hommel & co Timber hot tub User manual

“We are delighted you have chosen to buy one of our wood burning hot tubs. We hope it will give
you many years of trouble free use and that you will enjoy the physical and mental benefits of
outdoor bathing. Overall the system is easy to operate and maintain with little to go wrong however
the following document provides some important information which must be noted for safety and
gives useful tips on how to get the most out of your tub.”
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TIMBER HOT TUB – USER GUIDE
Safety Notes
The stove and in particular the flue are hot when in operation. NEVER TOUCH THE CHIMNEY WHEN
THE STOVE IS WORKING.
Do not use any type of coal or charcoal in the stove, as this may damage the equipment which is
designed only to burn wood.
Do not use the tub under the influence of alcohol or if you have any health condition that would
prevent you from bathing. If you are in any doubt check with your doctor.
Keep lids on when not in use and remove steps so to make the tub inaccessible to children.
Ensure that the water level is above the upper (hot) inlet AT ALL TIMES when the stove is in use.
In extreme wind remove lids to avoid any risk that they may blow off.
In periods of extreme cold, water in the tub is lightly to freeze. In these conditions drain both tub
and stove to avoid risk of damage from expanding ice. Drain plugs are fitted to the rear of the stove
and in the floor of the tub.

Do not allow children access to the stove when in use and NEVER leave children unattended in or
around the tub whilst it is in use.
Do not add chemicals to the water, it is unnecessary and may damage the wood or the stove.
For safety, avoid bathing alone.
Choosing a site for your tub
The tub, unfilled weighs around 300kgs. A filled tub is very much heavier. Do not attempt to lift the
tub by yourself.
A flat level site, preferably concrete or hardstanding should be prepared prior to installing your tub.
Due to the filled weight of the tub, soft ground must be avoided however if the ground is firm
sleepers can be used as a minimum to spread the weight.
Choose a site with access to water and clear of any buildings or obstructions (e.g. trees) that may
create a downdraft or interfere with the chimney draw. If in doubt check you plans with a stove
specialist.
Do not position the tub near flammable materials or structures.
Site the tub in a position which will allow the water to drain away effectively. A hose attachment is
fitted, so that water can be directed into a drain or re-used to water plants.
Installation
Under normal circumstances the tub will arrive fully constructed. Access to the site you have chosen
must be considered. The diameter of the tub is 1. m and it is approximately 300kgs in weight.
Four or five men together can lift the tub and carry it into position it can also be manoeuvred once
on the ground by lifting one edge and turning the tub.
The stove is fitted to the tub during construction so once in position is important that the stove and
the tub are at the same level relative to one another i.e. if the tub sits off the ground (for example
on sleepers) then provision must also be made the raise the stove to the same height. It is crucial
that the upper (hot) hose rises upwards from the stove to the tub otherwise the system will not
operate correctly.
The chimney is modular, the parts simply push fit into one another and into the collar on the stove.
Once tub and stove are in position, the hoses can be fitted to the inlet and secured using jubilee clips
to complete the installation
The stove is equipped with a temperature gauge to display the temperature of the water-jacket and
a pressure relief valve which will activate should any pressure build up in the stove.

The stove and all other metalwork constructed from stainless steel for outdoor use.
Filling and Operation
Fill the tub with cold water using a garden hose. Rainwater can also be collected and used to fill the
tub.
NEVER DRAIN WATER FROM THE TUB WHEN THE STOVE IS IN USE firing the stove without water
will permanently damage the stove and pose risk of fire.
When filled the tub contains approximately 1.8 cubic metres (1800 litres) of water.
Once the tub is filled, kindle a fire in the firebox of the stove. Ensure old ash is removed (it is
beneficial for the garden). Kindle a fire directly onto the floor of the stove. Firelighters may be used.
A water jacket surrounds the fire-box, always use dry wood and keep the fire burning strongly.
Energy produced by the fire is efficiently used to heat the water and if the fire is only burning weakly
or wet material is used then inefficient combustion will occur resulting in excess smoke, soot
deposits and condensation inside the stove.
Once the fire is going keep feeding it with wood as necessary to maintain heat. Tend the fire from
time to time by raking the hot embers to distribute them evenly before adding more wood.
It is best to keep lids on whilst water is heating.
Periodically stir the water in the tub to mix the temperature layers. Because heat rises and cold
sinks, if you do not stir the water will stratify with the upper layer becoming hot and the lower layer
remaining cold. It is difficult to ascertain the overall temperature of the water unless the layers are
well mixed.
Make sure the pipes are not restricted and that water is circulating properly. To check this place
hand near the hot inlet or look for heat haze in the water coming from the inlet to indicate water is
circulating.
It is normal for the stainless steel flue to discolour slightly when the tub has been fired, the metal
may become slightly bronze/golden in colour once it has been heated. This change is not reversible.
Whoever is in charge of the fire is entirely responsible for the heat of the water. It normally takes
between 4 and hours to heat from cold depending on ambient temperature, wood quality and fire
management.
The recommended temperature range for bathing (which can be checked with any type of
thermometer) is 38-42 degrees C.
IMPORTANT If you continue to fire the stove the water will continue to get hotter. Very hot water
may cause burns and eventually may damage the equipment. Please monitor the temperature
regularly as the water heats and stop adding wood to the stove when the desired temperature is
reached.

IF THE WATER IS TOO HOT DO NOT GET IN. Do not rely solely on a thermometer, if you feel the
water is too hot, add cold water to reduce the temperature
IF YOU BECOME TOO HOT, GET OUT. Due to the volume of water in the tub your body will absorb
heat without affecting water temperature - a bath for example will become colder as you use it
meaning you can stay in the water for long periods. The water in the tub will remain at temperature
no matter how long you stay in. Please be aware of this and use the tub for short periods only until
you get used to it. Staying in too long may cause your body to overheat risking symptoms such as
dizziness and fainting. For this reason we recommend you do not use the tub alone and use a timer
to monitor bathing.
When bathing is completed allow the fire to go out completely before draining the tub.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Once installed the tub and stove require very little maintenance.
Clean the ash from the stove before each use and periodically demount and and check the chimney
and inside of the stove for soot build up. Clean as necessary and if in any doubt consult a stove
professional.
The water should be changed after each cycle of use. Water can be used more than once over the
succession of a few days. However if the tub is going to be left for any period of time the water
should be drained the tub rinsed and then the water refilled. The tub should be left full at all times
unless freezing weather is forecast.
When first filled after transport the tub may drip for a period of time until the wood settles and
swells. After a few months the bands around the tub should be checked and re-tensioned by simply
tightening the two 19mm nuts.
The outside surface of the tub is treated with Osmo UV protection oil (exterior). As well as being
visually appealing the oil provides some waterproofing, UV resistance and prevents fading. Over
time the oil will wear off and the tub will naturally ‘silver’. The surface can be retreated as necessary
with an external oil to maintain appearance. Avoid using a pressure washer, as this can affect the
joints on the timber. Other than aesthetics the oil is unnecessary, the tub can be left to age
naturally. The external surfaces of the wood can also be varnished or painted as you wish. All
internal surfaces should be left untreated.