| What could be better than relaxing in one of the | | | | 23"-28". Stock tanks are very similar to Japanese |
| outdoor soaking tubs that are available today? The | | | | ofuros in that they have straight sides and a flat |
| combination of hot water and being outdoors is sure | | | | bottom. Since they're shallower than Japanese baths, |
| to relax you and wash away your cares. Man has | | | | they're generally not outfitted with stools or benches. |
| used outdoor baths since pre-history. Primitive man | | | | The water can be heated like it is with the ofuros. |
| would soak in naturally occurring hot springs. The | | | | While a wooden bath may be a thing of beauty, the |
| Greeks and Romans went on to build elaborate bath | | | | same can't be said for a galvanized metal stock tank. |
| houses using waters from the hot springs. | | | | Consequentially, most people will place their tanks in a |
| What do you need to know so that you can begin | | | | deck or insulate it and put wood siding or marine vinyl |
| your outdoor soaking? For starters, there's the tub. | | | | on the sides. A drain is usually installed in the bottom, |
| The oldest and most widely known soaking tubs are | | | | or on the smaller sizes, the water can just be |
| the Japanese ofuro. The ofuro is traditionally made | | | | dumped out. |
| from hinoki wood, which is native to Japan. Other | | | | The wooden ofuro is very easy to maintain if a few |
| woods used are Alaskan yellow and Port Orford | | | | simple steps are followed. For starters, the ofuro is |
| white cedar. Ofuros are also made of acrylics. They | | | | intended to soak in, not cleanse yourself in. Bathers |
| are normally heated with a wood fired stove. These | | | | should shower and wash their hair before getting into |
| tubs are the basis that most other outdoor tubs are | | | | the tub. Secondly, don't use bath oils or other bath |
| based on. Modern tubs can be heated in a variety of | | | | additives. This will help keep the water clean and |
| ways, with gas and electric heaters being very | | | | keep gunk from accumulating on the walls of the |
| common. Solar water heating is another option, with | | | | bath. If you follow the same rules with a stock tank |
| the suns rays heating the water. | | | | bath, you shouldn't have any problems. And the |
| Another inexpensive option that's gaining popularity is | | | | stock tank can be cleaned with cleansers, whereas |
| stock tanks. Stock tanks are usually made of either | | | | the wooded ofuro shouldn't be. |
| galvanized steel with a rolled top edge or plastic. | | | | Outdoor soaking tubs can help change the mood of |
| They can range in size from 40-800 gallons and | | | | your whole day. Give it a try! |
| they're extremely durable. They range in depth from | | | | |