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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a wood-fired and an electric hot tub?
A wood-fired bathtub like Bohemen is heated with real fire. You need no electrical connection, no fixed installation. Place it where you want it, fill with water, and light the fire. Heating takes roughly two hours. An electric hot tub requires power, installation and has higher running costs. But above all, it lacks what makes the outdoor bath an experience: the fire, the scent, the feeling that everything takes the time it takes.
Where should I place my wood-fired bathtub?
Choose a flat, stable surface. Stone slabs, concrete or compacted gravel work well. Avoid wooden decks without extra fire protection beneath the tub. Make sure there is good ventilation around the stove and at least one metre from combustible materials. Think about where you have water for filling and draining. Bohemen weighs roughly 55 kilos empty and is easily carried by two people, so you can move it with the seasons and your mood.
Does the metal get so hot that you risk burning yourself?
No, no danger. The metal in the bathtub never gets hotter than the water. The stove pipe, on the other hand, gets hot, so we have equipped it with a heat protection.
How do I maintain a wood-fired bathtub?
Empty and rinse the tub after each bath with a soft brush and clean water. Wash the inside with a mild detergent when needed. Clear the stove of ash. Check that the drain works as it should. Bohemen is made from stainless steel and corten steel, materials that handle weather year after year. Compared to wooden tubs that need oiling and can crack, the maintenance is minimal.
Can I place a wood-fired bathtub on my terrace or deck?
Yes, it is ok because the stove is inside the tub. However, be sure to place it on sturdy, load-bearing joists - the tub filled with water and bath can weigh around 850kg.
Also make sure to prepare where the water will be released after a bath.
If the water takes on a yellowish-brown tone after the first bath: empty the tub and clean it thoroughly. On delivery, the tub's wooden details are oiled with raw linseed oil, which is washed out under water. The oil in combination with the wood's natural pigments can slightly color the water, something that diminishes with each use. Therefore, do not leave water in the tub after use for the first few baths.
Please note! Natural pigments can release from the oak interior and frame when the tub is new, even before it has been filled with water the first few times.It can cause discoloration under the tub if it is placed on a light surface, such as light-colored tiles or a light-colored wooden deck. Our recommendation is therefore to place the tub on a non-damaging surface the first few times the tub is filled with water to ensure that no discoloration occurs.
How long does it take to heat a wood-fired bathtub?
With Bohemen it takes roughly two hours to reach 38 to 40 degrees. It varies with the outdoor temperature and how cold the water is to begin with. In winter it may take a little longer.
Use dry birch wood for the fastest heating. Stir the water at regular intervals so the heat distributes evenly. Think of the heating as part of the evening, not an obstacle. Light the stove, watch the fire burn down, go out and enjoy. It is not time you lose. It is time you gain.
Can I connect a water filter to the Bohemen bathtub?
Yes, the Bohemen has two connections on the back that allow you to run water out to a filter and return clean water back into the tub.
Over-the-edge water filters are available if you want to reuse the same water for up to a week. The filter removes particles and debris but not bacteria - for that you need salt tablets. Do not use chlorine as it may discolour the aluminium.
What is the difference between a round hot tub and a rectangular outdoor bathtub?
Round wooden hot tubs are the traditional shape. They often fit four to six people and take longer to heat. They require more upkeep: oiling, sealing, sometimes replacing staves.
Bohemen is a rectangular outdoor bathtub in aluminium and corten steel. It fits one to two people, heats faster, is easier to drain and needs minimal maintenance. The shape makes it simpler to place on a terrace or in a corner of the garden. It is a different way to bathe. More personal, more spontaneous.
How do I protect the aluminium in a wood-fired bathtub from corrosion?
The Bohemen is made from marine-grade aluminium (alloy 5754) with a wooden interior. When the tub is new, the aluminium surface is shiny and more sensitive to corrosion. For that reason, do not keep the same water for more than 2 days during the first year - even with water treatment.
Over time, aluminium develops a natural oxide layer that protects it from corrosion - especially when it is exposed to outdoor weather while dry. This gives it both a characteristic look and long-term durability.
If you wish to keep the same water longer than 2 days, it must be continuously circulated through a filter pump to prevent discolouration on the submerged aluminium.
When not in use, leave the tub empty and dry outdoors to allow the aluminium to build its natural protective surface.
How much water does a wood-fired bathtub need?
Bohemen holds roughly 250 litres. That is half of what many round hot tubs require. Less water means faster heating and less firewood.
