Filling up your hot tub
Xavier LabelleIMPORTANT: Before filling the spa, it is important to read and understand the water chemistry section of this manual. Do not proceed until the water chemistry section is understood and the source water is tested.
Verify that the spa is in the desired final location.
Follow these filling instructions to avoid damage to the spa pumps:
1. Leave power to the spa off until spa is completely filled.
2. Never leave an unfilled spa exposed to direct sunlight without the Spa Cover installed. Resulting damage such as bubbles and wrinkles in the spa shell and fading of the jet faces is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
3. Never operate spa pumps without water. Resulting permanent pump and/or heater damage is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Remove all warning labels from spa shell.
5. Apply Acrylic Surface Protection solution if desired (typically included in Chemical Kit) to keep the spa shell clean, especially around the water line. Follow package instructions.
6. Remove the filter lid, basket and filter cartridge.
7. Inspect all Jets (shipping may cause jets to become loose or detached). Check to see that the Black Drain Valve (located to the left or right of the front access panel) is closed and that all barrel unions are tight. The slice valves should be open.(valve is open when the handle is pulled out, closed when it is pushed in).
IMPORTANT: Follow the next steps closely to prevent damage to the Spa Pumps.
8. Insert garden hose or other clean water source directly into filter housing. Push hose into filter housing until it stops. Fill up to bottom of spa pillows
9. Secure hose placement and turn on water. The spa can be filled with tepid water. If warm water is used, the spa will be available for use in a shorter period of time.
Filling spa through the filter housing prevents air lock in the spa pumps, which is an air pocket preventing the flow of water through the pump. Permanent damage caused by running the pump with air lock (or without water) is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If your jets are weak after a refill, here is how to clear an airlock.
10. Check for leaks! Although spas are fully checked at factory,shipping & delivery might cause a leak.
11. Before power is applied, refer to and become familiar with the spa side control operations.
12. Adding a Scale Control during the filling process is recommended. Follow package instructions.
13. Fill the spa until water is 1 inch (25mm) above the waterline on the spa shell or 1 inch (25mm) above the mid point of the filter housing. Do not overfill the spa. If needed, more water may be added after the power is turned on and the plumbing is filled. See Powering Up Spa section.
14. Turn water off and remove hose.
15. Reinstall filter cartridge, basket and filter lid.
16. Add Start-up Chemicals after power is turned on.
First fill at a glance
The numbered instructions above are taken from the owner's manual. This summary puts the whole first day in order.
- Check the spa: drain valve closed, slice valves open, unions tight, jets secure.
- Take out the filter and push the hose into the empty filter housing.
- Fill with the power off to about 25 mm above the waterline on the shell, watching for leaks.
- Refit the filter and lid.
- Switch on and check every pump runs with strong flow. If a jet pump hums without moving water, switch off and clear the airlock.
- Put the cover on and let the spa start heating.
- Balance the water once it has circulated.
How long will it take to fill?
That depends on your water pressure. A quick way to find out is to time how long your hose takes to fill a 10 litre bucket, then work out litres per minute. These examples show the range:
| Spa | Water capacity | At 10 litres a minute | At 15 litres a minute | At 20 litres a minute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder Bay | 1,220 litres | About 2 hours | About 81 minutes | About 61 minutes |
| Alberta SE | 1,300 litres | About 2 hours 10 minutes | About 87 minutes | About 65 minutes |
Stay nearby while it fills so you can spot any leaks and stop at the right level.
Tips for a cleaner fill
- Run the hose first. Water sitting in a hose can be stale or warm. Let it run for a minute before putting it in the filter housing.
- Use a clean hose. Keep one hose just for the spa, coiled off the ground.
- Consider a hose pre-filter. A hose-end pre-filter catches some sediment and metals before they reach the spa, which may help in some areas.
- Know your water. In hard water areas, add a scale control product during the fill, as the manual recommends.
First chemical dosing
Once the spa is full and circulating, test the water with a fresh strip and adjust in this order, letting the water circulate for 15 to 30 minutes between each step:
| Step | Test | Target | Adjust with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Total alkalinity | 80 to 120 ppm | Alkalinity Booster |
| 2 | pH | 7.2 to 7.6 | pH Up or pH Down |
| 3 | Free chlorine | 1.0 to 1.5 ppm | Chlorine granules |
Then shock the water and leave the cover open while the jets run, so the vapour can escape. A complete chemical kit covers everything you need for the first fill.
How long until it is warm?
Allow roughly 1 to 2°C an hour with the cover on. Cold mains water in winter may start below 10°C, so the first heat can take most of a day or longer. Keep the cover closed and avoid opening it to check. Our guide on how long a hot tub takes to warm up has worked examples.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fill my hot tub with hot water from the house?
The manual says tepid water is fine and warm water will shorten heating time. Do not use very hot water, and never fill with the power on.
Why must I fill through the filter housing?
Filling there pushes water through the pump first, which helps prevent an airlock. An airlock can stop water flowing and damage the pump.
Can I use water from a water butt or softener?
Use clean mains water. Rainwater can contain debris and organic matter, and softened water can make the chemistry harder to balance.
How often should I refill?
Every three months is a good rule, sooner if the spa is used heavily or for holiday lets.
Keep your water clear
Find the right filters and water-care chemicals, or book a service.