We sit down with the tantalising Tickle Tub team.
A marvel of Eco friendly engineering, the Tickle Tub ticks all the boxes
An ancient craft
Wood-fired hot tubs have a rich history that dates back centuries, with roots tracing back to natural hot springs and early bathing practices. The concept of soaking in hot water for relaxation and therapeutic benefits has been practiced for millennia. Ancient cultures, particularly in Japan and Northern Europe, were among the first to embrace communal hot water bathing.
The Japanese onsen and Nordic saunas are both examples of using natural heat and water for wellness.
In South Africa we have quite a few lovely natural hot springs, even though we think of Mzansi as being a geologically stable country.
Enter the Jacuzzi
Bringing this idea of soaking in a large pool of heated water into our homes became a big deal in the 1950’s post WW2. As prevalent as hot tubs were (and still are) in suburban homes across the world, this vibe is changing. The big shift came once we gained a greater awareness of the impact of conventional electricity on our planet.
A more natural approach
The first commercial versions of wood fired hot tubs appeared in the 1970s in the United States, inspired by the back-to-nature movement
The modern wood-fired hot tub as we know it, began taking shape in the early 20th century, particularly in rural and mountainous regions where access to electricity was limited. In these areas, natural resources such as wood were abundant, making a wood-fired heating system practical and cost-effective.
These early designs were rustic, often repurposing large wooden barrels or wine casks as the tub itself. A wood stove, usually made from steel or aluminium, was placed either inside or adjacent to the tub, with the heat naturally circulating through convection.
Woodfired hot tubs go commercial.
As the popularity of natural hot tubs grew, so did the desire for more refined and durable designs. By the 1980s, manufacturers began crafting purpose-built wood-fired hot tubs from cedar, redwood, and other rot-resistant woods.
These tubs featured improved stoves with better efficiency and safety features.
The development of external stoves, which heat the water through a submerged pipe system, became a significant innovation, allowing for easier maintenance and more consistent water temperatures.
Today, wood-fired hot tubs are appreciated for their rustic charm and eco-friendliness.
Modern designs often incorporate insulation, adjustable vents, and more durable materials, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary comfort.
The eco-friendly revolution
The resurgence of interest in sustainable living has brought wood-fired hot tubs back into vogue, prized for their simplicity, natural aesthetics, and the immersive outdoor experience they offer.
This is where The Tickle Tub comes in. We spoke to them about who they are, how the tubs came to be and what they offer.
“The Tickle Tub is not just any hot tub – it’s a marvel of Eco-friendly engineering. Our fire-driven heating system uses stainless steel coils to warm your water naturally, eliminating the need for electricity.”
