Manuals

User manual

AirTub Lite

Install, use and maintain your AirTub Lite.

Installation step by stepUse, maintenance & safety
AirTub Lite

Which AirTub do you have?

Your setup:

Tick the extras you have.

Important

Read your manual carefully and pay attention to every step. Knowing exactly how your system works is what keeps it running safely and prevents damage from incorrect use.

Before you start

Welcome

Welcome to your AirTub: an inflatable tub made from durable double-wall drop-stitch material, combined with a powerful external chiller, so you can cold plunge wherever you choose. This manual guides you through safe setup, use and maintenance. Please read it in full before your first plunge.

Choose the final position first

Assemble and connect everything first, check that the position is correct and convenient, and only then fill the AirTub. Keep easy access to the bottom valve of the tub (back side). Once filled, it cannot be moved without draining it.

In the box

Filter, pump and hoses, and the parts for the tub and the chiller, as shown below.

At the end of the installation some spare parts may be left over: they are included for future use or in case a replacement is needed.

UV XLUV XL unit, with 1 extra hose for it
UV BasicUV Basic unit, with its two ends U1 and U2
OzoneOzone unit

About the UV XL

The UV XL eliminates bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in the water with ultraviolet (UV-C) light: an effective, chemical-free way to keep the water clean.

UV XL specifications

Type304 stainless steel ultraviolet water disinfection system
FunctionDisinfects bacteria, viruses, moulds and algae in water
Designed for6–55 W
Consumed power8–22 W
Input110 V 50/60 Hz or 220 V 50/60 Hz
Lamp lifespan8,000 hours

About the UV Basic

The UV Basic eliminates bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in the water with ultraviolet (UV-C) light: an effective, chemical-free way to keep the water clean. Lamp lifespan: 5,000 hours.

  • 1Lamp housing
  • 2Explosion-proof quartz glass
  • 3UV-C light tube

About the Ozone

Ozone (O₃) is a highly effective natural disinfectant. It neutralises bacteria without chemicals like chlorine, and breaks down sweat, body oils and other organic residues, reducing odours and cloudiness in the water.

You will also need (not included)

Water hoseLong enough to reach from a tap to the AirTub, to fill it.
PowerA single power outlet.
PowerA power strip with 2 outlets: AirTub and UV.
PowerA power strip with 2 outlets: AirTub and Ozone.
PowerA power strip with 3 outlets: AirTub, UV and Ozone.

Handling the chiller

  • Keep the chiller level, in its normal position, at all times. Never lay it on its side or turn it upside down, also when taking it out of the box.
  • If it was turned upside down, put it back in its normal, level position and wait 24 hours before operating it, so the refrigerant can settle.

Hygiene

Always shower with soap and rinse thoroughly before entering, and only enter when your body is completely clean. Without proper hygiene the water lasts much less than the time stated in the product guidelines.

Indoors: towels under the tub

Place 1–2 thick towels or a small blanket under the tub, the size of its base. They create an insulating layer that helps prevent moisture forming underneath, especially at very low water temperatures. They are not there to absorb moisture, but to stop it forming.

Every time you switch on

Check for air trapped in the filter and release it (see Release the air). The system must never run with air in the filter.

Safety & placement

Placement and operation

These rules protect you and the system. Ignoring them can cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.

Ventilation

Install only in a well-ventilated area (at least natural ventilation) so the chiller's hot air can escape. Never in enclosed cabinets or small unventilated spaces.

Clearance

At least 30 cm free around the chiller on all sides, and at least 40 cm at the back, from any wall or object.

Sun, rain, heat

Stable, level surface in the shade. Outdoors, always under a roof, canopy or balcony: the chiller is not waterproof. No direct sunlight. Ambient temperature 0–38°C.

Temperature

Never set the chiller below 3°C: water can freeze inside the system and damage the chiller.

Electrical

Grounded installation with an RCD / GFCI only; if unsure, ask a licensed electrician. Where voltage fluctuates use a voltage stabiliser, surge-protected power strip or UPS. Never touch plugs with wet hands.

UV and Ozone

Keep the UV and Ozone units away from flammable materials.

