Posted on September 9, 2026 by Maree

Tickle Tub Voted the No. 1 Fire-Driven Hot Tub in South Africa

It Is No Wonder Tickle Tub Has Been Voted the No. 1 Fire-Driven Hot Tub in South Africa

It is no wonder that Tickle Tub has been voted the No. 1 fire-driven hot tub in South Africa, becoming a top-selling and leading hot tub export brand.

For over 13 years, Tickle Tub has been proudly manufactured in South Africa and has become the quality choice for private homes, lodges, hotels, guest farms, resorts and hundreds of commercial establishments, with more than 700 Tickle Tubs currently working in commercial operations.

Having produced an average of more than 500 tubs per year, our experience has been built through years of real-world use, customer feedback and continuous product development.

Today, Tickle Tub is available in Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom, with the USA coming soon.

Our success is built on one simple philosophy: listen to our customers, identify the problems and engineer better solutions.

Manufactured Without Compromise

Every Tickle Tub is manufactured using carefully selected, high-grade materials, including marine-grade fibreglass and Grade 304 stainless steel.

We don’t cut corners or use inferior materials where quality matters.

Our tubs are designed specifically for the demands of hot tub use, including environments where they are used frequently by multiple guests.

And there is no plastic plumbing hidden inside a Tickle Tub.

The Beauty of Wood Without the Maintenance

One of the biggest frustrations our commercial customers experienced with traditional wooden hot tubs was maintenance.

Wood requires ongoing sanding, sealing, varnishing and protection from the elements — and eventually, there is the risk of wood rot.

This led to the development of our Wood-look Fibreglass Artistry range.

Using carefully crafted fibreglass textures and finishes, we recreate the appearance and character of traditional timber, including the distinctive ridges of wood.

The result is a remarkably realistic wood-look tub with the practical advantages of fibreglass:

No wood rot. No sanding. No varnishing. Minimal maintenance.

Designed for Efficient Heating

We believe there is a sweet spot when it comes to hot tub size.

Our core range is designed around the traditional 3–4 person hot tub, providing enough space to enjoy the experience without requiring excessive amounts of water.

A smaller, efficiently designed tub means less water to heat and faster, more efficient heating.

Our fire-driven heating systems are positioned externally, keeping the bathing area clear while making the system easier to access, clean and maintain.

Selected configurations are also compatible with gas heating, giving customers flexibility in how they heat their tub.

Practical Features Come Standard

Years of customer feedback have helped us refine the details that make a Tickle Tub easy to own.

Depending on the model and configuration, features include:

In-line filtration and sieve
Convenient shut-off valve
Drainage positioned at the lowest point for easier emptying
Garden-hose connection for easy filling – and emptying
External heating mechanism – No accidental burns !
Non-slip internal surface
Wood-fire and gas-compatible heating options
Natural water circulation without requiring a pump or electricity
Pump and filter compatible

Every feature has a purpose: to make the tub easier, safer and more convenient to use.

More Than Six Models — Designed to Your Style

Our range has grown from a simple hot tub concept into a selection of more than six models, offering everything from an economical entry-level tub ECO LITE to premium Fibreglass Artistry designs and LED-lit statement tubs.

With extensive colour and finish options, your Tickle Tub can be customised to complement almost any outdoor environment.

Whether it’s for a family home, a luxury lodge, a glamping destination or a busy commercial property, there is a Tickle Tub designed for the application.

Proudly South African

Tickle Tub has spent 13 years developing, manufacturing and refining fire-driven hot tubs right here in South Africa.

With more than 700 commercial tubs currently active and an average production history of over 500 tubs per year, our products have been proven in some of the most demanding real-world environments.

That experience is now taking Tickle Tub around the world.

From South Africa to Australia, Europe and the UK — and soon the USA, we are proud to see a South African-made product being enjoyed internationally.

Why Tickle Tub?

Thirteen years of manufacturing and real-world customer feedback have shaped the Tickle Tub range into what it is today.

Premium materials.
Smart design.
Minimal maintenance.
Efficient fire-driven heating.
Exceptional customisation.

We didn’t simply set out to make another hot tub.

We identified the problems with traditional designs — and built solutions into ours.

Tickle Tub

South Africa’s No. 1 fire-driven hot tub.

Proudly manufactured in South Africa.
More than 700 commercial tubs currently working.
Over 500 tubs produced per year on average.
Available in Australia, Europe and the UK.
Coming soon to the USA.

Beautiful by design. Built for real life.

Posted on April 10, 2025April 10, 2025 by Maree

Before you invest in a Hot Tub or Spa, READ THIS…

The Lowdown on purchasing a Hot Tub: Don’t get sunk by the, Buy Cheap, Buy Twice, trap.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” – Benjamin Franklin’s words still sting today, especially when it comes to hot tubs.

With a decade of experience in the manufacturing industry, we’ve seen our fair share of subpar products flooding the market. Some new manufacturers entering the industry try to cut corners, asking us for advice, asking to ‘collaborate’, stealing with their eyes and eventually churning out cheap alternatives that barely last a season. We’ve worked with clients who’ve been burned by these inferior products, and we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, one replacement after the other.

Enjoy the read and remember … buy clever and buy only once…

Our Take on What Matters …

After years of modifying clients existing tubs and replacing broken, warped, and rotten ones, we’ve formed strong opinions on what makes a hot tub truly great. Often, the price difference between a quality product and a cheap one is minimal.

So, what sets us apart?

