The chiller circulates water through a built-in 40-micron stainless steel mesh filter that catches sediment and can be removed for cleaning. Rinse the filter weekly, and shower before each plunge to keep sweat, oils, and other contaminants out of the water.

With daily use, changing the water about every two weeks is a good baseline. You may need to change it sooner in hot weather, when multiple people use the tub, or whenever the water becomes cloudy, develops an odor, or the inside of the tub feels slick. We also recommend wiping down the interior each time you change the water using a damp washcloth or large sponge with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap.

To extend the time between water changes, you can use a submersible UV light, an external 20-micron cartridge filter, or a water treatment such as properly diluted food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Depending on usage and environmental conditions, these options can significantly extend the life of the water.

The standard way to drain the tub is to disconnect the hose from the chiller inlet, point the hose toward the desired drainage area, and allow the water to drain through the tub’s outlet hose. A couple of inches of water will remain in the bottom because it sits below the outlet port. Once most of the water has drained, tip the tub over to empty the remaining water.

To connect a longer drainage hose, use a 1/2-inch female NPT to 3/4-inch male garden hose thread adapter. The tub’s outlet valve has 1/2-inch male NPT threads, and the adapter will allow you to connect a standard garden hose and drain the tub by gravity.

For indoor setups, the easiest option is usually a small submersible sump pump. These typically cost around $50 and can drain the tub down to a fraction of an inch while giving you more control over where the water is discharged.

Can the chiller handle extremely hot ambient climates?

Yes, though performance may decrease in very high ambient temperatures. Here is what to expect:

Below 60°F ambient: about 37 to 40°F

60° to 70°F ambient: about 37° to 41°F

70° to 80°F ambient: about 39° to 43°F

80° to 90°F ambient: about 40° to 46°F

90°F and above: about 40° to 48°F

For best results, place the chiller in a shaded, well-ventilated area to optimize cooling efficiency. If you have it in the garage in the summer, make sure to crack the garage door for ventilation.

Yes, but extreme heat and freezing temperatures require additional care. The chiller is IPX4 rated for protection against rain and splashing, and the tub is designed for outdoor use.

During winter, the outdoor temperature may keep the water cold enough that the chiller is not needed. If freezing temperatures are expected, disconnect the chiller, drain all water from the chiller and hoses, store the chiller in a location that remains above freezing, and install the included tub plugs.

If the chiller remains connected, continuous water circulation can reduce the risk of freezing, but it does not guarantee protection. The chiller should never be allowed to freeze, and freeze damage is not covered under warranty.

In hot weather, place the chiller in a shaded, well-ventilated area with at least 24 inches of clearance around the unit. This allows heat to exhaust properly and helps prevent the chiller from overheating. Do not place it inside an enclosed space or cover it while it is running.

No. The chiller automatically circulates and filters the water while maintaining your selected temperature. Routine upkeep is limited to rinsing the filter, changing the water, and wiping down the tub periodically.

For recommended cleaning intervals and water-treatment options, see “How do I keep the water clean, and how often should I change it?”

Mainly posture and footprint. The barrel is built for an upright, seated plunge, and its compact shape fits easily on a patio, in a garage, or anywhere floor space is tight. The long tub lets you recline and stretch out for full-body immersion, which takes more room but suits people who want to lie back rather than sit up.

Neither is better, it comes down to how you like to plunge and how much space you have. Many owners choose the barrel for the natural sitting posture and smaller footprint, while others prefer the long tub for the extra room to stretch.