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.

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?

A drain hole with a plug is provided for total emptying.

How do your underwater woodstoves work?

Operation our Stoves is very simple and is exactly like a fireplace or wood stove. Lay a fire in the bottom of the stove starting with crumpled paper, then small pieces of kindling, then small/split firewood. Simply touch a match to the paper at the bottom by the air intake. Place stove door so the air intake is fully open; the fire will begin to draw immediately

How do you control the heat?

You control the rate of burn by regulating the airflow to the fire. This is done by sliding the stove door across air intake. When the water gets within 10 degrees of tubbing temperature (101°-104°), adding a final, normal fuel load should be sufficient to warm the tub to temperature. When the water gets to your desired temperature, slide the door over the air intake so it’s almost closed, making the fire burn very slowly. If you’ve installed a damper in the chimney, you can use that along with the stove door to fine-tune the rate of burn.

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. Use a cover is also helpful.1

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 stove?

Most people can reach in with a shovel, or scoop, once the embers are cold. We also offer a long dust pan in our package. 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.

Do you supply a cover for the tub?

Yes, we do supply a cover in our package.

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 accessories within our package.

Will the wood fade and do I need to treat it with a protector like my garden furniture?

The wood may fade or discolor 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.