Bohemen Wood-Fired 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.

If you prefer to take a bath with your partner, friend or alone, a wood-fired bathtub is the best choice since it has fast heating and requires less water than a hot tub, you don't have to plan far in advance when to take a bath. Little effort and the joy of being spontaneous allows you to use it often. Our customers also highlight the minimal maintenance of bathtubs and durability as crucial factors in choosing between a wood-fired bathtub or the bigger hot tub. It should also be added that our customers value the design as well! And that makes us very happy.

You pay for the form and the material. Bohemen is drawn to stand in a garden and be looked at, not only used. The form is our own. The tub is aluminium, not plastic, and it is made in small series. The stove sits in the tub and is included, along with the backrests, floor grate, chimney pipes and plugs. If you want the most water for the money, there are cheaper tubs. If you want something other than what everyone else has, this is it.

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 45 kilos (the tub alone) and is easily carried by two people, so you can move it with the seasons and your mood.

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.

Bohemen comes without a lid. The rain cover is an accessory that keeps leaves and rain out, not an insulated lid. If you want to hold the heat longer between baths, plan for that as an extra. We would rather sell you what you need than what looks good in a bundle.

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 saltwater-resistant aluminium with an oak interior. The aluminium handles weather year after year and never needs oiling. The oak likes a little linseed oil now and then.

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.

It is a choice. Less water means less firewood, a shorter wait and a tub two people can carry. If more than four of you bathe often, a large round tub is the right buy, and we say so in the comparison.

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.

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.

Water filters that hang over the edge of the tub are available if you want to keep using the same water for longer. The filter removes particles and debris but not bacteria. For disinfection, we recommend a mild, chlorine-free water treatment that is suitable for aluminium. Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions. Even with filtration and water treatment, we recommend using the same water for no more than a week.

See installation instructions in the Bohemen manual

Bohemen has two connections on the back , it is so that you can direct the water to a sand filter and lead fresh water back into the tub. See how to do the installation in the Bohemen manual

Water filtration placed over the edge of the tub is available, if you want to use the same water for a whole week. The filter removes particles and debris but not bacteria, for that you need to add salt tablets. Do not use chlorine in the water as it may discolor the aluminium. Hikki does not sell filters but they are available at spa shops.

How can I treat the water in the Bohemen without using chlorine?

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, we recommend that you do not keep the same water for more than 2 days during the first year – even if you use 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 and to keep the water clean.

💧 If you don’t have circulation (max 2 days):

• Use a mild, chlorine-free disinfectant (e.g. active oxygen or MyWater Spa Cleaner)
• Dose according to instructions for 500–600 litres
• Remove debris manually with a net or strainer
• Try to keep pH between 7.0 and 7.4
• Always shower before bathing to help keep the water fresh
• Drain the tub after max 2 days, especially when new

🔁 If you have a circulation pump (max 7 days):

• Use active oxygen + activator (e.g. SpaCare Oxybox) or bromine tablets in a floating dispenser (e.g. Planet Spa Brom Tabs)
• Let the water circulate for several hours each day
• Clean the filter as needed and maintain pH 7.0–7.4
• Always shower before bathing
• Watch for white spots or signs of discolouration on the metal
• Drain the tub after max 7 days

🌊 If you use lake or seawater

Natural water contains more microorganisms. We recommend you drain the tub immediately after each use if you fill it with lake or seawater.

🧼 Aftercare for the wooden interior:

• 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

🛠 Tips:

• Use water treatment sparingly and follow dosing instructions carefully
• Make sure the product is compatible with aluminium
• When in doubt – drain and refill with fresh water
• When not in use, leave the tub empty and dry outdoors to allow the aluminium to build its natural protective surface

Because that is the point. Bohemen is fire and water. It needs no electricity, no wifi, nothing to update. It works anywhere there is firewood: on the deck, by the cabin, down at the lake. We built it so you get away from the screen for a while, not bring it into the bath. If you want massage and lighting every evening, a spa is the right choice. Read more in wood-fired hot tub or electric spa.

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 oak. It fits two adults and two children, 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.

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.

You sit on oak. The interior, the backrests and the floor grate are oak, and that is what you feel. The aluminium is the tub around you, and when the water is warm, the tub is warm.

Bohemen holds roughly 600 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 for longer, you can use a water filter together with a suitable chlorine-free water treatment. Even with filtration, we recommend using the same water for no more than a week.

Without a circulation pump, you should drain and refill the water after a maximum of 2 days, especially when the tub is new. Here are our tips:

• Use a mild, chlorine-free disinfectant (e.g. active oxygen or MyWater Spa Cleaner)
• Dose according to instructions for 500–600 litres
• Remove debris manually with a net or strainer
• Try to keep pH between 7.0 and 7.4
• Always shower before bathing to help keep the water fresh
• Drain the tub after max 2 days, especially when new

Always check that your water treatment product is safe to use with aluminium. When in doubt - drain and refill with fresh water.

Winter is peak season. Many people bathe in lakes and the sea, or in their own outdoor bathtub at home. With Bohemen you have full control. Fill with cold tap water, or let the natural cold do the work. You can also heat the tub for a warm bath and then let it cool to ice bath temperature. That contrast between warm and cold, that is where the whole experience lives.

Hikki is a small company in Tärnaby, in the mountains of Västerbotten, Sweden. Per Enoksson, artist and product developer with Sami roots, designed Bohemen. We make few things, and we make them to stand outside year after year.

