Richmar HydraTherm Deluxe Moist Heat Therapy Unit | 12-Pack Capacity

Richmar HydraTherm Deluxe Moist Heat Therapy System

The Richmar® HydraTherm™ Deluxe is a professional system for heating moist-heat packs, designed for physical therapy, rehabilitation, sports medicine, and other clinical treatment environments.

Unlike conventional stainless-steel hot-pack tanks, the HydraTherm Deluxe uses a composite polymer tank, an adjustable digital thermostat, a low-water safety sensor, and an electric drain pump. Its internal divider system raises the heat packs toward the top of the tank for retrieval and can accommodate up to 12 compatible HydraHeat packs. 

Choose the standard HT-TU-DLX configuration when your facility already has compatible HydraHeat Packs or wants to purchase its own pack assortment. Choose HT-TU-D12 when starting a complete system with 12 HydraHeat Packs included.

For a more traditional stainless-steel heating system, compare our Chattanooga Hydrocollator Heating Units.

Choose your HydraTherm Deluxe configuration

Product highlights

Quick technical specifications

What makes HydraTherm different from a conventional hot-pack tank?

The most meaningful distinction is not that both products create moist heat—they do. The difference is how the tank and packs are managed in a clinic.

HydraTherm is built around a composite tank and Richmar’s sealed HydraHeat Pack system. Richmar recommends operating HydraHeat Packs at approximately 135°F, while Chattanooga currently specifies 160–165°F for its traditional Hydrocollator HotPac tanks.

That lower tank temperature does not mean the product should be described as “burn-proof.” The HydraTherm operating range still extends to 140°F, a temperature at which Richmar explicitly warns of scald risk, and staff must follow the manufacturer’s handling and patient-monitoring instructions.

HydraTherm Deluxe vs. Chattanooga Hydrocollator M-2

The closest capacity comparison to ours is the Chattanooga Hydrocollator M-2, because both systems can support a 12-pack clinic workflow.

This comparison is a stronger conversion section than repeating a general “benefits of moist heat” discussion already covered across our Hot and Cold Therapies content.

HydraHeat Packs versus traditional Hydrocollator HotPacs

HydraHeat Packs use a sealed, nonporous polymer skin. The manufacturer states that the packs can be wiped between patients, conform to treatment areas, and are intended to operate within the HydraTherm’s lower 120–140°F temperature range. 

Chattanooga’s Hydrocollator Moist Heat HotPacs instead use a woven fabric shell containing bentonite hydrocolloid and are maintained in a hotter Hydrocollator water bath. 

Why the divider system matters

The HydraTherm divider is not simply a stationary rack. Richmar describes it as a vertical drawer system: lifting the handles raises the packs toward the top of the tank so staff can reach them without putting a hand into the heated water.

Richmar recommends lifting a divider only about 2–3 inches when retrieving a pack. Lifting it farther can allow neighboring packs to slip beneath or out of their intended section.

That operational design is a genuine reason to choose HydraTherm and is much more useful on this product page than generic paragraphs about why therapists use heat.

Digital temperature control

The HydraTherm Deluxe uses an immersion heating element controlled by a digital thermostat. The current manual specifies an adjustable range of 120°F to 140°F, with a default setting of 135°F.

The display also integrates the low-water sensing system. If the system detects an inadequate water level, it illuminates the low-water indicator and disengages the heating element until a safe sensed level is restored.

Water setup is different from a traditional tank

Richmar’s fill procedure is unusual enough to deserve a short section on the product page.

The manual instructs staff to begin with approximately three cups of tap water, followed by up to 12 gallons of distilled water, stopping about two inches below the top of the tank. The exact quantity varies with the number and size of heat packs already inside.

The small amount of tap water matters because completely distilled water may not provide enough electrical conductivity for the low-water sensor. Richmar specifically instructs users to add additional tap water if a distilled-water-filled tank continues to show the low-water condition.

Installation planning

At 30 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 33 inches high, the HydraTherm Deluxe is a floor-standing clinic appliance rather than a countertop heater. Richmar requires at least 16 inches of clearance above the lid for pack removal and 6 inches behind the unit for access to the electrical enclosure and power switch.

The dry unit weighs 75 pounds, while the manufacturer lists a maximum total working capacity of 350 pounds. Facility planning should therefore account for the weight of the unit, water, and pack inventory—not just its shipping weight.

A properly grounded 110–120 V outlet is required, and Richmar recommends a GFI/GFCI circuit or receptacle for additional protection.

"Mobile" does not mean “move it while hot."

The HydraTherm has a mobile floor-standing design, but Richmar specifically warns not to move the unit while it is filled with heated water. The manual recommends allowing the water to cool and draining the unit before relocation.

That distinction should appear on the page because “mobile” can otherwise imply that staff can roll the filled heater from room to room during the treatment day.

Electric drain pump

The Deluxe includes a powered drain system instead of relying solely on gravity drainage. Switching the control from HEAT to DRAIN activates the pump so water can be directed through the drain hose during servicing.

This feature is especially meaningful for a floor-standing tank holding many gallons of water because it simplifies the workflow when the sink or disposal point is not directly beneath the unit.

