Product review (4 stars): It will drain best this way too
I fill it with a bucket of water, that gets kind of old.  The hose they sent to fill it will not fit any facet.  Washes really strong even on "soft".  I would certainly put my clothes in a mesh bag and wash on soft setting.  I put it in the tub elevated on an 6in  stool.  It is just easier to keep and spills contained.  It should be elevated to keep water from electrical cord.  It will drain best this way too.  The pump for draining will just keep going until you stop it...this is why others burn the motor out of the pump. When the water is emptied, you must turn the drain feature off.  The wash starts agitation as soon as you turn it on... if it does not ...move clothes, you have too much weight for the machine.  Stop it and remove some weight and it will begin to agitate.  You will have to keep and eye on things until you get a feel for time and weight of clothes. Overall, I really like it, now that I have learned how to use it.  I plan to use it at my park model home at the beach.