Frequently Asked Questions
1.Which hot tub stove to choose? Integrated or External?
Making the choice between an integrated and external hot tub stove can be a decision based on personal preference and your specific needs. Here, we present the perceived advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.
External Hot Tub Stove:
Advantages:
Spacious Interior: The stove's external placement grants more space inside the tub.
Flexibility in Placement: Ideal for terraces as the stove's distance from the tub is adjustable. Ensure the stove is at the same height as the tub.
Fuel Recommendations: Dry firewood and briquettes are preferred. Charcoal isn't recommended.
Build: Constructed from 2 mm thick stainless steel.
Best For: Private homeowners, rural tourism homesteads, or those with ample space.
Mobility: A top choice for mobile bathtubs.
Power: The external stove has a power rating of 26 kW.
Quality Tip: For maximum durability, choose AISI 316 stainless steel that resists chlorine and salt damage.
Disadvantages:
Security Concern: There's a higher risk of the stove being stolen.
Space Requirement: You'll need to allocate additional space for the oven.
Bigger Footprint: Combined, the tub and stove occupy more yard space.
Integrated Hot Tub Stove:
Advantages:
Aesthetics: Installed under the fiberglass insert; only 1/6 of it is visible.
Fuel Recommendations: Suitable for dry firewood, briquettes; avoid coal to prevent particle inhalation (due to the 2m high chimney).
Efficiency: Heats water faster compared to an external heater due to smaller water volume. (MIDI ~1200 l. - MAXI ~1400 l.)
Space-saving: Perfect for smaller yards, as the total area occupied will be the hot tub's outer diameter. (MIDI size Ø 205 cm. MAXI size Ø 225 cm.)
Safety: Ideal for families with kids; the stove's position under seats prevents burns. The chimney has an extra 1m protection against burns.
Quality: Made of 2mm thick stainless steel. Opt for AISI 316 stainless steel for chlorine and salt resistance.
Disadvantages:
Space Limitation: Reduces the tub's usable space due to the fiberglass insert for the stove.
Longevity: Potential for cracks or wear; replacing the stove might take longer after many years of use.
2.What are the differences between stainless steel types AISI 430, AISI 304, and AISI 316? Which one should I choose for my tub stove?
AISI 430: Basic and Budget-Friendly
Features:
Affordability: The standard package tub stove is made of AISI 430, making it more cost-effective than AISI 304 or AISI 316.
Corrosion Resistance: While it offers resistance to corrosion, it's not as resilient as AISI 304 or AISI 316.
Nickel-Free: It doesn't contain any nickel.
Chlorine Caution: This steel isn't suitable for chlorination, as chlorine exposure might damage it over time.
Magnet Test: A magnet will stick to AISI 430.
AISI 304: Durable and Globally Recognised
Features:
Nickel Content: Comprises 8 to 10.5% nickel and chromium. The presence of nickel enhances its corrosion resistance.
Durability: Resistant to heat, corrosion, and various chemicals.
Popularity: Due to its robust features, it's a prevalent standard grade of stainless steel worldwide.
AISI 316: Premium and Resilient
Features:
Composition: Contains chromium, nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum.
Superior Resistance: The inclusion of molybdenum offers more protection against wear caused by external factors.
Chlorine and Corrosion Resistance: AISI 316 has an edge due to its heightened resistance to chlorine and regular or chemical corrosion.
Versatility: Ideal for those planning to use bath salts, foams, or other additives to elevate their relaxation experience in the tub.
Magnet Test: A magnet doesn't stick to AISI 316.
3.What are the different external decoration options available for my tub, and what are their features?
When choosing the external decoration for your tub, you have several options. Here's a detailed look at each to help you decide:
Spruce Wood Finish: Affordable and Natural
Features:
Budget-Friendly: Spruce wood is the most economical option.
Properties: Known for its softness, lightness, easy processing, flexibility, and resistance to moisture.
Shrinkage: A unique characteristic of spruce wood is its minimal shrinkage during the drying process.
Maintenance: Using an impregnating agent helps protect against moisture, heat, and dirt, ensuring the wood retains its aesthetic appeal.
