How long does it take to fill and heat a hot tub the first time ?
⏱️ 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:
Spa TypeElectricalTime to Heat to 100°F (38°C)
Plug & Play (110V)1–1.5 kW heater24+ hours
220V Standard Spa4–5.5 kW heater6–10 hours
Swim Spa5.5–11 kW10–14 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.