Spring is here — is your hot tub ready?
As the days get longer and the weather begins to improve, many hot tub owners start thinking about getting back into their spas.
If your hot tub has been used throughout winter, you may simply be due for a thorough clean and maintenance check.
If it has been drained and professionally winterised, restarting it requires a little more preparation.
Either way, it's worth taking the time to get things right before your first soak of the season.
Start with a visual inspection
Before filling or switching equipment on, take a look around the hot tub.
Check the cabinet, cover, visible plumbing and equipment area for signs of damage.
Pay particular attention to:
- Evidence of leaks or standing water.
- Cracked or damaged fittings.
- Signs of rodent activity or damaged cables.
- Loose or disconnected plumbing connections.
- Damaged cover straps, hinges or lifting equipment.
- Any visible signs of frost damage.
If the hot tub was shut down during freezing weather, don't assume it is safe to restart without checking the equipment.
A leak that appears minor when the spa is empty may become more significant once the plumbing is pressurised.
Clean the hot tub before refilling
Remove debris and clean the shell using products suitable for acrylic hot tubs.
Avoid household cleaners that can leave residues, damage surfaces or create excessive foam.
If the spa has been in use over winter, a plumbing flush may be appropriate before draining and refilling. Follow the product instructions and your manufacturer's guidance.
Clean the cover, paying attention to seams and areas where moisture can collect.
Check your filters
Filters are essential for maintaining water circulation and helping remove debris.
Inspect them for damage, blocked pleats or signs that they are reaching the end of their useful life.
Clean reusable filters using the appropriate method and allow for any required soaking and rinsing time.
Replace filters that are damaged, excessively worn or no longer clean effectively.
Refill correctly
Follow your hot tub manufacturer's filling instructions.
Some hot tubs should be filled through a designated filter housing or filling point to reduce the risk of air becoming trapped in the plumbing.
Use a suitable water source and fill to the recommended level.
Do not run pumps or heaters without the required water flow.
Restart the system carefully
Once filled, restore power in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Check that the pumps operate correctly, water is circulating and there are no leaks around accessible fittings.
Watch for error messages and unusual noises.
If a pump fails to prime, the heater does not operate or water begins leaking from the equipment compartment, stop and investigate rather than repeatedly restarting the system.
Electrical faults and repairs should be handled by appropriately competent professionals.
Balance and sanitise the water
Freshly filled water still needs treatment before bathing.
Test and adjust the water chemistry using suitable hot tub testing equipment and the treatment products recommended for your system.
Follow the manufacturer's guidance for disinfectant levels, pH, alkalinity and any other relevant parameters.
Allow the water to circulate and reach suitable conditions before using the spa.
Clear-looking water is not necessarily safe water.
How long will the hot tub take to heat up?
That depends on the starting water temperature, the volume of water, heater output, insulation, cover condition and outdoor temperature.
A hot tub with an air-source heat pump may behave differently from one using its standard electric heater.
Rather than relying on a fixed number of hours, allow sufficient time and check the displayed temperature and actual water condition before bathing.
When is a professional opening service worthwhile?
A professional visit can be particularly useful if:
- The hot tub was drained for several months.
- It was winterised following a fault or leak.
- You are unsure whether the plumbing was fully drained.
- The equipment has not been tested since autumn.
- You would like a thorough clean and inspection before regular use.
Enjoy the season
A little preparation can help make the first soak of spring far more enjoyable.
Need help reopening your hot tub? Spa Simple offers seasonal opening and closing services, as well as full servicing and maintenance. Visit our booking page to select the appropriate service.