storing-your-tub
Storing your tub.
Two failure modes ruin stored gear: trapped moisture and frozen water. Both are completely avoidable.
At a glance
| Product | Drains via | Stored away between uses? |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable ice tubs | Base drain valve | Yes dried fully, deflated, packed in the carry bag |
| Your own bathtub + chiller | Bath drain | Chiller wiped dry, stored indoors between sessions |
| All-In-One, Steel & Red Pine | Drain valve | No they stay in place, lid on |
| Ice Drop Chiller | Dry the probe, store dry before long breaks or cold snaps |
Draining and packing an inflatable tub
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Power off, then drain
Switch the chiller off at the wall, lift the probe out, then open the base drain valve and empty the tub fully.
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Dry it completely
Towel-dry the interior, then let it air until bone dry. Moisture trapped in a folded tub is the single most common cause of mould and mould isn't a warranty fault.
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Deflate and fold
Deflate fully, fold loosely rather than creasing hard lines, and pack into the carry bag.
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Store smart
Cool, dry spot out of direct sun. Keep the repair kit with the bag so it's there when you need it.
Fixed tubs between uses
- Keep the insulated lid on debris out, temperature held, chiller working less.
- Wipe the interior surface down after draining.
- Going away for a while? Drain fully rather than leaving water sitting for weeks.
Storing the chiller
- Wipe the probe dry after use.
- Before any long break: make sure no water remains in or on the unit, and store it dry, indoors.
- Keep vents dust-free and cables loosely coiled tight winding stresses the cable entry.
Water left in a tub, chiller or hose can freeze, expand and split components — and freeze damage isn't covered under warranty. Adelaide gets sub-zero winter nights, especially in the Hills. If frost is forecast or you're storing for winter: power off, drain the tub fully, dry the chiller probe and any hoses, and store the unit dry indoors.
Signs something went wrong in storage
- Musty smell on an inflatable it was packed damp. Air it out fully and dry before re-storing.
- Visible mould clean thoroughly and dry completely before next use.
- Slow draining check the valve is fully open and nothing is kinked.