– NO TO PLASTIC: We ditch the cheaper plastic inner tub alternatives that warp, fragment, or crack after a few months. A fibreglass tub is the way to go, outliving its owner and perfect for high commercial usage. We have experienced enough frustrated clients replacing their cheaper tubs after a year with quality that will last. Let’s face it, plastic is made for water tanks, not hot tubs.

– DOUBLE WALLED & INSULATED: Our tubs are built to last, with double-walled insulation that cuts heating time and saves on wood or gas. Single-walled plastic and metal tubs just can’t compete as the heat simply dissapates without insulation.

Rotten Wooden Hot Tub

– NO WOOD ROT: Save the trees, our Woody Tickle Tubs are crafted from pure fibreglass artistry, looking and feeling like wood without the hassle. No wood rot, no sanding, no varnishing required.

– SAY NO TO INTERNAL HEATERS: We say no to internal water heaters that pose a burn risk, especially for your hospitality clients, your family and especially the kids. (And boy, do we have the pictures to prove it !) Your safety is paramount! After replacing 16 tubs for a single lodge due to repeat burn wounds from their guests, it is safe to say, the external fire coil is the only way to go. Lastly, these internal snorkel water heaters do not create any form of hot water circulation, often heating the water directly in contact with the unit creating extreme hot and cold spots.

Fore arm Burn Wound from Internal Water Heater Snorkel

– EASE OF CLEANING : We’ve seen our fair share of gross internal ‘snorkel’ heaters clogged with scum and debris. Our design prioritizes cleanliness, making it easier to maintain your tub. No more complaints from guests about debris floating in the newly replaced water. On a side note, remove that internal water heater… and clean behind it … THAT is where the debris are coming from. The external fire coil is the hygienic way to go.

– LOADSHEDDING FRIENDLY: Go completely off the grid if you want to with a fire driven coil that can heat your hot tub with wood or gas. No more costly electric bills, constant pumps running and hey… electricity shortage is a thing in South Africa !

I want a Hot Tub so what now? …The Bottom Line

Don’t get sucked in by cheap prices and inferior products. Invest in a quality hot tub that will stand the test of time, developed by professionals with over a decade of experience in the industry, and over 30 years experience in the fibreglass industry. With a small price difference, you can land a product that will provide years of relaxation and enjoyment. Choose wisely and you will be soaking in bliss for years to come.

Posted on September 17, 2024April 10, 2025 by Maree

Hot Tub Tickle Tub: A Guide to Fire-Driven Relaxation

Fire-Driven Relaxation From Tickle Tub

Are you ready to experience the ultimate eco-friendly luxury with your Tickle Tub fire-driven hot tub? Let’s explore the simple yet satisfying process of heating up your tub for a perfect soak under the South African stars.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hot Tub

Before lighting the fire, ensure your Tickle Tub is filled with clean water. The 450-litre recommended filling capacity is perfect for couples or small groups. Check that the water level covers the inlet of the heating coil to ensure efficient heating.

Step 2: Gather Your Fuel

For the best results, use dry, well-seasoned hardwood. Avoid using softwoods or treated lumber, as these can produce excessive smoke and potentially harmful emissions. Sustainable energy practices are at the heart of the Tickle Tub experience.

Step 3: Light the Fire

Clear the air vents on your Tickle Tub’s fire chamber. Start with small kindling and fire lighter and gradually add larger pieces of wood, building a pyramid structure that allows air to circulate. This technique, similar to lighting a wood-burning stove, ensures a steady, efficient burn.

Step 4: Maintain the Fire

Once your fire is burning steadily, add wood as needed to maintain consistent heat. The unique design of the Tickle Tub’s stainless steel fire coils allows for efficient heat transfer to the water. Remember, slow and steady wins the race – a moderate, consistent fire will heat your tub more effectively than a blazing inferno which could damage your tub.

Step 5: Circulate the Water

To ensure even heating, use a paddle or implement to gently circulate the water every 15-20 minutes. This helps distribute the heat evenly throughout the tub, preventing hot or cold spots and ensuring a comfortable soak for all.

Step 6: Monitor the Temperature

Use a thermometer to check the water temperature. The ideal soaking temperature is typically between 37-40°C (98-104°F). Adjust your fire accordingly to reach and maintain your desired temperature.

Step 7: Enjoy Responsibly

Once your Tickle Tub reaches the perfect temperature, it’s time to relax! Remember to practice energy-efficient habits by maintaining a low fire or letting it die down if you plan to soak for an extended period.

Pro Tips for Tickle Tub Enthusiasts:

Pre-warm your tub: In cooler weather, consider adding some hot water to your tub before lighting the fire. This can reduce heating time significantly.
Use the cover: While heating, use your Tickle Tub canvas cover to retain heat as we supply a geo bubble blanket with every tub purchase.
Plan ahead: Start heating your tub 1.5-2 hours before you plan to use it. This allows ample time for the water to reach the perfect temperature.
Safety first: Always keep a watchful eye on the fire and never leave it unattended. Ensure children and pets are supervised around the hot tub.
Clean regularly: Maintain your Tickle Tub’s efficiency by regularly cleaning the fire chamber and coils, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

By mastering the art of heating your Tickle Tub, you’re not just preparing for a relaxing soak – you’re embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. The fire-driven system allows you to enjoy luxury without compromising on your environmental values.

Remember, your Tickle Tub is more than just a hot tub – it’s a testament to South African innovation and a gateway to eco-friendly relaxation. So stoke that fire, pour yourself a favourite beverage, and get ready to immerse yourself in the warm, soothing waters of your Tickle Tub. Happy soaking!