A bubble tube is a fantastic piece of sensory equipment, which can both calm the user down and reduce the likelihood that they will exhibit unwanted behaviors.
As well as home environments, many schools, nurseries and healthcare facilities use bubble tube sensory equipment within sensory rooms to help individuals de-escalate and to improve their learning environment. This can lead to more productive activities and exercises, and a better experience for both students and teachers. Bubble tubes have proven to be an excellent aid for a range of sensory disorders, including Aspergers, ADHD, and autism. Additionally, bubble tubes can help create an environment that promotes mindfulness. All these benefits of bubble tubes emphasise the importance of correct bubble tube maintenance.
The lifespan and functionality of your bubble tube sensory equipment are dependent on a couple of key factors:
Bacteria growth is the main reason why bubble tube maintenance is so important. When water is left for a prolonged period of time, the level of bacteria inside of your bubble tubes gradually increases. This can cause issues with the diffuser, which is responsible for creating bubbles. Failing to clean it will lead to fewer bubbles, and over time you might stop seeing them altogether.
When the diffuser is unable to produce bubbles, added pressure is placed on the pump. This can result in two unwanted situations:
While bubble tube maintenance is extremely easy, it is critical that you carry this out regularly. This will protect your investment and keep your bubble tube running at its optimum level.
Water changes are essential in keeping your bubble tube healthy, and they are most easily achieved with a pump and hose kit. This enables you to empty the water with a simple foot pump, making it incredibly useful for use with our larger models.
If you decide to manually empty your bubble tube, then siphoning is a relatively quick and easy process. Fill approximately 15 feet of hose with water, and then plug both ends. Put one end into the bubble tube and the other into an empty bucket on the floor. Unplug the end in the bucket, and the water will begin to siphon out.
Add our BCB water treatment at every water change to keep bacteria levels in the water lower for longer. The BCB formula has been specifically designed to control bacteria and thwart algae growth, while still remaining inert to the components of the system. We suggest that with the addition of this, you should change the water every 6-12 weeks as this is the average amount of time that the water treatment remains effective before it breaks down. Only 20 ml needs to be added to the bubble tube at each water change, so purchasing a bottle can last you almost an entire year.
Read more about how to clean a bubble tube in our in-depth blog post.
Experia USA includes a bubble tube maintenance worksheet with your purchase to help you organize your water changes. Simply record the date of the maintenance, and make note of anything out of the ordinary. This will be important to have if the need ever arises for a warranty claim. However, if you follow these guidelines, you are likely to experience many, many years of trouble-free use from your Experia USA bubble tube.
Keep reading our blog for further information on the sensory benefits of bubble tubes, as well as how to maintain the rest of your sensory room.