Thermal Wood Finish: Durability meets Aesthetics
Features:
Treatment: Spruce and/or pine wood undergoes heat treatment (180-215°C) combined with steam.
Altered Properties: This treatment makes the wood incredibly durable, stable, and insulating. It hardly shrinks or warps and keeps its fresh appearance for longer.
Usage: Its stability and aesthetics make it apt for both interior and exterior decor.
Eco-Friendly: Processed without chemicals, ensuring it's safe for both people and the environment.
Applications: Given its resilience to temperature and humidity fluctuations, it's great for cladding buildings, terraces, bathtubs, saunas, and more. Notably, this wood doesn't crack.
Plastic Finish: Practical and Maintenance-Free
Features:
Maintenance-Free: Wood composite plastic boards require no additional upkeep.
Durability: These boards don't warp, and there's no need to refresh their color seasonally, saving you time.
Aesthetics: Designed to mimic wood, the 10mm thick boards look genuine.
Compatibility: These are exclusively available for fiberglass tubs. (The tub wall is first reinforced, and then the 10mm plastic board is applied.)
4.What are the best practices for maintaining and cleaning my tub and stove?
Proper maintenance ensures longevity and pristine appearance of your tub and stove. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to care for them:
For Fiberglass-Lined Tubs:
Immediate Usability: One of the main benefits of fiberglass-lined tubs is their ease of maintenance and hygiene. Once you've connected the stove, the tub is ready to use.
Cleaning: For routine cleaning, use standard bath or swimming pool cleaning agents.
Protection: Utilize the tub cover to shield your tub from external elements like leaves, branches, dust, and debris.
Water Hygiene (Warm Season): If you prefer not to change the water after every few uses, ensure the water remains hygienic by:
- Using water purification products meant for swimming pools.
- Employing chlorine tablets or other water clarifying agents.
- Note: When using any chemicals, salts, or chlorine, ensure you've opted for a stove made of AISI 316 steel, as it's more resistant to these substances.
For Wooden Tubs:
Yearly Maintenance: Being a natural product, wood needs periodic care to retain its beauty.
Impregnation: Helps protect the wood from the elements.
Oiling: Maintains its luster and prevents drying.
Painting: Preserves the wood's aesthetic and guards against external damage.
Protection: Make use of the tub cover to keep your wooden tub free from environmental debris.
For Stove Maintenance:
Regular Cleaning: It's essential to clean the stove every 3-5 uses, depending on the ash accumulation. Regular cleaning ensures efficient heating and prolongs the life of the stove.
5.What is the Water Massage System in the Nordic House Hot Tubs?
The water massage system in our hot tubs is designed to transform your bathing experience. It operates by using a motor to draw water from the tub, which is then powerfully sprayed through water jets incorporated within the tub walls. Here's a more in-depth look:
Technical Details:
Standard Water Massage: Features a 1.1 kW motor that can pump 320l/min. This system uses 6 nozzles for an encompassing water massage experience.
Double Water Massage System: For those who crave a more intensified massage, we offer a system with two 1.1 kW motors, leading to a total of 12 nozzles. This amplifies the massage effect, catering to all areas of your body.
Why Choose a Water Massage?
Deep Relaxation: The massage jets penetrate deep tissues, ideal for unwinding after a tiring day.
Oxygen-Rich Blood: The dissolved air in the jets enhances oxygen in the blood, promoting wellness.
Boosted Lymph Circulation: Regular use aids in weight management and reducing cellulite.
Overall Wellness: Experience a gentle full-body massage that rejuvenates and oxygenates your body.
Health Perks: Enhance metabolism, blood flow, and brain function. Great for detoxification, bolstering immunity, and supporting those with skeletal and neurological concerns.
Enhanced Movement: The water's buoyancy facilitates smoother, therapeutic movements.
Sensory Joy: The bubbling water stimulates nerve endings for a tingling pleasure.
