Check the hoops and fittings

The metal bands holding the tub together should be tight, rust-free, and evenly spaced. Loose or rusty hoops indicate the wood has shrunk, which often means leaks.

New vs Second Hand: A Clear Comparison

Who Should Buy New, and Who Should Consider Second Hand?

Buy new if:

• This is your first wood fired hot tub and you’re not confident inspecting one
• You want a specific size or configuration for your garden
• You’re making a long-term investment and want it to last 10+ years
• You don’t have the time or budget to repair problems after purchase

Consider second hand if:

• You have hands-on experience with wooden tubs and know what to look for
• You can inspect it in person before buying and see it filled with water
• You have access to a carpenter or craftsperson who can fix any issues cheaply
• You’re buying it as a temporary solution while saving for a new one

What Makes a Good New Wood Fired Hot Tub Worth the Price?

Not all new tubs are equal. When you’re looking at wood fired hot tubs for sale, these are the quality markers that separate a tub worth buying from one that’ll cause problems in year two:

Timber quality

Nordic spruce and Canadian cedar are the most common choices. Cedar naturally resists moisture and has antibacterial properties. Spruce is more affordable but still performs well when treated properly.

Stove construction

Look for a stove with a 3mm or thicker stainless steel firebox. Thinner metal warps faster under repeated heating cycles. The flue should be long enough to draw properly in British weather conditions.

Hoop and band system

The steel bands should be marine-grade or galvanized to resist rust in outdoor conditions. They should be adjustable so they can be tightened as the wood settles over the first months.

Cover quality

A good insulating cover keeps heat in between sessions and dramatically reduces the wood you burn to reheat. Many budget tubs skimp here check the cover thickness before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a new wood fired hot tub last?

 A well-maintained new wood fired hot tub made from quality timber should last 10 to 20 years. Proper care keeping it filled, treating the wood annually, and cleaning the stove regularly — has a major impact on lifespan.

Is a second hand wood fired hot tub cheaper overall?

 Not always. Once you factor in repairs, missing parts, and potential stove replacement, many buyers find the total cost is close to or more than a new entry-level model. The upfront saving doesn’t always reflect the full picture.

What should I pay for a wood fired hot tub for sale in the UK?

 New models typically start around £1,500 for a basic 2-person setup and go up to £4,000+ for larger 4-6 person tubs with external stoves and premium timber. Second hand prices vary widely, from £300 for a worn tub needing work, to £1,500 for a well-maintained recent model.

Can a second hand wooden hot tub be repaired if it leaks?

Often yes, but it depends on the cause. If the tub has simply dried out, soaking it in water for several days can cause the wood to swell and reseal. If individual staves are cracked or rotted, they need to be replaced — which requires skill and the right timber.

Do I need planning permission for a wood fired hot tub in the UK?

In most cases, no. A wood fired hot tub is treated as a garden feature and doesn’t require planning permission as long as it’s not in a listed building or a specially designated area. Always check with your local authority if you’re unsure.

What’s the running cost of a wood fired hot tub compared to electric?

 Wood fuel is generally much cheaper than electricity for heating water. A typical session uses around one to two hours of burning dry hardwood logs to reach temperature. For regular users in the UK, annual fuel costs are often a fraction of what an electric hot tub would cost to run.

How do I maintain a wood fired hot tub in winter in the UK?

 Keep it filled with water an empty tub in cold weather will dry and crack. Use a quality cover, treat the wood before winter, and empty and clean the stove flue to prevent blockages. Many owners use their tubs year-round, which is actually better for the wood than leaving it unused.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single right answer here. For the right buyer someone experienced, patient, and willing to put in work a second hand wood fired hot tub can be good value. But for most people, a new tub is the better investment. You get a full warranty, a known condition, the right size for your garden, and the confidence that your first soak won’t be followed by an unexpected repair bill.

If you’re seriously considering a wood fired hot tub for sale, take the time to understand exactly what you’re buying before you commit. The best decisions are made with complete information and this guide gives you exactly that.

Thinking about making the switch to a wood fired hot tub? Browse our range of handcrafted wooden hot tubs at Tamed Ocean and find the right size and specification for your outdoor space.