Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ember Hot Tubs, we answer it all here!
Site Prep
No. Unlike traditional spas and pools that often add $4000+ in crane costs, Ember tubs can be hand-walked through narrow spaces (in parts) and then assembled on site. Ember tubs can easily be walked through standard doors and gateways.
No. Unlike traditional pools and hot tubs that often require a 120mm thick concrete slab (often adding $1000+ in costs), Ember tubs come with an engineer approved ‘EasyBase' platform, meaning that a concrete slab isn’t required in most cases.
No. Unlike most hot tubs and spas that require a call to a licensed electrician to install a dedicated 15amp socket, Ember uses a highly efficient heat pump that can be plugged straight into a standard 10amp socket.
No. Ember tubs are self contained, filled and drained through the bottom of the tub using a garden hose.
Note: there is some basic plumbing required for the heat-pump and filtration. You can DIY it or call in a plumber / handy-person for a few hours to assist. We can also provide 'virtual support' if needed.
Generally not. Ember tubs are engineered as relocatable and temporary structures, the unit itself is often exempt from the requirement for a building permit in many jurisdictions.
Not always. Our 1.2m and 1.5m models are Engineer Certified to allow the tub walls to be approved as safety barriers, compliant to Australia Standards. This means in many cases an external fence may not be required.
Shipping
Yes, we ship our tubs all across Australia.
Typically shipping ranges from $250 - $650 depending on your location. Remote locations may be more expensive.
Ember’s modular design allows each tub to fit onto a standard sized pallet (1.17m x 1.17m), making delivery to any location effortless and affordable.
Install
Yes, DIY install is absolutely possible. This process generally takes about 3-6 hours depending on the type of tub you have.
Note: we recommend using a plumber or handy-person to assist with plumbing the heat pump and filtration.
You should allow between 3-6 hours depending on the type of tub you have.
No. Ember doesn't offer an install service directly (we focus all of our attention on creating high quality Australian-made products).
However, we can help put you in touch with an independent contractor to do the install for you.
Yes, we offer unlimited and free virtual support during the install process (and after). We can even jump a video call to assist with troubleshooting and teething issues.
Electric Heat-Pump Specs
Ember uses a highly 9kw effiencient heat pump, the Sensaheat HPES09.
No, the Sensaheat heat pump is typically 4 x more efficient than traditional spas and hot tubs.
With Sensaheat you'll roughly pay $1 per day, instead of $4 —saving you $1,000+ annually on your power bills.
Traditional spas and hot tubs utilise internal 3kW electric element heaters, essentially acting like a giant, continuous kitchen kettle sitting in your backyard. These units consume massive amounts of raw electricity.
The Sensaheat heat pump doesn't create heat using an electric element but instead moves heat from the air into the water.
Because it uses the ambient air temperature, it is significantly cheaper than traditional electric or gas heating.
Yes, the Sensaheat heat pump is engineered as a "set and forget" system that performs most efficiently when maintaining a stable temperature. While traditional heaters turn 100% on or 100% off, the Sensaheat uses Inverter Technology to act like cruise control. Once your tub reaches your target temperature, the unit throttles down its motor to a low "eco" speed, using just enough power to offset the natural heat loss through your insulation and cover.
Yes. Unlike traditional spas and hot tubs that only heat the water, the Sensaheat heat pump ranges in temperature from 12-40 degrees. Making your tub perfect for year round use.
With a Sensaheat heat pump, you can expect your water temperature to rise by approximately 6°C to 8°C per hour under normal conditions.
For a standard 1,000-litre hot tub, a typical heat-up from a "cold fill" (approx. 15°C) to a comfortable soaking temperature (38°C) usually takes between 3 and 4 hours.
This is significantly faster than a standard 3kW plug-in element, which typically only manages about 2°C per hour and can take up to 12 hours to reach the same temperature.
Operation
Electric models - Just like an air conditioner, set your temperature using the screen or mobile app.
Wood-fired models - Ease off on fuel as you approach desired temp. There are also air-flow latches on the front of the heater to help with temperature control. Beware of the high temperatures that are possible.
Tub Specs
Ember tubs have a heavy-duty, fitted vinyl liner - a high-spec, medical-grade material engineered specifically for the Australian climate.
It is designed for maximum durability, offering significant advantages over traditional materials:
- Vs. Cedar: Unlike timber, which can rot, leak if left empty, or harbor bacteria in its pores, our liner provides a 100% watertight, non-porous surface that is incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
- Vs. Stainless Steel: While steel is a conductor that pulls heat out of your water, our vinyl acts as an insulative barrier. It remains silky-smooth and "warm" to the touch, avoiding the cold, industrial feel and tea-staining issues common with metal interiors.
