How long does it take to fill and heat a hot tub the first time ?
Your first soak is just around the corner
You’ve just had your spa delivered, it’s perfectly in place, the cover is on standby… but now comes the next big question:
“How long before I can actually use it?”
At Polar Springs Hot Tubs, we get this question all the time — and we’ve got your answer broken down step-by-step.
Step 1: Filling Your Hot Tub
***BE SURE TO FILL YOUR TUB THROUGH THE FILTER BASKET***
This prevents air locks.
Average fill time: 1.5 to 3 hours
The time it takes to fill your hot tub depends on:
The size of your spa (gallons/litres)
The water pressure of your garden hose
How close your water source is to the tub
Example fill times:
Small 2–3 person spa (250–300 gal): ~1.5 hours
Mid-size 5–6 person spa (350–450 gal): ~2 hours
Large 7+ person or swim spa (500–800 gal+): 2.5–3+ hours
💡 Pro Tip: Always fill through the filter compartment to prevent airlocks in the pumps and plumbing.
Step 2: Heating the Water
Average heat time: 6 to 12 hours
Most hot tubs are designed to heat 1–4 degrees Fahrenheit per hour depending on:
Ambient outdoor temperature
Quality of insulation
Whether you’re using a 110V plug-and-play or 220V hardwired model
Typical estimates:
SpaType/ Electrical/ Time to Heat to 100°F (38°C)
Plug & Play / 110V / 1 – 1.5 kW heater 24+ hours
Standard Spa / 220V / 4 – 5.5 kW heater 6 – 10 hours
Swim Spa/ 5.5–11 kW 10 – 14 hours
❗ If it’s cold outside or your water source is freezing (literally), give it extra time.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep the cover closed during heating — this traps the heat and cuts warm-up time in half.
Step 3: Balancing the Water
Time required: 30–45 minutes
Once the tub is full and heating, it’s time to:
Add your start-up chemicals (usually a sanitizer + pH & alkalinity balancer)
Run the jets on high for 15–20 minutes to circulate
Test your levels using test strips
💡Bonus: We include a Quick Start Chemical Kit with every Polar Springs delivery — and we’re just a call away if you’re unsure about dosage.
When Can You Soak?
Once your tub reaches a comfortable 100–104°F, and your chemical levels are balanced, you’re good to go!
Typical total time from fill to soak:
220V spa: ~8–12 hours
Plug & Play spa: ~24+ hours
Swim spa: 12–18 hours (depending on outdoor temp & heater size)
❕ Don’t rush it. Soaking in water that’s too cold (or chemically unbalanced) isn’t relaxing — it’s uncomfortable.
What Can Slow It Down?
Here’s what might delay your first soak:
Cold outdoor temps (below freezing = slower heating)
Low water pressure from your hose
Leaving the cover open during heating
Plug & play units operating on lower voltage
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting your spa ready for the first soak takes a little time — but it’s worth the wait. Set everything up right from day one, and you’ll start your hot tub journey the way it’s meant to be: easy, relaxing, and frustration-free.
And if you need help? That’s what we’re here for.
📍 Visit Polar Springs Hot Tubs at 1111 Development Drive, Brockville
📞 Call/text 613-572-2777
📧 Email info@polarsprings.ca
We’ve walked hundreds of families through their first fill-up, let us help you too.