Things to Know About Setting Up a Water Bed

Setting up a water bed can be a daunting task. The weight of the water bed frame is usually very heavy even before the water-filled mattress is added. The tips and tricks below will guide you through the process and give some pointers about things to know about setting up a water bed.

Floor Strength

The first thing to consider is whether or not the floor is strong enough to actually support the bed. In many turns of the century homes, the floor joists are simply not strong enough to hold hundreds of pounds of water. It is better to do some initial investigation, before filling the bed and having it crash to the floor below.

Placement

The placement of the water bed is crucial. Water beds come in two distinct sections: the frame and the mattress. Typically, water bed frames are raised, have attached headboards and can often be found with drawer storage in the base. It may be that the new owner will have to assemble all of these heavy pieces, especially if opting out of professional installation. Once the frame is assembled, decide where the bed will be placed. Keep in mind that once the bed is placed, there is little chance of ever moving it from that spot unless it is completely drained. Make sure that bedroom and closet doors can all swing open freely. The placement of the water bed is the most important part of setting it up.

The Mattress

Water bed mattresses are not like traditional mattresses. They are made of heavy-duty vinyl-like material that is made to hold hundreds of gallons of water. When filled, they are impossible to lift. Spread the mattress out in the bed frame, making sure that the fill hole is at the bottom of the bed. This is important because if the hole begins to leak in the middle of the night, it is much more preferable to have wet feet than a soaked head and back. Take care that the mattress is laying flat and that there are no sharp points, screws or nails poking up into it from the base.

Filling It

In order to fill the water bed mattress, a hose will need to be run from a water faucet somewhere in the house, up and into the fill hole of the mattress. Make sure that there is a hose long enough to do the job and that it is capable of connecting to an inside faucet. Many bathroom sinks are not equipped with the necessary hardware to connect with hoses, to allow for alternate water sources. When filling the mattress it is important to watch it as it begins to fill. Since this is the only time that the mattress will be movable, be certain that it is not too close to the sides or edges of the base. It will take hours to fill up the bed, but check it frequently to make sure the hose is still connected.

Setting up a water bed takes time and patience. It is a process that must be closely monitored, as well as, one that has the potential to cause frustration. Go into the task with ample time available to complete it and it will be sure to go smoother. Once the bed is set up, turn on the water heater and enjoy a well-deserved rest in the new bed.