If you drain the tub after each bath, a garden hose is enough for refilling. The water can be drained onto the lawn if you have not used chemicals. If you want to keep the water longer, up to a week, you can use a water filter and salt tablets.
Can I use a wood-fired bathtub in winter?
Yes, and winter is peak season. Few things beat a warm outdoor bath when it is cold and dark. Bohemen is built to handle Swedish winters.
Expect heating to take a little longer in sub-zero temperatures. Fill with lukewarm water if you can, it speeds up the process. Do not leave water standing in the tub if there is risk of deep frost when you are not heating. Drain and turn the tub over, or make sure the stove keeps the water above freezing.
What does it cost to run a wood-fired bathtub compared to an electric one?
The running cost of a wood-fired bathtub is essentially just firewood. One bath in Bohemen requires roughly 5 to 7 kilos of dry wood. If you have access to your own firewood, it costs practically nothing.
An electric hot tub draws a lot of power, especially to keep the water warm between baths. With current electricity prices, it can add up to thousands of kronor per month. A wood-fired solution has no fixed running cost, no pumps that can break, no electrical installation. You pay for wood and get fire as a bonus.
How long does the water stay warm in a wood-fired bathtub?
In Bohemen the water stays comfortably warm for roughly one to two hours after you stop heating, depending on the outdoor temperature. Summer evenings it lasts longer. Cold winter days the temperature drops faster.
You can keep heating during the bath to maintain the temperature. The stove sits inside the tub, so you control the heat yourself. Stir the water now and then, especially near the stove. The water there can get warmer than in the rest of the tub.
How do I care for the wooden interior of a wood-fired bathtub?
The wooden interior of the Bohemen needs regular cleaning to stay in good condition. Here is how:
- Clean the wooden parts thoroughly with soap and a stiff brush
- Let the wood dry slowly in a cool, dark space - preferably an unheated storage room
- After cleaning, avoid drying wet wooden parts in direct sunlight or warmth, as this may cause cracks
How do I maintain the wooden interior?
In two ways: not at all , or with crude linseed oil at regular intervals. If you do not oil the oak, it will eventually have a beautiful silver-gray color, and with oiling it retains its brownish-yellow color.
Your bathtub's interior is oiled with raw linseed oil upon delivery to you. It is entirely on your own responsibility if you want to try another vegetable oil. Remember to wipe off any oil that get on the aluminium as it can cause stains if allowed to dry. Clean the wooden interior with soapy water and a soft brush.
Allow the interior to dry completely before you apply oil. Make sure to oil the end wood of the wooden ribs thoroughly. The humidity depends on where in the country you live. You've probably gained an insight into it by seeing how the growth of organisms is on for example your outdoor furniture. You can grind away dark spots that occur on the interior of your bathtub and then apply oil. Some customers prefer that the wooden interior have a rustic character and if so, do not use any oil. Then it becomes completely silvery gray over time.
Is there a lid or cover?
Yes there is cover for Bohemen in strong and durable marine textiles.
The cover Regntyg prevents falling leaves, debris and rainwater from ending up in the bathtub. Regntyg is made of heavy-duty marine textile that is water- and dirt repellent. The cover is held in place by velcro at the corners and sides and the hexagonal wooden stick that holds the Bohemen backrest in place making a ridge when threaded through the cover, causing the water to drain instead of collect in puddles.
How do I empty the water after bathing?
You connect a hose to the flange of the tap hole and divert the water to the appropriate drain. Check with your municipality what is best suited where you live. If you have your wood-burning bathtub on the countryside, you can let the water out on the lawn or drag the water to a ditch.
Find instructions how to attach a hose to the taphole in the Bohemen manual
Can I move my wood-burning bathtub?
Bohemen is easy to move if you want to take your bath somewhere else. Remove all equipment from the tub to make it easier. Two people can easily carry an aluminum bathtub for a shorter distance. You can hardly do that with a hot tub!
How do I winterize and store my outdoor bathtub?
It is of course possible to use it during the winter. If you want to winter store the tub, remove all loose parts. Oil the wooden frame with for example teak oil. Wipe off any spillage that drip on the aluminium. Lay out two rough wooden rails on the ground and place the tub upside down on them. Make sure that air can flow between the wooden frame of the tub and the ground. Oil the visibly exposed wood-edge of the tub. If you put a tarpaulin over the tub, you must not make a dense environment around it, it must be airy.
Clean and oil the interior after it has dried. Preferably store it in a cold storage room.
Why use aluminium instead of stainless steel for outdoor bathtubs?
