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The 3 key parts of a hot tub
Every Northern Light cedar hot tub is made up of several components that work together to create a relaxing soaking experience. While there are some extra options and upgrades available, three elements have the biggest impact on how your hot tub looks, performs, and feels to use: the tub itself, the heating system, and the filtration system.
Understanding these three components will help you make the best decisions while you’re planning your hot tub project.
1. The tub
The tub is the part you’ll interact with every time you enjoy a nice soak. It determines the appearance, comfort, aromas, and overall bathing experience.
Factors such as the depth of the tub, the seating arrangement, and the materials used all influence comfort. At Northern Lights, our handcrafted Western Red Cedar tubs combine traditional craftsmanship with a natural look that complements your garden beautifully.
Want to learn more about choosing the right tub size and model? Read our guide to choosing the right hot tub size for you.
2. The heating system
The heating system determines how your hot tub reaches and maintains its temperature. Traditionally, many people associate hot tubs with wood-fired heaters. While these can be a good fit for remote cabins, holiday homes, and off-grid locations, they require more preparation and ongoing involvement from the owner.
For most customers, an electric spa system offers the most convenient solution. It provides precise temperature control, integrated filtration, and allows your hot tub to be ready whenever you want to use it.
For even greater efficiency, an electric spa system can be paired with a heat pump, helping to reduce energy consumption and running costs throughout the year. We also offer hybrid heating that combine a wood-fired heater with an electric spa system, so you can enjoy the character of wood-fired heating while benefiting from automated temperature control, filtration, and overall convenience of the spa sytem.
Want to compare the different heating options available? Read more about our hot tub heating systems.
3. The filtration system
A filtration system helps keep your water clean, clear, and ready to use.
Without filtration, water needs to be changed much more frequently. A modern filtration system continuously circulates and cleans the water, reducing maintenance and allowing water to stay fresh for much longer. Our spa systems combine filtration with additional water treatment options such as ozone purification and mineral ionisation to help maintain excellent water quality naturally.
Want to understand how filtration works and why it matters? Read our guide to hot tub filtration systems.
Bringing it all together
These parts combined turn your hot tub into your own outdoor retreat: a place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy for many years to come. Whether you’re interested in a traditional setup, an energy-efficient spa system, or want to explore the options available, understanding the elements of your cedar hot tub is the best place to start.
Take a look at the rest of our blogs to learn more about these three key components.
