How to Open Your Hot Tub After Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hot Tub Opening Instructions for Spring Season Follow This Methodical Procedure
Introduction

Hot tub owners should use the spring season to properly prepare their equipment for upcoming usage. The spa requires a complete examination alongside cleansing and rejuvenation as an essential step before becoming ready for use in the new season.

Deep Blue offers everything required to start your hot tub safely and effectively. Our products serve hot tub owners with scientifically tested water treatments and straightforward step-by-step directions to provide effortless hot tub ownership.

Why Proper Spring Start-Up Matters

Hot tubs that spend winters in dormancy create conditions for bacterial multiplication as well as cloudy water with unpleasant odors and algae growth inside pipes and jets and clogged filters.

Regular maintenance during this period will protect your pumps and heaters while creating safe and clean water for upcoming use.

Step 1: Inspect the Hot Tub Cover

Remove the cover and rinse it down
Deep Blue spa-safe cleaner should be used to eliminate mould, mildew or built-up materials
Check the cover for any rips or sagging or waterlogging issues and replace it if necessary

Step 2: Drain the Old Water

The tub requires drainage because bacteria can multiply even in water that received winter treatment.

Drain the spa water through either the built-in drain valve or a submersible pump
Drain all water from footwells and seats together with the main pool water

Step 3: Clean the Shell Thoroughly

Clean the spa surfaces with Deep Blue Spa Surface Cleaner.
Use only non-abrasive cloths to prevent damage to acrylic or vinyl surfaces.
Thoroughly wash the spa until no cleaner remains inside the tub.

Step 4: Remove and Clean the Filter

Your hot tub relies on the filter as its primary defense mechanism against environmental pollutants. Clean it thoroughly using:

Deep Blue Filter Cleaner: Soak for 8–12 hours
Rinse thoroughly with a hose after soaking the filter.

Replace the filter if it has exceeded 12 months of use or shows any signs of deterioration.

Step 5: Refill the Spa with Fresh Water

A pre-filter hose attachment (optional) should be used to decrease metal and mineral content during filling. Fill at a slow pace while targeting the recommended water mark inside the tub.

Step 6: Reconnect and Prime the System

Reconnect power supply and heater
Open all jets and bleed valves if present
Check for leaks or dry spots by enabling circulation mode.

Step 7: Test and Balance the Water

Let the water circulate for 30–60 minutes before you perform the water test using Deep Blue Spa Test Strips to determine:

pH: 7.2–7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Hot tub owners must maintain a Hardness level between 150–250 ppm because this parameter is crucial for these systems.

All Deep Blue spa chemicals include user-friendly measurement tools and simple instruction guides that enable users to use pH+, pH-, and Alkalinity Increaser products correctly.

Step 8: Add Sanitiser

Chlorine granules or tablets (quick acting and affordable)
Bromine tablets (gentler and longer-lasting)
Oxygen-based sanitiser (chlorine-free and eco-friendly)

The Deep Blue brand provides all three sanitizer options with non-chlorine spa shock granules offering a soft and odorless experience.

Step 9: Add a Clarifier and Conditioner (Optional)

Users should apply Deep Blue Clarifier or Stain & Scale Inhibitor to protect surfaces and enhance clarity when the water supply contains high metal content or hardness.

Step 10: Heat and Enjoy

Use your heater to set the temperature at 37–39°C. It requires 8–12 hours for most hot tubs to achieve full heating.

After heating up the spa and stabilizing the chemistry it becomes appropriate for relaxation.

Eco-Friendly Support from Deep Blue

Deep Blue spa products exist as:

Energy-efficient formulations require lower concentrations to work properly
Packaged in recyclable containers
Delivered with low-emission couriers

Tools and Support

Do you require assistance with your spa opening process?

For hot tub start-up guidance please visit our Hot Tub Start-Up Guide page
Watch our step-by-step instructional videos

You can reach out to our professional support staff for individual guidance

Join the Deep Blue Loyalty Programme

All hot tub products qualify for points — get rewarded for maintaining your spa the right way:

Redeem points for discounts or gifts
Access exclusive spa bundles
Get early access to new low-chlorine treatment products.

Conclusion

Using a hot tub does not need to become a difficult task after winter. Deep Blue’s products combined with expert testing and guide support help you achieve safe and clean beautifully balanced water in a few basic steps.

FAQs

I can simply add water to the hot tub rather than perform a full drain.

No. After winter, the water may contain bacteria or deteriorated chemicals. A full drain and clean is essential.

When can I begin hot tub usage after putting chemicals into the water?

You should not use the hot tub until the water reaches proper balance and sanitiser concentration becomes safe. You should wait for 12 to 24 hours after filling the water before you can use it.

What if I find mould or green residue?

The spa surface should be cleaned thoroughly using spa surface cleaner and you should replace the filters. A biofilm remover should run through the plumbing only in cases of severe contamination before you drain the system again.

Is oxygen-based sanitiser strong enough?

Oxygen-based granules serve as an effective sanitiser for standard domestic hot tubs if users follow the recommended application guidelines.

Do I need a cover lifter?

A cover lifter serves as a protective device for your cover and simplifies its regular removal and replacement process.