We stand behind this quality with a comprehensive 8-year pro-rata warranty, ensuring your soak remains comfortable, hygienic, and worry-free for years to come.
Ember tub are build using Class 1 Spotted Gum Hardwood. This is a premium, high-density Australian timber specifically chosen for its incredible durability and amazing look.
- Built for Longevity: Class 1 is the highest possible durability rating for timber. When properly maintained, Spotted Gum is rated for a 40-year life in outdoor applications.
- The Australian Standard: Unlike imported softwoods, Spotted Gum thrives in the harsh UV and fluctuating humidity of the Australian climate, ensuring your sanctuary remains as structurally sound in year 20 as it was on day one.
Depending on the size, Ember tubs typically weigh between 100-200kg.
Ember tubs range in water volume from approximately 650L - 6000L.
"The Cove" Tub (1.5m x 1m Oval)
- The Cove 0.9m = 650L
- The Cove 1.2m = 950L
"The Haven" Tub (2m x 1m Oval)
- The Haven 0.9m = 950L
"The Oasis" Tub (1.5m Round)
- The Oasis 0.9m = 1000L
- The Oasis 1.2m = 1500L
"The Dip" Tub (2.1m Round)
- The Dip 0.9m = 1800L
- The Dip 1.2m = 3000L
- The Dip 1.5m = 4000L
"The Spring" Tub (2.6m Round)
- The Spring 1.2m = 4500L
- The Spring 1.5m = 6000L
Tub Maintenance
There’s a few techniques to help. Pouring hot water from your kettle helps make the liner relax in places. It’s also suggested with the water level a few inches deep, to step into the tub barefoot and massage wrinkles out.
Keep in mind, a small wrinkle here and there is normal and won’t have any detrimental effect.
We recommend a light coat of high-quality timber oil once every 6 months. In the harsh Australian sun, the UV rays will slowly "bleach" the natural tannins; a bi-annual oiling replenishes these and keeps those honey and chocolate tones deep and vibrant.
Tip: we send out an Ember care kit with every tub. This contains enough timber oil to care for you tub for about 2-years.
We recommend re-sealing the edges of the EasyBase platform every 6-12 months.
Tip: you'll receive paint and a paint brush in your Ember care kit, so that you can easily maintain your tub in no time.
Water Quality & Filtration
You will learn a lot as you go. And remember that you can take a sample of water to your local pool shop for their expert help.
Tubs without filtration: Applying chlorine powder may help. Avoid overdosing. Aim for clean water with minimal chlorine smell. Rinse feet before bathing. Replace water often.
Tubs with filtration: Suggest starting with 24/7 filtration, then setting up a timer if desired (for power saving).Apply granular chlorine by the spoonful following instructions on packet.
If your package includes Mineral Guard, this device reduces chlorine requirement to only a trace amount.
It’s recommended to use the skimmer net supplied to keep the water surface clean. And there are battery vacuum cleaners widely available for purchase which are designed for above-ground pool floors. Liner may be wiped clean with biodegradable detergent. AVOID HARD BRISTLE BRUSHES.
We recommend changing your water every 3-months.
Over time, water becomes "saturated." Even if it looks clear, it can hold onto dissolved solids like salts, skin oils, and minerals that make the water feel "heavy" and harder to balance.
We recommend aligning your water change with your Mineral Guard cartridge replacement. It’s the simplest way to ensure your new water starts with a fresh mineral shield.
We recommend taking the cartridge filter out every 2-week for a quick rinse.
Then every 12-months of so, we recommend replacing it. You can buy these directly from Ember or from your local pool shop.
Mineral Guard is part of Ember's Gold Level Filtration System. It's a specialised purification cartridge that sits inside your filtration system. It uses a proprietary blend of natural silver and copper minerals to actively inhibit the growth of bacteria and algae.
By using the power of these minerals to "do the heavy lifting" of sanitisation, you can reduce your dependence on harsh chemicals by up to 50%.
We recommend replacing the cartridge every time you perform your seasonal water refresh, every 6-months. This ensures your new, clean water is instantly protected by a fresh burst of natural minerals.
New cartridges cost about $200. You can buy directly from us or from your local pool shop.
Yes, unlike stainless and cedar, Ember's high-quality vinyl is a non-reactive, non-porous liner that is entirely immune to mineral corrosion.
Note: Ember's wood-fired heater are made from stainless steel and can tolerate light concentrations only.