The Tickle Tub, popular in Australia, Europe, South Africa, and the UK, has revolutionised the hot tub industry with its innovative fire-heated technology. This eco-friendly system harnesses the power of fire to provide a luxurious soaking experience without relying on electricity. Let’s delve into the science behind this ingenious heating method.
At the heart of the Tickle Tub’s heating system is a principle known as thermosiphon circulation. This natural phenomenon occurs when water is heated, causing it to rise due to decreased density. As the heated water rises, cooler water takes its place, creating a continuous circulation without the need for pumps.
The process begins with the Tickle Tub’s external fire chamber. Users build a fire in this insulated compartment, which heats a series of stainless steel coils. These coils are filled with water and connected to the tub in a closed-loop system.
As the fire heats the coils, the water inside them warms and begins to rise. This hot water flows into the top of the tub through an outlet pipe. Simultaneously, cooler water from the bottom of the tub is drawn into the lower inlet of the coils, where it’s heated and the cycle continues.
This continuous circulation gradually heats the entire volume of water in the tub. The rate of heating depends on factors such as fire intensity, ambient temperature, and initial water temperature. On average, a Tickle Tub can heat water to a comfortable soaking temperature in about 1.5 hours.
The Tickle Tub’s design incorporates several scientific principles to enhance efficiency:
1. Insulation: The double-walled fibreglass construction minimises heat loss, maintaining water temperature for longer periods.
2. Convection currents: The circular design of the tub promotes even heat distribution through natural water movement.
3. Heat exchange: The stainless steel coils maximise heat transfer from the fire to the water.
4. Thermal mass: The large volume of water in the tub acts as a heat sink, storing thermal energy efficiently.
This fire-heated system offers unique advantages in different markets:
– In Australia, it provides a bushfire-safe alternative to electric hot tubs.
– European users appreciate its alignment with EU energy efficiency standards.
– South African customers can enjoy hot tubs without straining the national power grid.
– UK residents can use their Tickle Tubs year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
Understanding the science behind the Tickle Tub’s fire-heated technology highlights its ingenuity and eco-friendly design. By harnessing basic principles of thermodynamics, the Tickle Tub offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional hot tubs, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers across Australia, Europe, South Africa, and the UK.
