Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE BEFORE THE HOT TUB DELIVERY?
The most important thing is to set a foundation for your Hot Tub. The foundation for the hot tub has to be even and load-bearing. The easy way to place the hot tub is a good layer of stone chip and a few wooden logs put under. The more solid foundation is a platform made of wood or cast concrete. Avoid placing the hot tub directly on grass or soft ground. The vegetation from under the tub will prevent the underfloor from breathing, will keep moisture and promote faster rotting.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS THAT I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
Do not place the hot tub too close to buildings or other flammable structures to avoid the risk of fire.
Ensure children's safety in the tub and nearby. Keep the tub closed with lid when not in use. Bear in mind slippery at freezing temperatures.
Do not use the tub alone. Do not overheat the water in the tub. The recommended water temperature in hot tub is 37°- 39°C. Temperature should be lower for children and people with heart problems. WE RECOMMEND to use wireless pool thermometer (Inkbird make), instead of simple water thermometer.
Wear protective gloves when operating a heater. Some parts might be hot during operation. Edges of the chimney and the heater might be sharp.
WHAT IS THE HEATING TIME FOR THE HOT TUB?
Normal heating time for hot tub, 200cm diameter, is about 2 - 2.5 hours with external log burner. The Hot tub, 200cm diameter, with integrated wood burner takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to heat up. The Ofuro Hot Tub (2 seaters) heats up even quicker. The actual heating time strongly depends on weather conditions, temperature of water, quality of firewood, proper and timely firing etc. To reduce the heating time, the hot tub should be covered with a lid to keep the heat evaporation as low as possible. The water is layered when it heats up, and it must be mixed so that the actual temperature is even in all hot tub.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LOG BURNER?
To ensure fast heating use only a good quality and dry wood, preferably in smaller pieces. The use of low-quality wood, or wood in large pieces may double the heating time. You can adjust the intense of wood burning by letting more air into the heater, or reducing the incoming air. Maintain the fire in the stove so that the wood will burn properly. If fire is too small, the heating time becomes remarkably longer. If fire is too strong, that may increase the risk of damage or accident.
Grade 316. Stainless steel is also non-magnetic. This stainless steel has the best corrosion resistant properties. Can be used with salt water and little bit chlorine (upto 4ppm), but not with bromine.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY HOT TUB?
Clean the hot tub before initial use and regularly thereafter when drained. Wash all surfaces using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water, including the log burner.
Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemical cleaners, as these may damage surfaces.
Do not use ECO3SPA Hot Tub Cleaner (Step 1) or any similar multi-step spa cleaning or descaling products, as these may damage chrome components and internal surfaces.
Rinse the log burner carefully with fresh water once it has cooled down, avoiding high pressure or forceful water flow.
HOW TO CORRECTLY SANITISE YOUR HOT TUB?
To maintain clean and hygienic water, your hot tub must be sanitised regularly, especially when used frequently or for commercial purposes.
Active oxygen systems are recommended. Chlorine may be used if required, but it must always be handled strictly in accordance with the chemical manufacturer’s instructions, including correct dosage, dilution, and circulation requirements.
Bromine must not be used under any circumstances, as it can cause damage to the hot tub and its components.
Where the hot tub is not fitted with a circulation pump or water jets pump:
• All chemicals must be fully diluted in a separate container of water before being added to the hot tub.
• The water must then be thoroughly mixed manually to ensure even distribution.
Chemicals must always be accurately measured. Adding undiluted or excessive chemicals, or failing to properly mix the water, may result in damage to the wood, metal components, and internal surfaces.
Failure to follow chemical manufacturer instructions and the guidance above may lead to deterioration or damage of the hot tub.
IS WATER pH IMPORTANT FOR MY TUB?
The recommended pH for your hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.8. It is advisable to test your water with some test strips as you can add additives to increase or decrease the value. The pH range is from 0 (very acidic) 7 is neutral and up to 14 (very alkali.) If your water is too acidic, it will corrode your tub and irritate your skin, if it is too alkali it will cause stains and deposits on the wooden tub, cloudy water and be drying to your skin. The pH needs to be within range for the effective use of other chemicals and safe bathing.
