How to Place a Heater for a Waterbed

Place the heater in the center of the wood waterbed decking inside the frame. Adjust the heater pad so that it is not on any wood decking seams.

Attach the thermostat to the side of the waterbed frame at the head of the bed. Attach it to the frame using the screws that came with the heater.

Run the copper sensor that is attached to the thermostat through the hole on the waterbed frame where the wood decking meets the frame rails in the upper corner by the headboard.

Place the sensor 12 inches from the heater pad. This will ensure that the heater heats the mattress when the water temperature drops. If you place the sensor closer than 12 inches to the heater pad, the heat will cause the thermostat not to heat because the thermostat will be registering the heat from the heater and not the mattress.

Place the safety line over the heating pad. Smooth out all wrinkles. There cannot be any wrinkles over the heating pad. Add the mattress, water and water conditioner. Plug the heater into the wall outlet and set it to 87 degree F.