background image

Tea-colored water:

 The natural oils and tannins in cedar 

(especially red cedar) will cause the water to turn 
tea-colored when the tub is new.  This is normal and 
harmless.   The sweet aroma of cedar is due to these oils. 
You may want to change the water frequently at first to 
help clarify the water.  This effect will diminish slowly 
with time. 
 

Section 12: Tub Safety 

Your tub will give many years of enjoyment.  Please note 
the following general safety points: 
 
1.

Tub safety is your responsibility.   

 
2.

Never allow unsupervised children to use your 

tub.  Be sure that a responsible adult is in control at 
all times.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO 
PREVENT ACCIDENTAL DROWNING.   
 
3.

Hot tubs are for sitting only.  Do not allow 

diving or horseplay. 
 
4.

Children should use the tub at lower 

temperatures than adults, typically no more that 100 
degrees.  Consult your physician for advice on hot 
tubbing for children. 
5. 

Pregnant women, people with heart 

conditions, high blood pressure or other health 
conditions must always consult with a physician 
before using a hot tub.  
6. 

Consult your physician about their 

recommendations regarding your ability to soak and 
at what temperature.  Never soak in water warmer 
than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 
 
7.

To avoid risk of accidental drowning, never 

allow hot tubbing alone. 
 
8. 

Do not consume alcohol in excess while hot 

tubbing.   
 
9.

It is important to keep the water in your tub 

clean by changing the water, replacing the filter, 
cleaning the tub, and using disinfecting and sanitizing 
chemicals. 

 Skin irritation is a sign of bacteria in the 

water.  See the instructions on water quality.  If you need 
to re-order supplies contact us. 
 

Section 13: Tub Maintenance 

Your tub should last for many years with a little 
maintenance.  Here are a few recommendations. 
 
Keep the tub filled whenever possible.

  Remember that a 

wooden tub is a dynamic object and the wood will swell 
and shrink with exposure to water or lack of it.  Like a 
wooden boat, it will seep water at first, then swell shut. 
Leaving the tub empty for a few days for maintenance or 
cleaning is normal and fine. (keep the cover in place to 
minimize drying). 
 
Leaving the tub unused for extended periods of time

.  If 

you need to leave the tub unused while on vacation or for 
other reasons, drain most of the water out leaving about 3 
inches in the tub.  Drain the heating system including any 
filters or pumps in the system.  Secure the cover on the 
tub and wrap the tub with a tarp to protect it and prevent 
excessive drying. 
 
Avoid leaving the tub dry for extended periods

.  It is fine 

to leave the tub empty for several days for maintenance. 
In general, you want to keep the tub wet as much as 
possible.  This keeps the wood from drying out, shrinking 
and opening up the seams.  If you need to drain the tub in 
cold weather or when you are away for an extended 
period, leave 2-3 inches of water in the bottom so the 
floor seam will not dry out.  The tub will not be 
permanently damaged by drying out, but will have to 
swell again to hold water.   
 
If the tub does dry out during vacation or winter closure

While empty, check to see if the compression straps can 
be tightened up a bit.  Tighten the bottom strap first, then 
the upper ones.  Do not over tighten the upper straps - 
they do not get tightened as much as the bottom one.   
NEVER

 tighten the straps when the tub is full of water! 

Add water slowly and allow the tub to swell – see section 
on adding water. 
 
Freezing

.  Never let the tub freeze solid when full of 

water!!!!  Since water expands when frozen, this will put 
enormous strain on the bottom, sides, hardware, plumbing 
and heating system.  If you are going to be away during 
freezing weather, or you want to shut your tub down 
during a cold snap, or for the entire winter, follow these 
steps: 
 

13 

REV: 2018.01.11

 

Summary of Contents for Cedar

Page 1: ...elp identify the major parts Section 2 Tools and Supplies Needed A few basic tools and items are needed to complete the assembly of your new tub Gather what you will need before you start Figure 2 1 t...

Page 2: ...er block is available at most home improvement stores and allows you to adjust the level of the tub after it is in place Piers can be set into the ground to make a solid foundation for the tub This me...

Page 3: ...42 72 72 42 8 ellipse 4 48 80 80 48 Figure 4 1 Chine joist specifications Note lengths are approximate The chine joists must be 4x6 or larger Pressure treated lumber is recommended because it will no...

Page 4: ...g lawns or other landscape plants Do not use on vegetables Place the long 1 16 x 3 4 inch stainless steel spline in the slot on the edge of one half of the floor this may have been done in advance by...

Page 5: ...e the edge of the tub floor inside of the bevel so that they will not interfere with the placement of staves You may want the floor to have a slight tilt toward the drain 1 4 This can be accomplished...

Page 6: ...are adding Use it to observe how tight and consistent the gap is between staves Use the mirror and mallet to adjust this gap to keep it tight and consistent as you proceed Now work clockwise to your...

Page 7: ...sure you have the correct number It is okay for the last stave to be a loose fit HOWEVER will need to distribute that excess space gap around the tub by adjusting the position of the staves Use the m...

Page 8: ...so the strap will stay in place only a few turns Figure 7 1 first compression strap loosely in place Now install the other straps and position as shown in Figure 7 2 The position of each bolt clamp sh...

Page 9: ...Work from the opposite side toward the bolts in one direction then from the opposite side toward the bolts in the other direction In this way the tub is tightened evenly Work around the tub hitting e...

Page 10: ...ose of the silicone is to slow the initial seepage from the dry tub allowing the wood to absorb more water and swell more quickly Your tub will hold water as a result of the expansion of the wood caus...

Page 11: ...ity Alternatively you can build a set of steps that work best for your site design Cover The vinyl and foam cover is the main insulation for your tub It should provide years of good service Avoid punc...

Page 12: ...water well add additional water to about the half full level and wait again for at least an hour Follow this pattern of adding in stages and waiting until the tub is holding water well If the tub has...

Page 13: ...illed whenever possible Remember that a wooden tub is a dynamic object and the wood will swell and shrink with exposure to water or lack of it Like a wooden boat it will seep water at first then swell...

Page 14: ...ists under the tub If the foundation is uneven the tub will need to be drained and moved and the foundation problem fixed 4 Wood sawdust is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop leaks Th...

Page 15: ...structions prior to using a product and use only as directed Never add chemicals when people are in the tub Store chemicals in a cool dry location out of direct sunlight We recommend that you change t...

Page 16: ...Floor Drain Assembly Tub Light Optional 16 REV 2018 01 11...

Reviews: