📖 Complete Guide to Setting Up and Using Your New Hot Tub
This guide will help you set up and use your new hot tub. Follow these important steps:
📍 Placement and Setup:
- Place the hot tub on a level and stable surface, such as a wooden deck, concrete foundation, or tiles.
- Fill the hot tub with clean water.
🧼 Preparation:
- Clean the tub thoroughly with mild cleaning agents before first use.
🚰 Filling with Water:
- Fill the tub with tap water up to 15–20 cm from the rim.
🔥 Heating:
- Select the right heating method depending on your model (integrated stove, external stove, or electric heater).
✅ Once these steps are complete and the water is heated to the desired temperature, you are ready to enjoy your hot tub.
⚠️ Important Safety Rules:
- Never leave children unattended in or near the hot tub.
- Do not use the tub if you have consumed alcohol, medication, or other substances.
- The water temperature must never exceed 45°C (especially in fiberglass tubs).
- Avoid using electronic devices in the tub to prevent electric shock.
ℹ️ For more detailed instructions and safety information, please continue reading this guide.
🧼 2. Preparing Your Hot Tub for Relaxing, Warm Baths
Before enjoying your new hot tub, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning for a fresh and pleasant first experience.
✔️ What You’ll Need:
- Mild cleaner: Use a specially developed cleaner for hot tubs. For occasional use, a mild, non-abrasive bathtub cleaner may also be used. Avoid strong chemicals such as acetone, thinner, or varnish remover, as they can damage the surface.
- Soft cloths or sponges: Use soft materials to gently clean the interior without scratching the acrylic or fiberglass surface.
🪣 Cleaning Steps:
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the entire interior of the hot tub with clean water to remove dust and dirt before applying any cleaner.
- Apply cleaner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply with a soft cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to jets and headrests where dirt can accumulate.
- Rinse and wipe: Wipe the surface carefully, rinsing the cloth often. Finish by rinsing the tub thoroughly to remove any cleaning residues.
🚰 Filling Your Hot Tub:
- Fill with fresh water: Once cleaned, fill the tub with tap water as instructed by the manufacturer. Leave 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) free at the top to allow for water displacement when in use.
- Check the water level: Before heating, ensure the water level is within the recommended range marked inside the tub.
🔥 3. Heating Your Hot Tub with the Integrated Stove
Once your hot tub is filled with clean water and 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) of space is left at the top, you are ready to light the stove and enjoy a relaxing bath. Follow these steps:
✔️ How to Light the Stove Safely:
- Use only approved fuel: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid coal, fresh wood, or wet/damp firewood, as they can be unsafe or ineffective.
- Start gently: Build a small fire with dry kindling and paper. Once the flame is stable, gradually add larger pieces of dry firewood.
- Control the heat: Use the damper at the bottom of the stove door to regulate airflow and thus control both the fire intensity and water temperature.
🌡️ Important Temperature Rules:
- Never exceed 45°C (113°F): Fiberglass tubs can be damaged by excessive heat. Keep the water at a maximum of 45°C – ideally around 37°C (98.6°F).
- Do not overfill the stove: Fill the stove no more than two-thirds of its height to avoid overheating and damage to the stove door.
⚠️ Safety First:
- Never light the stove without water: The hot tub must always be filled to the correct level before use, otherwise the stove and tub can be seriously damaged.
- Allow the stove to cool before draining: Always let both water and stove cool completely before emptying to prevent heat damage.
💡 Extra Tip:
Consider investing in a hot tub thermometer for precise temperature monitoring.
🔥 4. Heating Your Hot Tub with an External Stove
An external stove is an effective way to heat your hot tub, adding a touch of luxury. Here’s what you should know:
✔️ Preparation and Safety:
- Stable surface: Ensure both the stove and hot tub are placed on a solid, level base. Tilt the stove slightly forward if necessary for better water circulation.
- No modifications: Never add extra filters or change the built-in circulation system of the stove.
- Fill the tub first: Always fill to the recommended level (15–20 cm from the top) before lighting the stove. Running the stove without water can damage both tub and stove.
- Monitor temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure water temperature stays safe — ideally 37°C and never above 45°C.
🔥 How to Light the External Stove:
- Start small: Use dry kindling and paper to light a small fire, then gradually add larger pieces of dry wood.
- Control airflow: Adjust the damper on the stove door to regulate the flame and water temperature.
- Avoid overloading: Do not overfill the stove with wood, as this may lead to excessive heat and damage the stove door.
❄️ Additional Considerations:
- Winter care: In freezing conditions, drain the hot tub completely when not in use. Alternatively, use an electric heater to keep the water above freezing.
- Correct hose connections: Ensure hoses are properly connected: the top hose should go upward, and the bottom hose connects directly to the tub. Follow the illustration below:
By following these guidelines and your user manual, you can heat your hot tub safely and efficiently with an external stove — and enjoy a relaxing experience.
⚡ 5. Electrical Safety and Your Hot Tub
Your hot tub may include electrical components such as pumps, filters, lighting, and electric heaters. To ensure correct operation and safety, all electrical connections must be done properly.
⚠️ Important Note:
Never attempt to install or connect electrical components for your hot tub yourself. Always hire a certified electrician experienced with hot tubs and familiar with regulations.
🔧 The Electrician’s Tasks:
- Connect the hot tub’s electrical system to a dedicated circuit with the correct breaker size.
- Install a residual-current device (RCD) for protection against electric shock.
- Ensure all connections comply with local building codes and safety standards.
✅ Additional Safety Rules:
- Never use extension cords with your hot tub.
- Always keep electrical components dry and away from water.
- If issues occur, switch off the power immediately and contact a licensed electrician.
By choosing professional installation and following these precautions, you can enjoy your hot tub safely.
⚡ 6. Heating Your Hot Tub with an Electric Heater
For convenient heating, your hot tub can be equipped with an electric heater. Here’s what to know:
🔧 About the Electric Heater:
- Fast and efficient: The heater has a durable polyamide housing and a thermostat to set temperatures between 0°C and 45°C, providing quick and efficient heating.
- Safe and reliable: Corrosion-resistant, easy to install, and safety approved.
📊 Technical Specifications:
- Power: 2.7 kW to 3.5 kW – depending on model and tub size.
- Voltage: 220–240V or 380–415V.
- Frequency: Compatible with both 50Hz and 60Hz.
- Max. pressure: Up to 2.5 bar.
- Max. temperature: 45°C.
🚿 How to Use the Heater:
- Fill the tub: Ensure the tub is filled to the recommended level.
- Start the circulation pump: Activate via the control panel.
- Set temperature: Adjust thermostat to desired level.
- Automatic operation: The heater switches off when the temperature is reached and restarts if water cools down.
- Turn off: Always switch off heater and pump via the control panel when finished.
⚠️ Important Safety Rules:
- Cut power before draining: Turn off heater and pump before emptying.
- Maintain correct water level: Never run heater with low water.
❄️ Winter Care:
- Prevent frost damage: In freezing weather, set the thermostat to 0°C, fill to recommended level, and run the pump to prevent freezing.
By following these steps, you can safely enjoy the comfort of electric heating in your hot tub. Always check the user manual for model-specific instructions.
💆♂️ 7. Spa Systems: Enjoy Bubbles and Massage Power
Many hot tubs include spa systems that enhance relaxation with soothing air and water massage. Here’s an overview:
🌬️ 7.1 Air Massage System: Gentle Bubbles
- Components: Air compressor (700–800W), 12 air jets in the tub walls, plus accessories.
- Operation: Start/stop with a button on the control panel.
- Maintenance: After bathing, let system run for 30 seconds to clear water from jets.
- Note: Do not use below 30°C water temperature.
💦 7.2 Water Massage System: Strong Relief
- Components: Powerful water pump (900–1500W), 6–8 jets, plus accessories.
- Operation: Controlled with an on/off button and dial for adjusting water flow strength.
- Maintenance: After draining, run system for 30 seconds to clear water.
- Note: Do not use below 30°C water temperature.
💎 7.3 Combined Spa System: Best of Both Worlds
- Components: Includes both air compressor (700W) and water pump (900–1100W), with 8 combined jets and 4 extra air jets.
- Operation: Control air and water massage separately with two buttons, or use both together.
- Maintenance: After draining, run air massage for 15–30 seconds to clear moisture.
- Note: Do not activate in cold water below 30°C.
By following these instructions, you can maximize enjoyment and longevity of your spa system.
💧 8. Keep Your Hot Tub Crystal Clear: Water Filtration
Clean water is essential for a pleasant experience. Two common systems are cartridge filters and sand filters.
🪣 8.1 Cartridge Filter: Easy Maintenance
- Function: Cartridge filter sits beside the hot tub, circulating water through the filter to remove impurities.
- Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning. Follow manual for intervals.
- Winter care: Close filter holes in freezing weather to prevent damage.
- Note: Cartridge filters can be used year-round if protected properly.
🌊 8.2 Sand Filter: Strong Filtration
- Function: Works similarly to cartridge filters, circulating and filtering water.
- Maintenance: Sand must be cleaned and replaced every 1–2 years.
- Winter care: Close filter holes to prevent frost damage.
- Temperature limits: Typically tolerates up to 38°C. Disconnect if water exceeds this.
📑 Additional Info:
Sand filters have specs on voltage, capacity, diameter, and compatibility. Always check before choosing.
By maintaining filters properly, you’ll keep water clear year-round.
🎵 9. Enjoy the Sounds: Hot Tub Audio System (if applicable)
Some hot tubs feature built-in sound systems. Here’s how to use them safely:
⚡ Safety First!
- Keep covers closed when in use.
- Replace only with identical parts as recommended.
- Never use while in the water.
- Do not connect external speakers or headphones.
- If cables or parts are damaged, switch off and contact a technician.
- Never attempt DIY repairs.
📲 Bluetooth Connection (if applicable)
- Power on: Ensure hot tub is connected.
- Activate system: A beep indicates pairing mode.
- Open Bluetooth settings: On your device.
- Search devices: Look for available devices.
- Pair: Select “B40”.
- Enter code (if asked): Use “2288”.
- Connected: Your device will confirm connection.
- Play: Start music or audio.
✨ 10. Keep Your Hot Tub Beautiful: Acrylic & Fiberglass Care
Tips for maintaining acrylic or fiberglass shells.
10.1 Acrylic Surface Care
- Cleaning: Use mild cleaners like Lysol, Mr. Clean, Glass Plus. Rinse and dry with soft cloth.
- Avoid: Abrasives, acetone, gasoline, thinner.
- Daily cleaning: Wipe with damp cloth.
- Stain removal: Use isopropyl alcohol for grease, paint, ink.
- Scratches: Polish with auto polish. Never use sharp tools.
10.2 Fiberglass Care
- Use soap water or fiberglass cleaners. Avoid abrasives.
- Avoid chlorine or harsh acids.
- Always use soft cloths.
10.3 Osmosis in Fiberglass
Osmosis may occur from fluid absorption. Prevent with proper sealing, correct water chemistry, and regular inspections.
10.4 Water Temperature
- Never exceed 45°C.
- Ideal: 37°C.
10.5 pH Level
- Ideal pH: around 7.
- High pH: may damage fiberglass.
- Test regularly.
🛡️ 10.6 Keep Your Hot Tub Cover in Top Shape
- Clean regularly with soft cloth and water.
- Protect from UV with tarp when unused.
- Dry after rain to avoid mold.
- Check straps and seals.
- Store dry and shaded when not in use.
⚠️ 11. Safety First: Precautions for Enjoying Your Hot Tub
Watch Out for Hyperthermia
- What it is: Body overheats from long exposure to hot water over 37°C.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, overheating.
- Risk groups: Pregnant women, children, and those under alcohol or medication.
General Safety:
- Always check water temperature first.
- Never leave children unattended.
- No electronics in or near water.
- Maintain clean, balanced water.
- Avoid eating and drinking in the tub.
By following these rules, you can enjoy your hot tub safely and comfortably.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to heat a hot tub?
Depending on the stove type and outside temperature, it usually takes 2–4 hours to heat the water from cold to around 37°C (98.6°F).
Can I leave water in the hot tub during winter?
It’s not recommended to leave water in the tub during freezing weather unless you use an electric heater to keep the temperature above 0°C. Otherwise, drain completely to avoid frost damage.
What cleaning products are safe for my hot tub?
Always use mild, non-abrasive cleaners designed for hot tubs. Avoid strong chemicals such as acetone, thinners, or bleach, which can damage acrylic or fiberglass surfaces.
How often should I change the water?
With regular filtration and proper water treatment, you can usually keep the same water for 2–4 weeks. If the water looks cloudy or develops odor, replace it immediately.
What is the maximum safe water temperature?
The water temperature should never exceed 45°C (113°F). The recommended comfortable and safe bathing temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F).
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