6.The Air Bubble System Explained
Our tubs are equipped with an advanced air bubble system that uses a 750W motor compressor. This mechanism pulls in ambient air and releases it through 12 strategically placed nozzles, giving rise to a mesmerizing bubble effect in the water. Thanks to a specially designed cavity on the bottom and side of the tub, this system seamlessly integrates without altering the tub's aesthetic appeal.
7.About Hot Tubs with a Water Filtration System
Our hot tubs can be equipped with a state-of-the-art filtration system, a crucial component that maintains water purity and clarity. This system comprises a dedicated filter and pump duo. The process begins with the pump drawing water out of the tub, which is then sent through the filtration mechanism before being reintroduced into the tub. Larger debris is intercepted by the pump's pre-filter, while finer particles are captured by the main filter, which can be loaded with either sand or glass. A feature of our modern filter pumps is their multi-speed settings, enabling users to adjust filtration cycles as per their needs and even switch to energy-saving modes when desired.
8.Disinfecting Hot Tub Water: A Guide to Chemistry
1. Chlorine-Based Disinfectants:
Overview: Chlorine is a widely-used disinfectant for both drinking water and recreational water sources like pools and hot tubs.
Advantages: Effective at sanitizing water and eliminating pathogens.
Drawbacks: Can cause skin irritation or allergies. Regular rinsing post-bathing is recommended.
Usage Rate: 0.6-1.0 milligrams per liter for hot tubs.
Stove Compatibility: Only suitable for tubs with AISI 316 stoves due to resistance issues with AISI 430 and AISI 304 (AISI 430 and AISI 304 are less resistant and can simply leak).
Types of Chlorine-Based Disinfectants:
Quick-dissolving tablets: Used for immediate disinfection, especially for untreated water. Ideal for pools or tubs left untreated for prolonged periods.
Slow-dissolving tablets: Maintains consistent chlorine levels. Multi-functional variants include additional treatments like algicides, flocculants, and pH stabilizers.
Liquid hypochlorite: Used in automatic dispensers, comparable in function to slow-dissolving tablets.
2.Chlorine-Free Alternatives:
Overview: Ideal for those allergic to chlorine or those who dislike its odor. More environmentally conscious as chlorine can evaporate upon sun exposure, requiring frequent treatments.
Types of Chlorine-Free Disinfectants:
Biologically active copper solutions: Effective against algae and bacteria. Offers prolonged effectiveness, typically requiring treatment only every two months.
Active oxygen: Softens water and eliminates odors or allergic reactions. Destroys a variety of pathogens and may contain algicides. Requires a separate activator.
Bromine-based products: A reliable alternative to chlorine, though slightly more expensive. Requires less frequent water testing than chlorine but is more sensitive to UV rays.
Note: Choosing the right disinfection method depends on individual preferences, sensitivity to chemicals, and the specific needs of the hot tub environment. Always refer to product labels and consult with experts if unsure.
9.Hot Tub Water Temperature: A Quick Guide
Thermometer Usage:
To ensure a comfortable and safe bathing experience, always use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature in your hot tub.
Ideal Temperature:
The optimal temperature for hot tub water typically ranges between 38-40°C (100-104°F).
Benefits:
Relaxation: The warm water helps soothe and relax muscles.
Improved Sleep: Bathing in the warm water can induce sleepiness, making it a great pre-bedtime activity.
Stress Relief: The elevated temperature aids in alleviating stress and tension from the body.
Note: Always ensure the temperature is comfortable for your personal preference and health considerations. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional about the ideal temperature for you.
10.Common Mistakes in Hot Tub Operation
Premature Ignition: Lighting the stove too early can cause damage. Always ensure the water is filled to the appropriate level (approximately 10 cm below the tub's rim) before lighting the stove.
Quick Drainage: Draining the tub immediately after use, while the stove is still hot, can be detrimental. Always give the stove ample time to cool down before draining the tub.
Neglect in Freezing Temperatures: Leaving water in the tub when temperatures are below freezing can cause significant damage. The expansion of freezing water can compromise the tub's structure (whether it's made of wood, plastic, or has a fiberglass lining) and the stove. To prevent winter damage, ensure you drain the tub and stove completely.
Always consult your hot tub's user manual and consider local conditions to ensure its longevity and safety.