Investing in a 100 % heartwood, clear western red cedar barrel tub from Forest Cooperage is a smart long term choice. Adding preservative or stain is not necessary since the wood is naturally decay resistant, and has a great aesthetic quality. However, that does not mean that proper maintenance is not required, or that you can’t stain it if you prefer that look.
If a stain is not applied, the wood will turn a silver grey colour. If you do choose to use a coloured stain, make sure to choose a water borne penetrating stain and not a latex or a solvent-based finish. Those choices will inevitably peel and flake away. Do not stain the inside, just the outside and the top edge.
If the water in a wood burning tub is drained after 48 to 60 hours, then no chemicals are required. Just leave one to two inches of water in the tub to maintain the swelling on the wood. When you are ready to use the tub again, simply drain that minimal amount and lightly scrub the interior with a long handled scrub brush and mild soap. Rinse it out and add fresh water
If your water source is limited, install our circulation and filtration system for wood-fired tubs. This allows for an ionizer to sterilize the water with very little bromine added, and prevents algae growth. Our electrically heated cedar tubs use the same water sanitation regime as plastic tubs, and the bromine can be minimized down to 1/3rd by using a mineral ionizer.
With our Clear Blue Ionizer, bromine is best used in moderation, as one part per million is all you need. Wood has proven antiseptic properties, so the amount of required chemical additives is reduced.
With our filtered and heated hot tubs, you will still want to drain the water every three months or so. Prior to doing so, you should use a line cleaning product to clear out the plumbing. Once the tub is drained, you can rinse it, and then use a water and vinegar solution, and a gentle scrub brush, to clean the interior.
If dirt and grime builds up on the exterior, you can brush that off as well, and give it a rinse. If you see algae building up on the exterior, you will want to brush that off as well. When cleaning, ensure you brush with the natural grain of the wood.
If you need more information on cleaning and caring for your tub, please get in touch!
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