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We recommend that you change tub water every 4
to 8 weeks.
Section 13: 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 in 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,
maintaining the sanitizer system, 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 reorder
supplies, they are widely available online and at pool and
spa stores.
Section 14:
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 when
possible 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, that is ok. The tub will not be permanently
damaged by drying out, but will have to swell again to
hold water. Drain the tub and 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 1 - 2 inches of water in the bottom so the
floor seam and floor to stave perimeter seam will not dry
out. If the 1 - 2 inches of water freezes solid, it will not
cause any damage provided there’s no water in the
plumbing system.
Make sure the water level is low enough so water doesn’t
enter the plumbing through the suction ports.
If the tub does dry out during vacation or winter closure :
While empty, check to see if the retention bands can be
tightened up a bit. Tighten the bottom band first, then the
upper ones. Do not over tighten the upper bands - they do
not get tightened as much as the bottom one.
NEVER
tighten the bands when the tub is full of water! Then add
water slowly and allow the tub to swell.
See the Retention Bands Tightening and Adding Water
sections.
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:
1. Drain the tub leaving 1 - 2 inches in the
bottom. This small amount of water will not
cause freeze damage and will keep the floor seam
tight. be sure the water is low enough to not enter
the plumbing system through the suction ports.
The next step will see to this.
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