The wood tubs are not a new concept; they were used for centuries all over the world. It was during the Second World War that the Americans noticed the wood soaking tubs in Japan. They converted the wooden wine vats into wooden hot tubs. So the Americans experienced the social bathing with wooden hot tubs. Today though acrylic spas are more prevalent, wooden tubs are also being purchased mostly on personal preference. However, there are many reasons for choosing a wooden tub over a plastic spa. Features of wooden hot tub 1. Wooden tub are assembled on site and can be carried through any door way whether its wide or narrow. There is a greater effect of massaging and buoyancy for the bather as the tub is deep and the vertical walls are bit higher, also more water surrounds the bather. There is also greater leg space so tall bathers are comfortably stretching their legs. The wooden hot tub gives a rustic and traditional appearance to your bathroom. 2. Natural resistance to decay is a concern while choosing wood for wooden hot tubs. The wood used should be decay resistant and maintain that resistance in warm water. The woods that are mostly used are teak, cedar, cypress and jarrah. 3. The wooden tubs do not crack, chip or blister like the plastic spa. To clean the wooden tub, drain the water, rinse the tub and scrub using a soft brush. The out side of tub will turn gray if the natural wood is not varnished. So give a finish to the tub as you per direction of an expert. 4. There is a misconception that wooden tubs harbour bacteria and hazardous to health. Improperly sanitised, both wooden and plastic spas can represent health hazard. So regardless of the material proper sanitation is the key. Wooden tubs and leakage Wooden tubs do leak initially for few days after they are assembled. This is so because the wood may expand to its full saturation point. Even after few days the leak continues, it could be due to manufacturing defect or assembling defect. It could also be because of the overuse of water sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. You need to be careful while using these products as they can cause the individual wood cell to shed their lignin leaving only the husks of the cell. The visible sign is the white marks on the walls or the floor of the tub. This substance does build up in the normal course of time, but very slowly if the levels of sanitizers are correct. There are over-counter products that will mend the leaks. Do get the help of the professionals for maintenance or leak prevent tips.