Initial Run

 As with anything second hand like this it is useful to do a trial run. You find out lots of issues this way and rarely is anything perfect.

I had a few leaks, which were expected as things bedded in. Mainly from the water hoses. They're on the old side and are probably far from ideal. I've got a couple of 2.5" (57mm) x 3" silicone intercooler turbo straight hose connectors - Car stuff, but appears to be recommended on the Facebook Softub Owners Group for a few quid each, it's worthwhile.


The Softub is roughly in situ here. The location is actually a little off and the square foam tiles I had from my prior set-up isn't ideal. I have a 12mm thick round one on order. Thicker the better for both comfort and insulation purposes. It's a little on the large at 196cm round when the T-220 is 180cm. I could cut down, but i'll probably pack the front of the feet on the redwood surround and leave it oversized. If you are not using a surround it would work fine too.

The redwood surround will fit at the back and the front and with a little modification, I have created two smaller steps from the one large one. to give access in two places. However it won't fit at the side, next to the wall. I THINK there is space to fit it in and it'll make a nice spot to perch the lid. 

The jets run, but the jets dial on the Hydromate doesn't do anything.  There is water in the air pipe. I THINK it is because I had a leak on this part because the pipe was brittle where the ozone is added and needs replacing
I've since used a 1" brass hose pipe connector, but it is slightly small, but the line is waterlogged. I could part drain and refill to solve this, probably having the dial closed (towards the lights) or maybe blow air through, but the jets work, just in a non bubbling fashion

I'll have to drain it anyway to move it and install the round mat under anyway, so this isn't a big deal
I'm planning on using some Whirl Away as recommended here which gives some nice draining instructions.

Since the tub wasn't used for years and whilst I hoses the jets out, filling, running, checking over and clearing out the water is a good plan. I used one of the old filters that I had thoroughly cleaned, but i've a new filter for once it is finally set-up

Conclusion

The Softub gets warm and maintains heat, it works remarkably well and is a lot of fun. There are some teething problems and issues, but the basics are there. 

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