1
Lighting the stove
Optional · allow several hours
- The firewood is in the barn, next to the ping-pong table. Use only dry wood (maximum length 50 cm / ~20 in).
- Before lighting, check that the water level is at least 5 cm above the inlet of the stove's upper pipe. Never heat if the level is too low: contact the agency, who will tell you exactly what to do.
- To open the stove lid: code 00.
- Start with a firelighter and kindling, then add logs gradually once the fire is going well.
- Always keep an eye on the fire — never leave it unattended, even when no one is bathing.
- The firewood for the bath is provided. If it runs low, please top it up — additional logs are at your own expense.
- Keep the area around the stove and chimney clear of anything (towels, clothes, wood).
Tip
Leaving the cover on the bath while it heats speeds up the warm-up considerably.2
Before you get in
Hygiene & preparation
- Take a shower and put on a swimsuit before getting in.
- Don't use cream, oil or shampoo in the water — they clog the bath and the filter.
- Remove jewellery: it can scratch the lining.
- Check the thermometer before getting in: ideally 37–39 °C (99–102 °F).
- Get in calmly via the ladder, without jumping: jumping can crack the tub.
- Watch out for wet, slippery surfaces — and, in winter, for icy ground on the way to the bath.
- No glass or breakables near the bath (you'll be barefoot).
3
While you're in the bath
Comfort & common sense
- The water must never exceed 42 °C (108 °F): beyond that, it's a health risk.
- Don't stay in the bath alone, and always keep an eye on children.
- Keep sessions to 15–20 minutes, then step out to cool down before getting back in if you like.
- Drink water: heat dehydrates you faster than you'd think.
- The stove and chimney get scorching hot — don't touch them.
- When you get in, the water level rises and may spill a little: that's normal.
- Get out immediately if you feel dizzy, overheated or nauseous.
- If the level looks low, don't top it up yourself: just let your hosts know.
Health
A hot bath isn't for everyone
Hot-water immersion puts strain on the heart and circulation. As a precaution, check with a doctor before using the hot bath if any of these apply to you:
- Pregnancy
- Heart or circulation problems, blood pressure too high or too low
- Diabetes, epilepsy, or ongoing medical treatment
- Recent surgery, an open wound or a skin infection
- Young children: keep it short, under constant adult supervision
Never combine the hot bath with alcohol, drugs or medication that causes drowsiness — heat amplifies their effects and can make you feel faint. Use of the bath is at your own risk.
4
After the bath
Leave things as you found them
- If you lit a fire, stop adding wood and let it die down gently. Never leave the property with the fire or embers unattended.
- Never empty the bath. It is not your job under any circumstances. If there's a problem, contact the agency: someone will come out as soon as possible.
- Always close the bath cover securely and fasten it.
- Put away anything you took out (towels, robes…).
- Something off? (low water level, fading fire, unusual noise) — let your hosts know rather than stepping in yourself.
5
The pump & filtration
Essential reading
- Never change the pump settings. They are set for the house and must not be altered under any circumstances.
- The pump filters the water continuously: it must be running whenever nobody is in the bath.
- If the suction feels too strong — particularly for young children — you may unplug the pump while you're in the bath.
- Plug it back in as soon as you get out. Without filtration the water stands still and quickly turns cloudy and starts to smell.
- After three to four days of daily use, you may add one single tablet to the water. No more than that.
- Don't add anything else to the water (chlorine, salts, scented oils…).
- LED lighting: it isn't connected yet and doesn't work for now. No need to try the button — nothing's wrong on your end.
Key safety points
- Drowning risk: never leave a child alone in or around the bath.
- Never touch the stove or chimney during or just after heating.
- Slippery surfaces around the bath — move carefully.
- Never bathe alone, or after drinking alcohol.
- The pump must be plugged back in as soon as you leave the bath — and its settings must never be changed.