Maintaining your hot tub
How frequently do I need to change the water?
Herein lies one of the main differences with plastic spa/jacuzzi use. We recommended that you change the water after 2 close sessions. We do not supply a noisy and unattractive filtration system and so bathers should be clean before entering the hot tub.
Do I need to use any chemicals to keep the water clean?
We suggest you add the stated dose of disinfectant (a 1 litre bottle is included with your new hot tub) and stir well 1 hour prior to emptying. This avoids bacteria growing in the timber. The disinfectant decomposes in water within 30-40 minutes.
How do I clean the tub?
All accessible parts should be scrubbed while still wet after emptying, or during emptying and rinsed down afterwards.
How do I empty the tub?
We supply you with a tap and hose tail allowing you to water your garden with the hot tub's contents. A drain hole with a plug is provided for total emptying.
How long does it take to get the water up to temperature?
This varies from Summer to Winter:
In Summer, heating the water from 14C to 34C takes around 1 1/2 hours
In Winter, heating the water from 6C to 40C takes around 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
We recommend that you stir the water occasionally to maintain even heating.
Approximately how much fuel does the boiler require per session?
On average, you should need about 2 bags of dry logs (like those you can get from a petrol station) for a session, with maybe a bit more for winter use.
Can I use other fuels other than wood?
No.
The burner must only be fuelled with dry wood - not fresh sawn, or wet wood. As the boiler is underwater, its surface temperature isn't high enough to burn off excess tar in the burner.
How do I clean the ash out of the boiler?
Most people can reach in with a shovel, or scoop, once the embers are cold. You can buy a long-handled dust pan/brush from us as an accessory.
Wood does burn well on a bed of its own ash and so may be used for 4 - 5 fires before emptying.
There is no need to completely empty or clean the burner.
How often will the flue need sweeping?
The flue shouldn't need sweeping. With a good fire and air inlet fully open, the flame may reach the top of the chimney which will stop any build-up of tar and soot inside.
How many adults will fit in the tub comfortably?
Your hot tub will accommodate 6 adults comfortably.
What volume of water does the tub take?
Filled to the correct level 1 to 2 inches above the top of the firebox, the hot tub takes about 1.6 cubic metres of water. The total capacity of the hot tub without the boiler is around 2 cubic metres.
How long would you expect the tub to last?
Cedar is one of the most rot-resistent timbers known. Given good maintenance, the tub should happily last 20 years.
Do you supply a cover for the tub?
Yes, we do supply a cover as an optional accessory at extra cost.
Is the tub noisy when the fire is burning?
No - the fire can be heard giving an occasional gentle crackle, which adds to the romantic atmosphere and ambience of the experience.
Is there a lot of smoke from the flue?
If the fire is managed correctly i.e. lit, then built-up steadily in 2-3 stages to a full firebox, then a minimal amount of smoke is produced. Smoke occurs when there is insufficient heat to burn off gases.
What does the tub need to stand on - do I need a special concrete slab, etc.?
Your hot tub needs a 7' circle (2.2m) of flat concrete, flagstones, or gravel
How heavy is the tub - will it be OK on my decking?
When full and occupied, your hot tub will weigh about 2 tons. It must therefore stand on a solid base. As long as levels allow tub draining to take place and there is no obstruction to airflow around the base, your hot tub can be sunken, or have decking built around it.
Will the wood shrink in a dry summer if the tub isn't used?
Yes, if left empty and without a cover on. We recommend (after draining and cleaning) that you refill to 1-2"(5cm) and fit a cover.
Do you supply accessories for the tub?
We do supply an expanding range of accessories for your hot tub.
Currently we have:
Vinyl cover at £120
Steps at £90
Seating, long-handled dustpan & brush and steps with cloak pegs at £240
Can you fit seating in the tub?
Yes you can fit seating in your hot tub and we recommend low, removable seats. Fixed seating, as fitted by some other manufacturers, tends to make cleaning more difficult.
Will the wood fade and do I need to treat it with a protector like my garden furniture?
The wood may fade or discolour over time depending on the location of the tub. You can apply similar wood protector to the one you use on your wooden garden furniture to the exterior of the tub.
