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:
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REV: 2018.01.11