There are huge consequences if you don’t fill your hot tub to the right level. In this article, I’ll show you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The dangers of adding too much water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The dangers of adding too little water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to properly fill your hot tub for the first time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Can you put too much water in a hot tub?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you have little experience with owning hot tubs, it’s all too easy to accidentally overfill. But what happens if you do fill with too much water?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you overfill a hot tub, it can cause damage to any electrical components that aren\u2019t insulated against water damage. If the water level rises above the loop for the air blower, it will cause the circuit breaker to trip. Overflowing water will damage the surrounding area and may accumulate beneath the spa if it’s not level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When filling a hot tub, many forget to factor in that bathers are going to get in, which raises the water level significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not all spas are damaged by overfilling, many models are. So it’s better to be safe than sorry as you don’t want to find out the hard way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one wants to stand there watching their hot tub fill with water, but it can be difficult to estimate the time it’ll take to reach the correct level. That’s why I wrote a guide on accurately estimating the amount of time it takes to fill<\/a> a hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For absolute peace of mind, I recommend attaching an inexpensive water timer<\/strong>
![\"Opens](\"https:\/\/hottubzone.com\/wp-content\/themes\/acabado-2\/img\/extlink.png\" "\\"Opens")
<\/a> between the faucet and hose to shut the water flow off automatically at a time of your choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you accidentally overfill your spa and it’s no longer working, then you’ll need to reset the breaker. Unfortunately, resetting doesn’t always work, in which case you’ll need to consult a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Water that spills over the sides can also cause damage to the surrounding area, which is why it’s a good idea to use water-safe materials around your hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure that your spa is perfectly level<\/a> to avoid standing water, and always keep the area around the spa clean and dry after you’ve finished soaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to remove excess water from your hot tub, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and partially drain the hot tub using a hose or sump pump<\/strong>
<\/a>. If your sump pump\u2019s outflow hose isn\u2019t long enough to reach the drain, connect it to a garden hose.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat happens if hot tub water gets too low?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The results can be equally devastating if you under-fill your hot tub. Ensure that the water level never falls below the minimum level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the water level in your hot tub is too low, the pump will be overworked and will suck in air, eventually destroying it. The water level will naturally lower by around 1 inch (2.5cm) per week due to evaporation and spilling as bathers exit the spa, so you must perform regular water top-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, your hot tub really is like Goldilocks: not too much and not too little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s necessary to keep the water topped up every 1 to 2 weeks to avoid causing damage to the spa’s pumps. Remember to test and adjust the water chemistry<\/strong>
<\/a> after each top-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf the water level is too low, it will not flow through the filters, causing damage to the spa and potential health risks to you as the water become more and more unsanitary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you leave your hot tub uncovered, then you may see the water level lower by as much as 2 inches (5cm) each week, and possibly more during the cold winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you’re noticing a significant loss in water, then it may be sign of a leak. The cause may be anything from a crack in the hot tub’s shell to leaks within the seals, pipes, or fittings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you suspect there is a leak, don’t delay in getting your spa repaired. And if you go trying to locate the leak, make sure to cut the power by flipping the breaker switch to avoid electrocution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to fill a hot tub for the first time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are a few things you need to do you fill your hot tub for the first time. First, ensure that the spa is in its final resting area as you won’t be able to move it once it’s filled with water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now read through all the following steps carefully before attempting to fill your hot tub for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secure any loose connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pump connections can become loose during transportation, so it’s important to remove the front cabinet (the side where the control pad is) to tighten and secure any fittings that have come loose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep the cabinet off as you fill your spa for the first time so that you can keep an eye on everything to ensure the connections are watertight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clean and rinse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before filling your spa, you must always make sure that all the surfaces are as clean as possible. Use this specially formulated cleaning solution<\/strong>
<\/a> and wipe the hot tub shell and cover clean using a soft cloth or sponge.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRinse thoroughly and remove the rinse water using a portable wet\/dry vac<\/strong>
<\/a> or by hand with a soft cloth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRemember: water and electricity do not mix. Whenever you carry out any cleaning, always make sure to disconnect all power to your hot tub to avoid electrocution. Unplug the hot tub and turn off the circuit breaker so you’re in no doubt whatsoever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Install filters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Install a filter cartridge
<\/a><\/strong> into each filter well. Many hot tubs have only one filter well, but be sure to check your owner’s manual to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n