A staff member must remain present while draining, and the unit should be allowed to cool before cleaning.

Lower routine cleaning frequency

Richmar recommends cleaning the HydraTherm Deluxe a minimum of two times per year, with more frequent attention to the low-water sensor and additional cleaning when water quality or visible buildup requires it.

That is a substantial maintenance difference versus the traditional Hydrocollator workflow. Chattanooga’s Hydrocollator manual calls for draining, cleaning, and inspecting its stainless tank at least every two weeks.

Richmar’s manual expressly warns that inadequate maintenance may affect warranty coverage.

Do not add essential oils or other additives

The tank is intended for clean water and compatible heat packs. Richmar specifically warns against additives such as herbal teas and essential oils because they can damage HydraTherm components.

This detail is useful to keep on the product page because it addresses a practical clinic-maintenance question and prevents an avoidable warranty issue.

Warranty differs by configuration

This is an unusually important variant detail.

The two-year term applies to HydraTherm Deluxe units supplied with HydraHeat Packs, while units purchased without the packs receive a one-year limited warranty. It also states that warranty registration is required within ten days of purchase.

Which configuration should your clinic choose?

When Hydrocollator may be the better choice

HydraTherm is not automatically superior simply because it is newer in design. A Chattanooga Hydrocollator may be the stronger operational fit when a facility already owns a large inventory of Hydrocollator HotPacs, uses Hydrocollator terry covers, or has staff procedures standardized around the Chattanooga system.

HydraTherm becomes especially compelling when the facility prioritizes a composite tank, digital temperature readout, lower recommended water temperature, powered drainage, and less frequent tank-cleaning intervals. Those differences are grounded in the manufacturers’ current operating approaches rather than a claim that one moist-heat modality produces universally better patient outcomes.

Clinical role without duplicating other content

We already cover broader modality selection in our Pain Management Modalities in Rehabilitation guide and our Hot and Cold Therapies collection. Those pages are better places for general discussions of how heat fits alongside exercise, mobility work, electrical stimulation, and other interventions. 

The HydraTherm page should stay centered on equipment selection, pack workflow, temperature control, infection-control considerations, water setup, and ownership costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HT-TU-DLX and HT-TU-D12?

HT-TU-DLX is the HydraTherm Deluxe unit with its standard divider system, electric drain pump, and side shelf but without HydraHeat Packs. HT-TU-D12 adds 12 HydraHeat Packs.

Does the base HydraTherm come without a rack?

No. Richmar’s current 2025 sell sheet states that HT-TU-DLX includes the divider system. Balego’s existing “No Racks or Packs” selector should therefore be corrected.

Which 12 packs come with HT-TU-D12?

The manufacturer lists three Cervical, three Large, three Oversize, and three Universal HydraHeat Packs.

How many packs can HydraTherm Deluxe hold?

A divider system designed to accommodate up to 12 HydraHeat Packs. 

What temperature does HydraTherm operate at?

The current manual specifies an adjustable 120–140°F range with a default set point of 135°F.

Is the HydraTherm cooler than a Hydrocollator?

Its prescribed operating range is lower. Chattanooga specifies approximately 160–165°F for current Hydrocollator tanks, whereas HydraTherm is adjustable to a maximum normal setting of 140°F. 

Does the lower temperature eliminate burn risk?

No. Richmar warns that 140°F water can scald and requires appropriate professional handling and patient precautions.

Does the unit have a low-water shutoff?

It has a low-water sensing system that disengages the heating element when an inadequate level is detected and restores heating when a safe sensed level is present.

Why does the manual call for some tap water if distilled water is recommended?

The low-water sensor depends on electrical conductivity. Richmar instructs users to start with tap water before adding distilled water because completely distilled water may not register properly with the sensor.

How much water does it use?

The installation instructions specify about three cups of tap water followed by up to 12 gallons of distilled water, stopping roughly two inches below the top. The actual amount depends on the number and size of packs in the tank.

How often does it need cleaning?

Richmar recommends cleaning the tank at least twice per year, with additional cleaning when necessary and more frequent attention to the low-water sensor.

Can bleach be used?

No.

Can essential oils be added to the water?

No. Essential oils, herbal preparations, and similar additives may damage the unit.

Can the unit be rolled while it contains hot water?

No. Richmar says not to move the HydraTherm Deluxe when it is filled with heated water because of the risk of scalding and burns.

What are the dimensions?

The current operating manual lists dimensions of 30 inches wide × 20 inches deep × 33 inches high.

What electrical service does it require?

The U.S. unit is specified for 110–120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, and 1000 W. A properly grounded outlet is required, and the manual recommends GFI/GFCI protection.

Is this designed for home use?

No. The current manual labels the HydraTherm Deluxe for clinical/professional use only and identifies treatment facilities and rehabilitation clinics as the intended environment.

Professional-equipment notice: HydraTherm Deluxe contains heated water and is intended for clinical/professional use. Installation, temperature selection, pack handling, patient application, cleaning and servicing should follow the current Richmar operating manual and facility safety procedures. Do not move the unit while filled with heated water.