Hydrobath Poll

[Jumabaar]

I worked as a mobile groomer for a whole 6weeks so got a bit of a feel for what I want.

I liked having the big side for the dogs to get into- however the number of dogs that stuck their head under the door as I tried to drop it was painful. Even trying to align the door was painful.

I would have liked a second attachment point lower down in the tub so that the escapeeeeeeees had less options. as well as the attachment point on the back wall.

I liked having the water move into the first tub as I used it and warm the water. I didn't like it when the lizard got into the float and broke it, and because it had a tiny door it was a pain to get in and have a look at it!! (lizard proof floats would also be amazing IMO) My heater worked quite quickly and the temp was adjustable so it was amazing.

If at all possible having the levers at the top so someone who is balanced challenged can use hand operation instead of foot operation. I did like that I had a lever to open and close the drain.

Not fussed about re-using the rinse water. I didn't do it then and I doubt I would do it now.

Ummmmmmm

Maybe look at having the pump set as low as possible so when you wash something like a chi you don't have to fill the tank up completely to get it to work.

[Fordogs]

I used the hydrobath at work a few days ago and remembered why I hate it.

I am not very tall and just getting to the plug in the bottom was horrendous, I have to, laugh just thinking about it, :rofl: I almost fell in three times leaning over the side, bottom in the air, :laugh: I must have been a terrible sight.

So for me I think a lever action drain would be good and definitely a cutout side.

Edited December 7, 2011 by Fordogs

[fifi]

The poll kept throwing an error for me, so I'll just comment.

After having a hydrobath for some years with a tall giant breed, and now finishing the new dog barn, we have decided not to go back to a hydrobath - but we are putting in a wash stall like a shower with a low wall and gate. It is tiled with a non-slip drain through matt.

I want running plumbed in hot & cold water now, a big drain with hair catcher and runaway greywater for the garden.

My breed doesn't need frequent bathing, nor high pressure hoses.

I found it difficult with a giant breed to access both sides of the dog in a hydrobath, as we had it against a wall for security, and also the unstable nature with a tall dog - we had a tip over once when a bitch tried to jump out and the whole thing became top heavy.

We also didn't like the combo of water and electric switch.

I found I spent more time and water cleaning the hydrobath for the next dog, than if I was able to just walk one in & out.

hope this helps...my suggetion would be designing one for home use that can utilise the laundry taps, have drainage that can be connected to grey water hoses, as well as be stand alone.

fifi

[Starkehre]

Bumping thread in case there is anyone whom wishes to add their input.

Remember we are giving away 10 Polar Collars to the ten most helpful posters.

Many Thanks.

[heroeswit]

I don't own a hydrobath yet though I dog have a dog washing service come by.

what I would look for in a hydrobath would be the following:

A Hinged door (no fiddling with alignment)

A heater that could be switched off if a hot cold tap was available

A good quality dryer built in but easy to access

A second floor in the bath for when you need to wash smaller dogs/ puppies

Somewhere for the shampoo etc to sit that is easy to get to

easy to access/ work switches

tie points at both ends and at different heights for different sized dogs and dogs that like to face different directions

Easy to clean is definitely a high priority when washing multiple dogs

I won't reuse water so that would not interest me.

colour doesn't matter but I would love a purple one

It would need to be a reasonable price and great quality I would like to get at least 15-20 years out of it.

I think I have forgotten something but can't think of it right now

[leopuppy04]

I have a hydrobath that I purchased 2nd hand 12 months ago. It is a Melbourne Dog centre one, no heating, single tank. I've been very pleased with it, until the pump carked it last week, so that's cost me about $600 to fix. All in all, the hydrobath, which I assume after today will be working good as new has cost me $1200 including the new pump. Given that this has happened in just under 12months, I'm in two minds - it's great that the $$ was spread out over 12mths rather than trying to find $2000 in one hit to buy one, but then I have NO money at the moment, so the money for a new pump is a big expense... so I guess I don't know whether I would buy 2nd hand again...

My hydro resides in my garage and is used almost weekly as my dogs are indoor dogs, I LOVE grooming and they are regularly shown. I find a good wash and dry does their coats much better than a weekly brush . The downsides is that I have no water in my garage and to install it would cost me big $$. Eventually I'd like to build a grooming shed to the side of the house, install a tank and run the water from there... but that won't happen for years yet. My hydro is not on wheels, and I'd like it to be so that I could wheel it to my laundry tap for the fresh water to rinse off after a bath. At the moment I'm using a bucket of water to rinse off excess soap.

If I were looking for a new hydrobath, a dual tub system would definitely spark my inerest as one could be for rinsing and one for washing.... saves more water and makes life easier for me...

The main things I am looking for in a hydrobath...

* Easy to use - I don't want it to be overly complicated and difficult

* Moveable - even if it was to permanently reside in the garage and have water access there, I still want to be able move it if I needed to

*long-lasting - while price is important, if the bath was going to have a good longevity, I always prefer to pay the little extra for quality products

*Easy for repairs - this was a major issue for the current hydrobath - I can't obviously take it back to Rosebud for the supplier to have a look at it, so had to get someone to come out and this cost me more than quoted if I took it down to Rosebud.... a nice easy way of fixing, or at least some referrals to a pump company that would service hydrobaths would be a great service

Think that's about it!

[JulesP]

A I was washing the dogs the other day I thought it would be good if the bath could be turned into a grooming table. So maybe both long sides could be removable.

[chevorne]

I have a very expensive twin tank bath with heater. I like to drag it out on sunny days and run the waste water onto the grass. The opening is on the same side as the door and where the ramp sits. I would prefer if on the other side so the dogs goes back down the ramp and does not have to avoid the dirty water.

[Starkehre]

Hi again everyone.

We would like to thank you all for your time and input. You have provided us with some great ideas and we spend quality time considering all suggestions and thoughts.

We have just finished PMing those we felt were the 10 most helpful posters, advising that they will be receiving a FREE Polar Collar.

Meg

K9+ Soft Dog Crates

www.k9softdogcrates.com.au

Edited December 27, 2011 by dyzney