The Rakaia river hot tub was the very first in our range. A convenient size for most families with enough room for up to 5 adults but better suited to 3-4.
Like all our tubs, the Rakaia river tub is handcrafted using the most premium grade Western Red Cedar sourced from Canada. Our meticulous craftsmanship ensures the hot tubs can swell and contract over the seasons whilst the adjustable stainless steel tension bands provide just the right amount of inward pressure to seal all the joins creating a watertight hot tub.
Like the other tubs in our range. The Rakaia river hot tub can be set up with a woodfired OR an electric heating system.
All Sulis Hot Tubs can now be built from Thermo Wood!
Thermo wood is New Zealand grown radiata pine that has been modified in a kiln. The heating process changes the cell structure of the timber making it act more like a hard wood than regular pine. It is very stable and has minimal shrinkage, cupping, warping or cracking compared to regular pine. During the thermal modification process there are no added chemicals or treatments making it a great, safe option for wooden hot tubs!
Pro's of Thermo wood compared to Cedar
- Much more affordable.
- NZ grown and manufactured product.
- Smaller carbon footprint.
- Eliminates old growth cedar felling
- Up to 25% more thermally efficient than Cedar
- Thermo wood as a stand alone product is rated to last at least 25 years surpassing all other natural timber products.
Pros of Cedar over Thermo Wood
- Cedar is unparalleled in beauty with incredible grain character
- Contains natural resin and tannins that is capable of killing and inhibits the growth of microbes
- Cedar has an incredible, intense, and unique smell when wet
- Lightweight and great to work with.
The Rakaia river hot tub was the very first in our range. A convenient size for most families with enough room for up to 5 adults but better suited to 3-4.
Like all our tubs, the Rakaia river tub is handcrafted using the most premium grade Western Red Cedar sourced from Canada. Our meticulous craftsmanship ensures the hot tubs can swell and contract over the seasons whilst the adjustable stainless steel tension bands provide just the right amount of inward pressure to seal all the joins creating a watertight hot tub.
Like the other tubs in our range. The Rakaia river hot tub can be set up with a woodfired OR an electric heating system.
All Sulis Hot Tubs can now be built from Thermo Wood!
Thermo wood is New Zealand grown radiata pine that has been modified in a kiln. The heating process changes the cell structure of the timber making it act more like a hard wood than regular pine. It is very stable and has minimal shrinkage, cupping, warping or cracking compared to regular pine. During the thermal modification process there are no added chemicals or treatments making it a great, safe option for wooden hot tubs!
Pro's of Thermo wood compared to Cedar
- Much more affordable.
- NZ grown and manufactured product.
- Smaller carbon footprint.
- Eliminates old growth cedar felling
- Up to 25% more thermally efficient than Cedar
- Thermo wood as a stand alone product is rated to last at least 25 years surpassing all other natural timber products.
Pros of Cedar over Thermo Wood
- Cedar is unparalleled in beauty with incredible grain character
- Contains natural resin and tannins that is capable of killing and inhibits the growth of microbes
- Cedar has an incredible, intense, and unique smell when wet
- Lightweight and great to work with.