Birchwells

S p a   &   G a r d e n    L u x e

Care & Maintenance Guide
Looking After Your Birchwells Hot Tub

Our hot tubs are handcrafted from natural timber and require regular care to maintain their appearance, performance and longevity.

Following the guidance below will help keep your hot tub in excellent condition and maintain eligibility for warranty coverage.

Oiling & Timber Protection

To protect the timber from weathering, UV exposure and moisture, we recommend treating all external timber surfaces with Osmo UV-Protection Oil or an equivalent high-quality exterior wood protection product.

The following areas must be oiled regularly:

  • All exterior walls of the hot tub;
  • The upper rim and exposed timber edges;
  • The lid or cover;Steps, where supplied;
  • Paddle or stirring paddle, where supplied;
  • Any other exposed external timber components.

The interior surfaces of the hot tub that are in direct contact with water must not be oiled.

As a general guideline, exposed timber should be inspected regularly and re-oiled every 6–12 months, depending on weather conditions, UV exposure and usage.

Failure to adequately maintain and protect external timber surfaces may result in:

  • Cracking;Splitting;
  • Warping;
  • Fading or discolouration;
  • Premature weathering.

Such conditions are considered maintenance-related and are not manufacturing defects.

 

Keeping Your Hot Tub Filled

Timber hot tubs naturally expand when filled with water, helping the timber boards create a watertight seal.

For best performance, we recommend keeping the hot tub filled whenever possible.

If you wish to leave the hot tub empty for an extended period, the following conditions must be met:

  • The hot tub must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment;
  • It must be protected from rain, snow and direct weather exposure;
  • Humidity levels should be kept as low as reasonably possible;
  • Standing water must not be allowed to accumulate inside the tub;
  • The lid or cover must be left open or removed to allow adequate airflow.

Never leave the hot tub empty with the lid fully closed for extended periods. Restricted airflow can create excessive moisture build-up and may result in mould, mildew, timber deterioration and unpleasant odours.

Where a hot tub has been left empty for a prolonged period, some leakage may occur when it is refilled. This is normal and the timber may require time to rehydrate, expand and re-establish its natural watertight seal.

Leaks resulting from prolonged drying, improper storage, excessive humidity, inadequate ventilation or failure to follow these storage recommendations are not covered under warranty.

 

Water Treatment & Hygiene

Proper water treatment is essential for both user safety and the longevity of your hot tub.

The water should be maintained with an appropriate sanitising treatment, such as chlorine, at all times while the hot tub is in use.

As a minimum recommendation:

  • Chlorine levels should be checked regularly;
  • Water treatment should be carried out at least once per week;
  • Water quality should be monitored in accordance with the chemical manufacturer's instructions;
  • The hot tub should be cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent contamination.

Failure to maintain proper water chemistry may result in:

  • Bacterial growth;
  • Algae formation;
  • Unpleasant odours;
  • Staining and discolouration;
  • Biofilm development;
  • Premature deterioration of timber and other components.

Damage or deterioration resulting from inadequate water treatment, poor water quality or failure to maintain appropriate sanitiser levels is not covered under warranty.

Customers are responsible for ensuring that the hot tub water remains safe, clean and properly treated throughout its use.

 

Winter Care

During freezing temperatures:

  • Keep water circulating where possible;
  • Drain the hot tub if it will not be used for an extended period;
  • Protect exposed pipework and accessories from frost damage;
  • Ensure the hot tub is completely drained before prolonged freezing conditions.

Damage caused by frost, freezing temperatures or inadequate winterisation is not covered under warranty.

 

Cleaning

  • To maintain the appearance and condition of your hot tub:
  • Use only suitable cleaning products;
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners;
  • Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning;
  • Regularly remove dirt, leaves and debris.

 

Maintaining Your Warranty

Compliance with this Care & Maintenance Guide is a condition of warranty coverage.

Customers should retain evidence of maintenance activities, including:

  • Receipts for Osmo UV-Protection Oil or equivalent products;
  • Dated photographs showing maintenance work;
  • Maintenance logs or records;
  • Water treatment records where applicable.

Birchwells reserves the right to request reasonable evidence of maintenance when assessing a warranty claim.

Failure to maintain the hot tub in accordance with this guide may result in warranty claims being rejected.