Using Your Equipment in Cold and Hot ClimatesUpdated 2 hours ago
Where you set up and store your equipment affects how well it performs and how long it lasts. Use this guide to check that your space is suitable and what to do when the weather turns very cold or very hot.
Is my space suitable?
| Product | Where it can go | Operating range | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chillers | Indoors, or outdoors under cover. IPX4 splash-resistant and weatherproof. | Air temperature 1–45°C (34–113°F) | −20–55°C, 20–85% humidity, fully drained |
| Inflatable tubs | Indoors or outdoors on a flat, stable surface | Drain before freezing conditions | Dry, deflated, in the carry bag, out of the sun |
| Acrylic and Cedar Tubs | Indoors or outdoors. A sheltered spot is best for Cedar. | Drain before freezing conditions | Stay in place, drained, with the drain valve open |
| SaunaPod Infrared | Indoors only | Best in a room at 18–24°C | Cool, dry place, fully aired out |
| SaunaPod Steam | Indoors, or outdoors under cover. The steam unit must never get rained on. | Best in a room at 18–24°C | Steam unit emptied, pod fully aired out |
| XEN Sauna | Indoors only | A normal indoor room | Dry, climate-controlled space |
Cold weather and winter
Freezing is the biggest risk. Water left in a chiller, hose, or tub can freeze, expand and crack parts. Freeze damage isn’t covered by warranty.
- If it may drop below 0°C (32°F): either keep the chiller running with water circulating, or drain the tub, chiller and hoses completely and store the chiller indoors. Don’t leave water sitting still in the system.
- Below 1°C (34°F) air temperature: disconnect the hoses and fully drain the chiller.
- Chiller switching itself off on a cold morning? That’s usually its low-temperature protection, not a fault. The Ultra Max and Ultra Ice show a low ambient warning when the air drops below 5°C (41°F). Move it somewhere more sheltered, or wait for the day to warm up.
- Heating takes longer in winter. Chillers that heat draw warmth from the surrounding air, so they work harder when it’s cold. Keep the lid on.
- Saunas in a cold room: warm the room first, put a mat or rug underneath, keep away from draughts and allow up to 40 minutes to preheat a SaunaPod.
Draining step by step: see Storing Your Tub.
Hot weather and hot climates
- Shade the tub and the chiller. Direct sun on either one can stop the chiller from reaching your target temperature on a hot day.
- Keep the lid on. An open tub can gain heat as fast as the chiller removes it.
- Give the chiller its 100 cm of clearance on all sides, and never put it in a cupboard or enclosed space. In heat, airflow is everything.
- Expect longer cooling times and run the chiller overnight, when it’s cooler. See Scheduling and Advanced Chiller Settings.
- Above 45°C (113°F) air temperature, the chiller is outside its operating range. Move it somewhere cooler or give it more shade.
- Change the water a little more often. Warmer conditions speed up bacterial growth.
- Inflatables in the sun: air expands in heat. Don’t inflate above 10 PSI on a hot day, and keep the tub out of prolonged direct sun to protect the PVC.
Garages, sheds and unheated rooms
These work for chillers and tubs as long as there’s good ventilation and the temperature stays within the ranges above. They’re not suitable for storing the XEN unless the space is well insulated, because humidity and temperature swings can warp the timber.
Not sure about your space? Contact us with a photo of where you’d like to set up and your local climate, and we’ll help you check.