Water quality

Clean, drinkable water that meets EU drinking-water standards. With hard water (high minerals or salt), have it tested and treated first, or it can cause blockages, corrosion or failure.

Operation

Never run without water, never run the chiller without the pump connected and powered, never run with closed valves. If the pump stops, switch the chiller off immediately.

Supervision

Always supervise children and pets around the system.

Tub care

Place the tub on a flat surface, away from sharp objects. Avoid over-inflation and check it regularly for damage.

UV-C light can be harmful

UV light is invisible but harmful to eyes and skin. Never look directly at the lamp or remove it while it has power; wear safety goggles if you need to look. Switch the module off before any maintenance, and follow local rules for UV lamp use and disposal.

Installation

Unbox and inflate

  • Take out the tub and the chiller, keeping the chiller level, in its normal position.
  • Clip the filter unit to the left side of the chiller: the small notches on the metal base of the filter snap into place.
  • Inflate the tub with the air pump until it is stable and firm: 10 PSI on the pump gauge (on top of the pump, on the handle).

Place the tub

  • Put the tub in its final position: once filled it is too heavy to move.
  • The tub's connection points must not face the wall: angle them slightly towards where the chiller will stand, so the hoses don't bend or form sharp angles.
  • Leave the back of the chiller free for airflow.

Top of the chiller

  • Remove the two caps on top of the chiller (picture 1). Their rubber rings stay behind (picture 2).
  • Put one rubber ring back onto each socket (pictures 3 and 4), then tighten the two fittings firmly by hand only, no tools (picture 5).

Tub valves

Before screwing the two valves into the two holes of the tub (one on top, one at the bottom), check that their rubber seals sit correctly. Then screw them in by hand only, just until they tighten easily: not too hard, no tools.

  • 1Upper tub valve
  • 2Lower tub valve

Hoses

Connect the hose ends by hand, in this order:

  1. Hose end CLower tub valve
  2. Hose end DChiller IN
  3. Hose end AChiller OUT
  4. Hose end BUpper tub valve
  5. Hose end BUV IN
  6. UV OUTUpper tub valve
  7. UV OUTOzone S2, Side B (IN)
  8. Hose end BOzone S2, Side B (IN)
  9. Ozone S1, Side A (OUT)Upper tub valve

Connect the UV Basic

The UV Basic goes between the chiller and the tub.

  • Click the U1 end onto the point shown below.
  • Click the hose that comes from chiller OUT (hose end B) into the U2 end.
  1. U1Upper tub valve
  2. U1Ozone fitting S2, Side B (IN)

UV Basic with Ozone

You will find the 2 modules in the box. Connect the UV and the Ozone together as shown.

Connect the UV XL

The UV XL goes between the chiller and the tub. Connect it as shown in the picture.

Connect the Ozone

The Ozone unit is the last part before the tub.

  • Click fitting S1, Side A (OUT) onto the upper tub valve.
  • At S2, Side B (IN), click in the hose shown below.
  • Mount the Ozone unit on a wall or another stable surface above the water level: at a height equal to or above the AirTub lid, securely fixed in place.
  1. Chiller OUTS2, Side B (IN)
  2. UV XL OUTS2, Side B (IN)
  3. UV Basic U1S2, Side B (IN)

Your connection

How the water flows through your system. Follow the arrows.

Tub Upper valve Lower valve FilterINOUT Chiller INOUT UV XLUV BasicINOUT OzoneS2 · B · INS1 · A · OUT↑ above the water level C D A B B B Tub Upper valve Lower valve Filter Chiller UV XLUV Basic OzoneS2 · B · INS1 · A · OUT↑ above the water level C D A B B B

Close the valves

Before filling, close the 3 valves: the 2 valves on the tub and the black valve on the filter.

Pump cable

Connect the pump cable to the port on the back of the chiller. The main switch stays OFF.

Power cable

Plug in the power cable with the main switch set to OFF. Do not switch on yet.

One power strip for everything

Connect the AirTub and your extras (UV, Ozone) to the same power strip, so you can switch everything off together.

UV screen

When the UV gets power, its screen turns on and shows an indicator. With the button on the right, set how many consecutive hours the lamp works in every 24 hours: set 24H. Note the date: the lamp needs replacing after its lifespan (see lamp replacement).

