How do you clean the hot tub heater?

Different hot tub heaters

At Welvaere you have a choice of different hot tub heaters to go with your wood-fired hot tub. By default, the Welstove Medium is added to the hot tub. In addition, you also have the choice of a Welstove Large and a Welstove Pro. All three heaters are made of stainless steel. The Welstove Medium is 304 stainless steel and the other two are 316 stainless steel.

The biggest advantage of 316 stainless steel over 304 is that 316 stainless steel is just a bit stronger. Think of the material being more resistant to chlorine and a salty environment, among other things. Especially when you live by the sea, for example, stainless steel 316 is highly recommended.

Cleaning the inside of the hot tub heater

Of course, the part of the stove that gets dirty the most is the inside because this is the area where you fire. Depending on the type of stove, there is an ash drawer in here or not. Of course, such an ash drawer is extra handy when you want to remove the remaining ash from the stove. You remove the ash drawer and easily dispose of the remaining ash.

If the hot tub stove does not have an ash drawer, you can also remove the remaining ash very easily by using a dustpan and brush, for example. You wipe the inside of the stove with the dustpan and then easily throw it away. Even if you have an ash drawer, there will always be some ash left in the stove, which you can also remove with a dustpan and brush.

Cleaning the stove window

When you have a window in the stove, of course you want to clean it regularly. You didn't choose a hot tub stove with a window for nothing so you want to be able to see the fire as well. A handy trick to get the ash off the window is to wipe it clean with a used and wet tea bag or by dipping a damp newspaper/kitchen paper in some of the stove's ash. Rub the newspaper or kitchen paper with the ash side against the glass so that the soot on the glass is loosened. Finally, wipe away the loosened soot particles with a clean piece of cloth or paper and the window will look like new again.

Cleaning the outside of the stove

RVS, also known as stainless steel, is known for not rusting much, if at all, due to the weather conditions in the Netherlands. The outside of the stove has to endure a lot. Think of snow, rain or a lot of sun. All this makes the stove look dirty.

Doesn't always stay shiny like it was when you just got the hot tub, of course. But, you can clean this one too, and again, a cleaning does wonders. You can choose to make some soapy water and clean the heater with this. You can also do this with HG brand stainless steel cleaner or Triangle brand green soap and can just be bought in most supermarkets. When cleaning the outside, always make sure to use a soft cloth or sponge to minimize scratches.

Cleaning other parts

Of course, there are more parts with the stove such as the stove tubes, any ash plate, heat shield and/or spark arrestor. Actually, of these four parts, the spark arrestor needs the most maintenance. It sits on top of the stove and this is where dirt gets trapped. Therefore, it is very important to clean it very regularly. It is not difficult.

You clean the spark arrestor by carefully disconnecting it from the stove tube and knocking it loose over a dirt container. The dirt that gets stuck in there will come loose. If you do not do this regularly, the dirt will accumulate and at some point the stove will not be able to get rid of the dirt and it will break down.

When do I clean the hot tub heater?

The hot tub heater really does not need to be cleaned after every use of the hot tub. What we do recommend is to clean the ash pan after every hot tub session. This is a small effort, and take the spark arrester with you.

Of course, do this after the stove has completely cooled down. Certainly the spark arrestor will be well warm after firing and it would be a shame if you burn your hands while cleaning it.

The other parts like the outside of the stove and the stove window can be cleaned whenever you want. For example, when you find both too dirty or once a month.

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