We want the bathtubs to be easy to move and able to age developing their own beautiful character over the years. Over time, scratches and stains merge with the surrounding surface. Aluminium is attacked by oxidisation and when attacked, it forms a protective layer with the effect that the aluminum gets self-healing. Clean your wood-burning tub with soap and use only soft cloths or sponges that cannot scratch the plate.
Can I use a wood-fired bathtub indoors or in a greenhouse?
No, the Bohemen is designed exclusively for outdoor use. Never use the bathtub in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces such as:
- Tents or party tents
- Greenhouses
- Garages or carports
- Cabins, houses, or other buildings
Wood burning produces carbon monoxide, which is odourless and can be life-threatening in poorly ventilated spaces. The bathtub must always stand freely outdoors with good ventilation around the chimney pipe.
Is it safe to bathe with children in a wood-fired hot tub?
Children must never be left unsupervised near the bathtub - whether during or after bathing. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, even in shallow water.
Follow these guidelines:
- Children must always have an adult at their side throughout the entire bath
- Recommended water temperature for children and elderly is 35–37°C (max 40°C for adults)
- Always drain the bathtub after use so children cannot fall in
- The Bohemen does not include a thermometer - use an external pool thermometer to check the temperature
What are the fire safety rules for a wood-fired bathtub?
To use the Bohemen safely, always follow these rules:
- Never light a fire without water in the tub - the stove may warp or get damaged
- Water level must be at least 10 cm above the circulation pipes inside the stove
- Only use dry firewood - never use lighter fluid, gasoline, alcohol, or other flammable liquids
- Always use the stove lid during firing - it controls airflow and protects against sparks
- Keep flammable materials (decking, furniture, hedges) at a safe distance from the chimney
- Never move the bathtub while it contains water or fire
How do I look after the touch guard and chimney pipe on a wood-fired bathtub?
The touch guard and chimney pipe need some attention to avoid damage:
- The touch guard must never rest against the aluminium stove body or the water surface - it is made from a different alloy that can cause corrosion and discolouration through prolonged contact
- The chimney pipe should be removed when the bathtub is not in use to prevent wind damage
- Check regularly that the touch guard is properly positioned and not rubbing against the stove
How do I clean the aluminium shell of a wood-fired bathtub?
The aluminium in the Bohemen needs gentle cleaning to maintain its appearance and durability:
- Use mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge
- Never use a pressure washer - it can damage the surface
- Avoid abrasive cleaning agents and rough brushes that could scratch the aluminium
- Avoid strong chemicals and cleaning products
- Never place objects made of other metals (e.g. stainless steel) inside the tub - this can cause rust spots through galvanic corrosion
Over time, the aluminium develops a natural patina that protects the surface. This oxide layer is desirable and should not be scrubbed away.
How do I empty the ash from the stove in a wood-fired bathtub?
The stove in the Bohemen performs best when it is free of ash. Here is how to empty it:
- Make sure the stove is completely cold before you start
- Lift the stove out of the tub
- Turn it upside down and shake the ash out
- Empty the ash regularly for the best airflow and more efficient burning
A clean stove heats faster and burns more efficiently.
Can you put a bathtub on a deck?
There are several ways to place a bathtub on a deck - you can either simply place it straight on the wooden deck, or you can choose to sink it in. Both approaches have pros and cons, like anything else. A sunken bathtub can give a more streamlined look, but it requires planning your deck construction or how you will rebuild your existing deck so you can easily access the parts you might need if you have to replace a gasket or adjust something.
Depending on the model, it is also possible to place a bathtub directly on a deck. Here you need to think about the fact that a large bathtub full of water and nine or ten bathers can weigh nearly three tonnes. That puts a lot of stress on the beams and posts in your deck, so you need to position the bathtub correctly in relation to the supporting beams.
Bathtub on a deck
Hikki's Bohemen outdoor bath can be placed on a deck because it has an internal firebox. Bohemen is a small bathtub for two adults and two small children, and unlike larger bathtubs it requires significantly less water to fill and less wood to heat. This also makes it considerably lighter than a large bathtub - about 850 kg instead of nearly 3 tonnes when water and bathers are in. Although Bohemen is light compared to a larger bathtub, 850kg is still quite heavy, so make sure you place the bath's feet on the supporting beams.
One advantage of choosing Bohemen over a large bathtub is that you do not need to modify your deck. The bath is also light enough that it is easy to lift it onto a trailer to take to a cottage if you wish - two people can lift it without difficulty.
It is important to remember that regardless of whether you choose to place a large bathtub or an outdoor bath on your deck, you must follow the rules that apply where you live. Check with the fire service and safety office at your local council for more information!