Using Smart Control?

Plug the Smart Control into the power outlet, then connect as shown below.

Never connect only the AirTub, or only the UV or Ozone, to the Smart Control: the entire system goes through it.

AirTubConnect the AirTub to the Smart Control.
Power stripConnect the power strip (AirTub and your extras) to the Smart Control.

Fill with water

  • Fill with a hose until the water is 2–3 fingers above the maximum level line inside the tub: the upper hole of the tub must be under water by 2–3 fingers.
  • Never switch on before the tub is full: pump and chiller must never run without water.

Release the air

With the main switch OFF:

  1. Both tub valves must be open.
  2. Open the small valve on top of the filter: the filter fills with water. After 2–4 seconds water comes out: close it immediately.

Air can sometimes enter the filter and the water level inside drops below halfway. Check it regularly, and repeat this step whenever you see air in the filter.

UV Basic: switch it off too

Never let the UV lamp run without water circulation: it can burn out immediately. Whenever you switch the AirTub off (for example to release the air), switch off the power strip of the UV as well.

Start the system

Switch the main switch at the back of the chiller ON.

  • The water pump starts first. Put your hand in front of the upper hole inside the tub: you should feel water flowing out.
  • Check every connection for leaks. If one leaks: switch OFF, close the valves, re-tighten securely.
  • The chiller starts 3 minutes later: the snowflake icon appears top left on the screen and the fan icon top right.
  • The first cool-down takes about 6–10 hours, depending on the target temperature.

Set the temperature

Press S once, then set the target temperature with ▲ ▼.

  • The target temperature has no decimals: set nine degrees as 9, ten as 10. Entering 9.0 is read as 90, and 10.0 as 100.
  • Never set it below 3°C: this model cannot work below 3°C and can be damaged.
  • The current water temperature is shown with decimals (e.g. 10.2°C), for an accurate reading.
Other settings (P0–P6)

We recommend not changing P0–P6. To view them: press S for 5 seconds, move through P0–P6 with ▲ ▼, press S to open a setting and ▲ ▼ to change its value.

P0 = CCooling or heating mode. This model is for cooling.
P1 = 3.0Temperature difference: after reaching the target, cooling restarts this many degrees higher (target 7°C → stops at 7, restarts at 10).
P2 = 110High-temperature warning for the chiller box: above this value the chiller does not operate.
P3 = -50Low water temperature warning.
P4 = -2
P5 = 3Protection delay: the chiller starts 3 minutes after switching on, protecting it from rapid power fluctuations.
P6 = CCelsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F).
Installation completed

Your AirTub is ready. Read Using and Maintenance below: they keep it performing and safe for years.

How to Plunge

Our step-by-step cold plunge guide covers your first time in the water, breathing, time and temperature.

Read the How to Plunge guide →

Using your AirTub

Away for 3–4 days or more

Set the water temperature to 25°C: cooling will not start, while circulation and filtration keep the water clean.

To switch it off completely, unplug the whole system. If you also have UV or Ozone, unplug them too, or simply switch off the power strip if everything is plugged into it.

Turned off with Smart Control

If you keep the system switched off for several days with Smart Control, the water is not cleaned and stays completely still, so it lasts much less. Stirring the water by hand (see Maintenance) becomes even more important.

Winter outdoors

  • Below 0°C, never switch the system off: the circulating water keeps the hoses from freezing.
  • At -1 / -2°C or below, close the tub valves, disconnect the hoses and move the chiller and the filter indoors until the cold passes. The tub can stay outside with the water in it.

UV XL: good to know

  • Operating limits: ambient temperature 0–38°C. Water: iron <0.3 ppm, hardness ≤120 mg/l, turbidity <1 NTU, manganese ≤0.05 ppm, UV transmittance >75%.
  • Designed for continuous operation: frequent switching on and off shortens the lamp's life.
  • It must be installed after the filter, on the line that returns the water to the tub.
  • If it falls into water: switch off the power immediately and take it out. Do not use it again.
  • Do not use it with a damaged cord or plug, or after an impact. Do not install it if the lamp or its quartz sleeve is broken.
  • In freezing conditions: disconnect the water and drain it completely.

