Preparing for Spring Hot Tub Season
As winter fades and warmer days beckon, it's time to bring your hot tub back to life after its seasonal shutdown. Proper spring startup ensures your spa operates safely and efficiently throughout the coming months, while cutting corners can lead to equipment damage, water quality problems, or disappointing performance. Taking time to do this right pays dividends in trouble-free enjoyment all season long.
Whether you winterized your spa yourself or had professionals handle it, spring reactivation follows a logical sequence that reverses the shutdown process while addressing any issues that developed during the idle period. This guide walks you through each step, from initial inspection through that first satisfying spring soak. Plan to spend a full day on the process, allowing time for filling, heating, and chemical balancing.
Initial Inspection
Before doing anything else, conduct a thorough visual inspection of your spa and its surroundings. Check the cabinet for any damage from winter weather, falling branches, or animal activity. Examine the cover for tears, waterlogging, or deterioration—winter is hard on covers, and replacement may be necessary. Inspect the spa shell for cracks or damage that might have occurred from freeze events or debris impact.
Look inside the equipment compartment for signs of rodent nesting, water damage, or component deterioration. Check that all electrical connections appear secure and show no signs of corrosion or damage. Verify that the disconnect panel functions properly and shows no visible damage. Document any concerns before proceeding—some issues may require professional attention before the spa can safely operate.
Cleaning the Shell
Even if you cleaned thoroughly before winterization, dust, debris, and possibly mold or mildew will have accumulated during the shutdown period. Start with a dry wipe to remove loose debris, then clean the entire shell using a spa-specific surface cleaner and soft cloth. Pay particular attention to the waterline area, jet faces, and any textured surfaces where contamination tends to collect.
Rinse the shell thoroughly to remove all cleaning product residue, which can cause foaming and water quality issues when you refill. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove rinse water from the footwell and any low spots. Clean and inspect pillows, headrests, and any removable accessories, replacing any that show significant wear or damage. This deep cleaning provides a fresh start for the new season.
Plumbing System Preparation
If you used antifreeze during winterization, it must be completely flushed from the plumbing before use. Run fresh water through the system by filling partially and draining multiple times until no antifreeze color or residue appears. Some owners prefer using a plumbing flush product at this stage to remove any biofilm that may have developed in the lines during the shutdown period.
Inspect visible plumbing connections for any loosening or damage. Winter temperature cycles can stress fittings, so verify all connections are snug and show no signs of leakage. Check the drain valve to ensure it closes completely and seals properly—a slow leak here wastes water and chemicals throughout the season. Replace any o-rings or gaskets that appear worn or compressed.
Filter Installation and Inspection
Install clean filter cartridges—either newly purchased filters or your old filters if they were thoroughly cleaned and properly stored during winter. Examine stored filters carefully before reinstalling; any signs of mold, persistent discoloration, or fiber damage indicate replacement is needed. Starting the season with compromised filters leads to water clarity issues from day one.
Verify the filter housing and connections are secure and properly sealed. Missing o-rings or loose fittings can allow water to bypass the filter, reducing filtration effectiveness and potentially damaging pumps. Run your hand around filter housing seams to check for proper seating, and ensure any filter locking mechanisms engage correctly.
Refilling Your Hot Tub
Fill your spa by placing the hose into the filter housing or skimmer, which forces water through the plumbing and helps prevent airlocks. Fill to the level specified in your owner's manual—typically to the middle of the skimmer opening. If your water source has high mineral content, consider using a hose-end pre-filter to remove metals and sediment before they enter your spa.
While filling, watch for any leaks around fittings, jet faces, or the drain valve. Small drips may seem insignificant but indicate failing seals that will worsen over time. Address any leaks before proceeding—operating the spa with active leaks wastes water and chemicals while potentially damaging equipment or surrounding structures. Major leaks require professional repair before the spa can be used.
Restoring Power and Initial Operation
With the spa filled, restore power at the disconnect panel and observe the initial startup sequence. Listen for normal pump priming and circulation sounds, watching for any error codes or warning lights on the control panel. Modern spas perform self-diagnostic routines at startup—consult your owner's manual if any errors appear rather than assuming they'll resolve themselves.
Check jet operation by cycling through all pump speeds and jet combinations. Verify that air controls adjust jet intensity properly and that all jets produce expected water flow. Operate the blower if equipped. Test the light system and any other accessories. This functional verification identifies problems early, before you've invested time in heating and chemical treatment, allowing issues to be addressed before they complicate your startup.
Heating and Temperature
Set your desired temperature and allow the spa to heat completely before performing chemical treatment—water temperature affects both chemical behavior and test accuracy. Heating from cold may take twelve to twenty-four hours depending on your spa's heater size and starting water temperature. Monitor progress periodically to ensure the heater operates normally and temperature rises steadily.
While heating, check for any unusual sounds, vibrations, or odors that might indicate equipment problems. The heater should cycle on and off normally, maintaining a steady temperature rise rather than fluctuating erratically. If heating seems unusually slow or the heater runs continuously without progress, investigate before assuming everything is fine. Problems are easier to address before full operation begins.
Chemical Startup Procedure
Once heated, test your water for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Fresh fill water rarely falls perfectly within ideal ranges, and your source water may have changed characteristics since last season. Adjust alkalinity first—target 80 to 120 ppm—since alkalinity affects pH stability. Next adjust pH to the 7.2 to 7.8 range, and finally address calcium hardness if outside the 150 to 250 ppm ideal range.
After balancing, add your sanitizer of choice to establish appropriate levels. Many owners perform an initial shock treatment to oxidize any residual contaminants from the filling and startup process. Run the circulation system for several hours, then retest and adjust as needed. Water often behaves unpredictably during the first few days—test daily during this break-in period and make gradual adjustments until readings stabilize within target ranges.
Enjoying Your Spring Spa
With inspection complete, cleaning done, water heated, and chemicals balanced, your spa is ready for use. That first spring soak rewards all your preparation efforts, and a properly started spa sets the stage for months of trouble-free enjoyment. Establish your regular maintenance routine from day one—consistent care starting now prevents problems throughout the season.
Document your startup in a maintenance log, including fill date, initial water readings, and any equipment observations. This record helps track patterns over seasons and provides valuable reference for troubleshooting any issues that arise. Welcome back to hot tub season—the time invested in proper startup ensures every soak from here through fall delivers the relaxation and enjoyment you deserve.