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.

With a circulation pump, you can keep the same water for up to 7 days. Here is how:

• Use active oxygen + activator (e.g. SpaCare Oxybox) or bromine tablets in a floating dispenser (e.g. Planet Spa Brom Tabs)
• Let the water circulate for several hours each day
• Clean the filter as needed and maintain pH 7.0–7.4
• Always shower before bathing
• Watch for white spots or signs of discolouration on the metal
• Drain the tub after max 7 days

Follow dosing instructions carefully and make sure the product is compatible with aluminium.

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.

Yes, you can fill the Bohemen with lake or seawater. However, natural water contains more microorganisms than tap water, which means it does not stay fresh as long.

We recommend that you always drain the tub immediately after each use when filling it with lake or seawater.

They are good on their own, but best together. The Nordic tradition of contrast bathing, hot sauna followed by a cold dip, that is something quite special. The blood rushes, the body wakes. Cold bathing strengthens above all the mental resilience. Sauna is more relaxing. With a Bohemen outdoor bathtub you can do both. Heat the water, bathe warm. Let it cool, bathe cold. Or the other way round.

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.

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

Absolutely. In summer you bathe in lakes and the sea, or fill your Bohemen outdoor bathtub with cold tap water. In winter the cold takes care of itself. Many people actually prefer winter. Cold air, cold water, it creates a more intense experience. The key is to keep at it. Start during the warmer months, continue through autumn, and suddenly you are standing there in January wondering what you were afraid of.

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.

It depends on whether you have a filtration system or not.

Without a filter, change the water after every bath. It sounds like a lot, but it is quick and means you do not have to worry about water chemistry.

With a filter, you can keep the same water longer, but never let it sit for more than 48 hours without circulation. Even with filtration and disinfection, change the water after 7 days at most to keep the tub fresh.

Use only chlorine-free water treatment products. That is what works best with aluminium.

During the first year of using Bohemen, we recommend changing the water after every bath regardless of your setup. It gives the aluminium surface the best possible start.

Remove the wooden interior after bathing and let it dry. The oak lasts best that way.

Been bathing with lake or sea water? Empty and rinse the tub afterwards so salt and minerals do not sit on the surface.

It depends on how cold it gets where you live.

If the temperature only dips below freezing for a few hours overnight, there is no need to worry. A brief frost makes no difference. Drain the tub after bathing for hygiene reasons, as you would the rest of the year, and you are fine.

If you live somewhere with prolonged cold spells, where it can stay well below freezing for weeks at a time, it is a different matter. Water left in the tub will freeze, and ice takes up more space than water. That can put pressure on the tub and its connections. Always drain after bathing, remove the wooden interior, and check that drain plugs, pipes and valves are emptied too. A small amount of water left in a connection can be enough.

If you have a filtration system keeping the water moving, it will resist freezing for longer, and during short cold snaps you can leave the water between baths. But a filter is not frost protection. In sustained cold below minus ten or lower, drain the tub between baths regardless of your setup.

And do not stop bathing. Winter is peak season for many outdoor bathers.

Putting the tub away for winter? Clean all parts and let them dry. Turn the tub upside down on two boards so air can circulate, and cover with a tarpaulin with airflow underneath. The wooden interior is happiest indoors or in an unheated shed.

About 1.5 hours in summer and 2.5 in winter.

If you start with a water temperature of about 8 degrees it takes around 80 to 90 minutes. That is from spring to autumn. In winter, from 4-degree water, it takes about 120 to 140 minutes. Then you can put a sleeping mat on the water surface. It works like a lid on the water.

We have bathed when it has been -20 degrees without any problems, but you should wear a hat.

You need around 30 litres (10 kg) of firewood for a bath during the warmer season. A sack of firewood of the kind you find in the shops. Wood from hardwood works best, preferably dry birch of good quality.

Stir in the water at regular intervals while heating the tub. Measure the temperature with a bath thermometer. Stop fire when you have reached about 36 degrees and keep the fire at a level that maintains the heat. If it gets too hot, you can close the air supply to the stove. A comfortable bathing temperature is about 40 degrees. It's a good idea to use the stick for Bohemen when stirring the tub.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Bohemen has a stove inside the tub - so no open fire. If you do not know what applies to wood burning, contact your municipality's environmental and building office to find out what applies exactly where you live. Describe how you intend to fire. Keep in mind that the smoke from wood burning can be annoying to neighbors.

Wood and other types of bioenergy are renewable energy sources that are part of the natural cycle. Biofuels, usually wood, are renewed within a foreseeable time and when they burn, carbon dioxide that goes out via the flue gases is released. The forest grows and uses carbon dioxide to build up new biomass and the carbon cycle is closed.

Read more about firewood and wood burning in the excellent book "Ved" (available in Swedish) by author Lars Mytting.

Yes, it works splendidly. Examples of websites that sell these products:

Briquettes- Jula

Eco heat logs- Amazon

Yes, the Bohemen can be heated in three different ways:

• Wood – the classic method, using the built-in stove. Heating time is approximately 1.5–2.5 hours depending on starting temperature.
• Electricity – a 3 kW electric immersion heater can be installed in the tub. This must be done by a qualified electrician. Heating time is longer than with wood.
• Gas – an external 36 kW gas heater can be connected. Ready-made package solutions are available online. Gas provides fast heating without smoke.

You can also combine methods - for example, pre-heat with electricity during the day and finish with wood in the evening.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.