Maintenance

Maintenance schedule

Every weekCheck the water (colour, clarity, smell) and the filter. Replace the filter if it has reached level 2.
Every 30–40 daysReplace the filter.
Not used for 2–3 daysOpen the lid and stir the water by hand in circles for 20–30 seconds.
Every 30–40 daysChange the water and clean the tub.
Every 2–3 monthsChange the water and clean the tub (depending on how often and how cleanly it is used).
Every 2–3 monthsChange the water and clean the tub (depending on how often and how cleanly it is used).
Every 3–4 monthsChange the water and clean the tub (depending on how often and how cleanly it is used).
Every 6 monthsClean the internal washable filter and blow the dust out of the chiller.
Every 6 monthsClean the internal washable filter and blow the dust out of the chiller.
Every 6 monthsBlow the dust out of the chiller.
About every 330 daysReplace the UV XL lamp (8,000 hours).Contact
About every 208 daysReplace the UV Basic lamp (5,000 hours).

Filter check: priority no. 1

Replace the filter every 30–40 days, or sooner if it reaches level 2 (slightly yellowish). At level 3 or 4 the dirt can seriously damage the pump and system, and that damage is not covered by the warranty. If it is full of debris, hair or dark, replace it or rinse it with clean water immediately.

The filter must always be at least half full of water, ideally to the top. If it is low or empty, release the air.

1 · OK1 · OKWorks fine
2 · REPLACE2 · REPLACENeeds cleaning or replacement now
3 · BAD3 · BADReplace as soon as possible: it can damage the system
4 · VERY BAD4 · VERY BADReplace now: it will damage the system

Replace the filter

First drain the filter, so no water spills. With the system running normally:

  1. Close the lower tub valve and immediately open the small valve on top of the filter: air enters and the water drains from the filter.
  2. Once the filter is empty, close the upper tub valve and switch the main switch at the back of the chiller OFF.

Then replace the cartridge:

  1. Unscrew the filter cap.
  2. Replace the cartridge.
  3. Put the filter back and screw the cap on.
  4. Open the 2 tub valves.
  5. Release the air with the small black valve on top of the filter, or follow the Release the air step above.
  6. Switch the main switch ON. Never before releasing the air.

Filter: 5 inches / 12.8 cm, 20 micron.

Use original IceHab filters

They match your AirTub exactly. A filter that is even slightly smaller lets dirt into the pump, which can burn it out; if debris is found inside the pump, the warranty is not valid. Order filters →

Change the water and clean the tub

  1. Switch OFF and close all the valves.
  2. Unclip the hose from the lower tub valve. You don't need to unscrew the valve itself.
  3. Open only the bottom valve and let the water drain. To drain further away (e.g. to a balcony), connect a 12 mm garden hose with the quick connector. You'll find the quick connector in the small bag that came with your purchase.
  4. Clean the inside with a soft sponge. Never use bleach. You can use Dettol or mild soapy water, then rinse well with plenty of water.
  5. Refill (Fill with water), release the air (Release the air) and start (Start the system).
Emptying the last water

If you turn the tub over, never tilt it towards the side with the two valves: the weight can break them. Always turn it from the opposite side.

Fresh water

Never keep the water longer than recommended: old water grows bacteria and can affect your health.

Every 6 months: blow out the dust

Dust blocking the ventilation is the most common cause of weak cooling. Outdoors or in dusty places this cleaning is essential.

  1. Switch the system off completely and close all valves.
  2. Disconnect the filter, fit the caps on the two chiller ports and take the chiller to a place with a strong air compressor (e.g. a workshop). Keep it in its normal position: do not stand it upright or tip it on its side, it must always stay horizontal.
  3. Blow air into the unit from every side: through the back, where the fans are, and through the side openings.
  4. Bring it back without tilting it, reconnect everything, open the valves, release the air (Release the air) and switch on.

Damage from dust or poor ventilation (compressor, PCB, fans) is not covered by the warranty.

Every year: refrigeration technician

Once a year, have a refrigeration technician clean the inside of the chiller. The technician switches the chiller off and unplugs it, carefully removes the screws and opens the outer cover. Then they remove the dust from the inside and the condenser (both sides where accessible), using only compressed air or a dry cloth or paper.

