HOT TUB Start Up For Beginners [Step-By-Step Guide]

Swim University makes pool and hot tub care easy for millions of homeowners. Each year, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. And it’s hard to find a trusted source of information. This is the reason we created Swim University.

Whether you need to start up a new hot tub or restart your winterized spa, starting up your hot tub the right way is important to keeping your water clean and your hot tub maintained. Here are 12 simple steps to start up your hot tub like a pro.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Starting Up Your Hot Tub
00:20 - Step 1. Rinse And Drain Your Hot Tub
01:30 - Step 2. Turn Off All Hot Tub Power
01:47 - Step 3. Clean The Empty Hot Tub
02:06 - Step 4. Install Or Clean The Filter
02:29 - Step 5. Fill Your Hot Tub
03:09 - Step 6. Prime The Hot Tub Pump
03:36 - Step 7. Add Your Hot Tub Start-Up Chemicals
04:19 - Hot Tub Care Video Course
04:58 - Step 8. Run The Hot Tub Pump
05:13 - Step 9. Test Your Hot Tub Water
05:28 - Step 10. Set The Water Temperature
05:47 - Step 11. Cover Your Hot Tub
06:04 - Step 12. Test Your Hot Tub Water (Again)

[jimmueller]

Great job on this! Great animation. Very clear. Very helpful. You deserve more views!

[drdrew]

Just fill it and turn it on. The pumps are self priming and empty hot tubs don’t need antifreeze

[almostben]

What if we have floating mineral/bromine system (I used product link you recommended, the yellow and green cylinders that screw into a disk) - how long do we wait for chemicals to get to right level?

[beyjack]

When do I put the power back on? As I start refilling or after it is full

[kathykaiser]

What do I do now that my new hot tub is filled but I didn’t rinse out the antifreeze first. Do I start over? Thx

[jimkessler]

Hi Matt and SwimUniversity, I would like to add an inline salt generator to my new hot tub. It seems that you generally don’t recommend this vs. the drop in type. However, my spa will be used in a vacation rental setting and I would like less things for guests to worry about and/or damage. I am an experienced plumber/electrician, so installation is not a problem for me. Is there one that you would might recommend for this situation? Thanks!

[billnipp]

Why would a brand new hot tub have antifreeze in it if you havent introduced water to it yet? ty

[trooper]

All of that info, but no specific mention of what chemicals to use? Brom start or no? Shock chemicals? What order? How much to add? Lots of questions left wondering on.

[nurseathomeasmr]

Is the plumbing cleaner mentioned on your website the same as the jet and drain cleaner?

[Shaddow]

I'm confused..step 1 : clean and drain hot tub...but step 2: turn off hot tube before cleaning and draining ?

[kathykaiser]

I filled my new hot tub before rinsing out the antifreeze. Do I need to drain and start over? Thx

[ruthaer]

Thanks! I was definitely impatient and skipped half those steps 🙃 oops

[zep]

Tomorrow we start living with our new Island Spa Barbados.

[frankkarmanocky]

I noticed foam on your video, is that normal? I thought foam meant chemical imbalance or is foam to be expected?

[claudetteb]

Great video but I am info overload. This is simply because I am overwhelmed by the thought of having to do the job with little knowledge. Thank you.

[clarawong]

Where is your company located? Do you come out to clean and maintain hot tub for customers? If yes, how much is it?

[sacrilegehellterror]

Says things like “clean the filter” but doesn’t show where it is most likely to be located or how to access it, or any other stuff.