HOW DO I EMPTY THE HOT TUB?
Bear in mind the wastewater discharge when planning the location for hot tub. The Hot tub holds up to 2000 litres of water, which has to be drained out after use.
In winter do not leave the drainage valve close, due any remaining water in the pipe could freeze.
The water can only be drained after fire and embers in the heater have burnt out completely.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF WATER IN THE TUB BEFORE STARTING A FIRE?
Do not start the fire until the tub is not full of water. The heaters must never be lit when the tub is empty or not full. Heating a half-empty tub can lead to damaging the heater or fiberglass/acrylic shell. The Warranty does not cover damage caused by use of heater without proper level of water in the tub.
WHO SHOULD AVOID USING THE HOT TUB?
• You should not use the hot tub alone.
• If you suffer from diabetes, heart disease or another condition that affects your blood pressure you should check with your doctor before using the hot tub.
• If you feel sleepy or uncomfortable, you should exit the hot tub immediately and cool down in the fresh air.
• It is recommended to drink plenty of water before and after using the hot tub.
CAN I OVERHEAT THE HOT TUB? CAN THE HOT WATER DAMAGE MY HOT TUB?
Yes. Overheating can damage the hot tub, particularly in smaller models such as Ofuro or two-seater tubs.
To help prevent overheating, it is important to regularly circulate and mix the water during heating.
Warm water naturally rises to the surface, meaning the top layer can become significantly hotter if the water is not mixed properly.
If the water temperature exceeds approximately 50°C, it may damage the fibreglass shell, as excessive heat can soften the material and lead to deformation.
HOW TO CONTROL WATER TEMPERATURE IN THE WOOD FIRED HOT TUB?
Controlling the water temperature in a wood fired hot tub can require a bit of attention and experimentation. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your desired temperature:
1. Start with the right wood: Use dry hardwoods like oak, birch, or maple, as they burn hotter and produce consistent heat. Avoid resinous woods like pine, which can create soot and an uneven burn.
2. Contain and insulate: Make sure your hot tub is well-insulated to retain heat. A properly fitted cover can help maintain the temperature when the tub is not in use.
3. Stoking the fire: The intensity of the fire will determine the heating rate. Adding more firewood or adjusting the airflow by opening and closing the intake vents will regulate the burn and heat production. Adjusting the airflow affects the combustion rate, which directly impacts the water temperature.
4. Circulation and stirring: Stirring the water inside the hot tub helps distribute the heat evenly. If you're using a wood stove, position it in a way that maximizes water circulation to prevent hotspots.
5. Use a thermometer: Monitor the water temperature regularly using a reliable thermometer. This will help you gauge how your adjustments affect the temperature. You can add or remove firewood accordingly.
6. Practice patience: Temperature control in a wood-fired hot tub requires practice and patience. It may take a few tries to find the right combination of fire size, airflow, and wood type to maintain the desired temperature.
Remember to prioritise safety while operating a wood fired hot tub. Ensure proper ventilation, keep flammable items away, and follow any manufacturer's guidelines or local regulations.
WHAT DOES OZONATOR DO IN THE HOT TUB?
When ozone is injected into hot tub water, it helps to sanitise the water by destroying most of the bacteria and viruses that may be present. Ozone also helps break down body oils and other biodegradable materials to keep the pure, clear and “feel good” water you want in your hot tub.
DOES AN OZONATOR REPLACE SANITISING CHEMICALS?
An ozonator helps improve water quality by oxidising organic contaminants such as body oils, sweat, and other impurities. This can significantly improve water clarity and reduce the demand for water treatment chemicals.
However, an ozonator does not fully replace sanitising chemicals. A residual level of approved water treatment product is still required to maintain safe and hygienic bathing conditions.
When an ozonator is fitted, the amount of sanitising chemicals required may be reduced depending on usage, water temperature, and bather load.
For example, without an ozonator, sanitiser levels are typically maintained at around 2–3 ppm. With an ozonator fitted, levels may often be reduced to approximately 0.5–1 ppm, depending on operating conditions and correct water management.