tub safety
Please read general safety info prior to using your tub!
Water in the steel coils that is heated by fire is hot, so be sure to keep your legs and body away from the hot outflow track where hot water enters the tub (the higher of the two outlets). The water doesn’t move very fast so just a few inches is probably fine depending on what your fires doing.
The hot water return outlet from the coil should always remain submerged beneath the water in your hot tub (about 5cm). If the water level in the hot tub drops below this point, such as when individuals exit the tub, it can cause the water within the coil to become excessively hot because it is not syphoning anymore, the water is sitting in the tube. This can lead to an unsafe situation and the potential for minor injury and pain due to hot water or steam.
This situation is referred to as 'dry firing' the coil, which is highly dangerous and can lead to scalding hot water or steam being discharged from the warm water outlet. Prevent dry firing by simply ensuring water is above the top outlet while in use.
This includes when users exit the tub causing the water level to drop a bit. Ensure that water can circulate freely within the coil and hot tub at all times. This also means do not obstruct the water outlets with plugs or objects.
Do not insert tub plugs while the coils are hot and in operation.
The wood fire coils should not be placed higher than the tub. Ideally the rubber tube should be slightly up-sloping, toward the tub. Think about what direction an air bubble would go. This will help your flow.
Safety and the Thermosyphon Effect
Your heater coil operates with just water and wood by utilizing the thermosyphoning effect. When it's properly connected to a water supply, the fire within the coil will draw cooler water from the bottom of your tub (as cooler water is denser and sinks). The coil's fire heats the water, causing it to become less dense. This heated water rises through the coil just like hot air rises and returns as warmed water to your tub.
However, certain factors can interfere with or reduce the efficiency of the thermosyphon effect. These factors include:
- The presence of pockets or bubbles of air trapped in the coil or attached hose.
- A hose that sags or bends excessively between the coil and the tub.
Just keep an eye on your equipment when it’s in use.
It’s up to the user to know the rules and regulations for equipment and fire in your city.
Check with your cities specific backyard fire guidelines for fires and pools as these change from city to city.
These coils are meant to be on the ground not on a wood deck, but stay tuned for a new deck design soon if interested. Until then have a safe designated place for the coils to operate, just like you would with any bonfire bonfire.
If you don’t empty your tub water and it becomes slimy, it needs to be cleaned immediately to rid of bacteria and slipping hazards. Draining the water after use or sessions will get you the most uses out of your tub.
If you haven't stirred the water for a while during the heating process, the water's surface temperature is probably hot as heat rises. Stir the water initially with the provided stirring paddle prior to stirring with your arm.
The coil fire and water require continuous supervision when it's in operation or cooling down, especially when children or pets are nearby.
Children and babies are not permitted to use this device, this device is for adults only.
Youth in the area under the age of 18 years old also must be supervised at all times. Recommended age for the device is 18+ but this judgment is up to each user.
Dogs should also be supervised around this device. It remains the owner's duty and responsibility to ensure constant visual oversight of their pet in proximity to fire and water sources.
Do not nap alone or at all in the tub for obvious reasons (drowning risk).
Do not dive into the pool for obvious reasons.
Fire, water and excessive alcohol do not combine well. Exercise caution and use your own judgement!
Prevent the presence of air bubbles in your coil or hose. Achieve this by reducing leaks and using provided key clamps (where water escapes, air can enter). It's also beneficial to ensure a slight upward slope in the rubber hose from the top of your coil back to the tub, as air bubbles tend to naturally rise and return to the tub.
If you suspect the presence of an air bubble in your hose or coil, gently tapping can assist in dislodging it.
DO NOT INITIATE A "DRY FIRE" IN THE COIL!
This means don’t start a fire until you’ve filled the tub with water. Otherwise water will boil in the coil and spit out hot water. Fill the tub above the top outlet, then start the fire.
When it comes to the use of hot water in a hot tub, it is essential to recognize that users should do so at their own risk. Hot tubs typically operate at elevated temperatures, and the combination of hot water and exposure to high heat can pose certain health risks, such as dehydration, overheating, or fainting. Exercise responsible judgment, and remain aware of your own physical limitations, including being on medications. Failure to do so may result in injury or death, and in such cases, the liability for any harm incurred rests with the individuals using the hot tub. It is important for hot tub users to understand and accept these risks and to use the hot tub responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Remember, anyone can drown in just 6 inches of water. So always be cautious and use your own situational awareness skills around any water source.
8 General Hot Tub Safety Guidelines:
1. **Time Limits:** Common guidelines suggest limiting to 15-30 minutes sessions (taking breaks) to avoid overheating and dehydration (drink water)
2. **Water Temperature:** Maintain the water temperature within a safe range, typically between 100-104°F (37-40°C). Avoid higher temperatures as they can increase the risk of heat-related issues.
3. **Health Advisories:** Individuals with heart conditions, pregnancy, and certain medications should consult with a healthcare professional before using a hot tub.
4. **Hydration:** Stay hydrated while in the hot tub by drinking water at regular intervals. Dehydration is a common concern in hot water environments. Alcohol or pop does not count, plan to bring water and make an effort to drink it.
5. **Supervision:** Recommended adult supervision. Especially when children or inexperienced hot tub users are present, to ensure they follow safety guidelines.
6. **Emergency Procedures:** In an emergency dial 911, always carry a first aid kit especially outdoors. If someone becomes overheated: Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly. Remove tight or heavy clothing. Have the person sip chilled water, a decaffeinated sports drink containing electrolytes or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine. Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning.
7. **Regular Maintenance:** Ensure the devices are well-maintained and clean, properly balanced on the ground during setup, and hooked up securely. Rinse your devices out when arriving home after your journey.
8. **Water Quality:** Exercise caution when using still lake water in small lakes. Small amounts of chlorine can be used in lake water and stirred occasionally for an hour prior to use. It is up to the user to ensure the quality of water. Drain water and rinse the tub after each use to prolong its rust-free life.
Abiding by these safety guidelines and information, hot tub owners and operators can create a safer and more enjoyable hot tub experience for all users while reducing the risk of accidents or health issues.
Safety should always be kept first in mind, use products at your own risk and discretion in regards to fire and water safety, and laws in your city.