Never use any liquid inside the chiller: no water, cleaner, foam, spray or anything else. This is a strict instruction.

Dry compressed air only

Never use water, cleaning products, foam, sprays or any other liquid inside the chiller, as some air-conditioner cleaning methods do.

UV and Ozone: no maintenance needed
UV XLNo maintenance needed. Only the lamp is replaced at the end of its lifespan (8,000 hours).
UV BasicNo maintenance needed. Only the lamp is replaced at the end of its lifespan (5,000 hours).
OzoneNo maintenance needed.

UV XL lamp replacement

The lamp lasts 8,000 hours, about 330 days. A small light on the lamp power supply shows its state: green = working, red = end of life. When it turns red, contact us and we'll send you a new lamp.

  1. Unplug the entire system.
  2. Close all the valves.
  3. No need to disconnect any hose: the lamp does not touch the water, so no water comes out.
  4. Replace the lamp as shown in the video.

UV Basic lamp replacement

The lamp lasts 5,000 hours, about 208 days. When it is due, contact us and we'll send you a new lamp.

  1. Switch the chiller OFF.
  2. Close both tub valves.
  3. Unplug the UV.
  4. Unscrew the lamp from the top of the UV unit (a little water may come out: this is normal).
  5. Put the new lamp in and screw it back.
  6. Plug the UV back in.
  7. Open the 2 tub valves and switch the chiller ON.

Troubleshooting

No water circulating? Check the filter first

If the system is running but you see no water circulating, the most common cause is a clogged filter. If that's not it, switch the system off completely and contact us. Please don't keep searching for the cause.

The water is not cooling

Usually the water isn't circulating: a very dirty filter, or something blocking the inlet (the lower hose inside the tub). Put your hand in front of the upper hole inside the tub. If you feel no flow, switch the chiller off immediately and check the filter (see the note at the top of this section). If it still doesn't cool after these checks, stop testing, switch the chiller off and contact us.

Can't reach the set temperature

First check the water flow. The most common cause is a clogged filter: clean it or replace it.

If that's not the cause, switch the chiller off and contact us.

Keep the chiller well ventilated and do its scheduled dust cleaning. Damage from dust or poor ventilation is not covered by the warranty.

It reaches the temperature, stops, and the water warms up

Normal: the chiller restarts 3°C above the target (set 7°C → stops at 7, restarts at 10).

Little or no circulation

The filter must stand on the ground (not raised) and be at least half full of water. Check for kinked hoses, and that the pump is connected and running.

If the flow is still weak, the water does not run well, or the pump keeps straining and the filter fills with air, the filter is clogged: replace it.

Pump noise is loud, unstable or fluctuating

Air in the filter, often after sudden water movement or using a pool vacuum. Release the air.

The filter keeps losing water / filling with air

Switch OFF and check, by hand only, without excessive force:

  1. Tighten the lower tub valve a little more.
  2. Tighten the metal fitting on that valve slightly.
  3. Make sure the clear filter cap is tight.

Release the air and restart. If the level drops below halfway again: switch OFF, close both tub valves, replace the filter with a new one, screw the cap back tightly by hand, release the air and restart. If air still gets in, contact us.

No bubbles come out of the Ozone

The Ozone needs good water flow to work. Put your hand in front of the upper hole inside the tub: water should come out with a strong flow. If the flow is weak, the filter is probably clogged and needs to be replaced.

Leaks at the connections

Switch off, close the valves and tighten all connections by hand.

Warranty & liability

Not covered by the warranty

Damage caused by insufficient ventilation or clearance; an excessively dirty or blocked filter; non-original filters that let debris into the pump; skipped 6-month dust cleaning; unsuitable or hard water; unstable voltage; improper installation, use or maintenance; unauthorised modifications or repairs.

Transport and storage

Always transport the chiller level, in its normal position, with no shocks or drops. If it was tilted, wait 24 hours before switching it on. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from heat and sunlight.

UV and Ozone warranty

The UV and Ozone modules have a 1-year warranty for manufacturing defects. Not covered: misuse or unauthorised modifications, improper maintenance, physical damage from external factors.