Hot Tub Start Up Basics for Newbies (Complete Step-by-Step)

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Get the products and accessories on Amazon I show in the video: Cover Valet cover lifter - amzn.to/37BiLmc Hot tub floater - amzn.to/2BCmgNt Leisure Time Bromine Tablets - amzn.to/3osHQXe Hot tub shock - amzn.to/3q5Uz3R Spa Down - amzn.to/33PcnGO Spa Up - amzn.to/33HYIBx Poolmaster Test Strips - amzn.to/3mS4SGU

[@n8nelson2003]

You mention you put roughly 3 tablets/week. Do you test your water with a strip at that time? Or how often do you test with your strips?

[@VicInCommentSection]

I just paid $12k+ for a Marquis Vector21 V94 (2021 Model) hot tub a couple days ago. I've been watching this channel more than any other for the last few weeks, and I'll be here for your new content for the next several months! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Jeff!

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Thanks, Vic! I'm just a guy learning as I go and passing on what I see. Glad you're here!

[@dswesson]

it would be great to have a video on all the chemicals in your "kit" and how you do your regular maintenance. Thank you! Learning....

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Great suggestion!

[@jlf6803]

Yes, I agree. We just got ours last week. I’m afraid to mess it up and it’s SO complicated. The company we purchased ours from had NO tutorials at all. Made the sale, gave us a packet of info. To do it right may have included some start up tutorials in their showroom.

[@kimleyschaefers9619]

Thanks for the great videos. They are clear, concise and easy to understand and to follow!

[@mikedeshane3919]

My new hot tub arrived yesterday and electrician was here this morning to wire it up. Thanks to your videos (especially this one) I was able to get my tub filled, and it is now currently heating as we speak. I live in Canada but lucked out with a nice spring like day, water is at 49F so i got a long way to go until i can get in! Thanks for the videos! Super helpful!

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Great to hear!

[@luizamullen3788]

From Canada also and mine got here yesterday too!😀 Trying to learn and get more comfortable with the whole process! Had an above ground pool and it was so easy and kept it up on a weekly basis. Hope this will too!

[@visionholistica3941]

I've been on this channel since we ordered our Hot Spa. Now, we are waiting for the city inspection... In the meantime, I'm learning on this fantastic channel! Thank you very much, Jeff, I feel more confident about my hot tub. I will be buying the chemicals you recommended as well. I want to avoid to overwhelm my self in the process, so I have also decided to use bromine, not only because I am asthmatic and allergic to chlorine, but also I think is the best option for me and my family. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise with us!🙏

[@luizamullen3788]

Thank you so much!! Your explanations are clear, direct to the point! Your videos will be a part of my maintenance routine until I get more comfortable!😀

[@blneikirk]

Thank you for such a terrific informative video. This is a very helpful. Thank you

[@nancampbell3647]

Central Texas here! Continuing to educate myself awaiting delivery

[@jlf6803]

We don’t need a heater right now😂😂

[@susanfrick8016]

You are fantastic, emptying ours today and thrilled to find your videos!!

[@JuliaJayATOP]

You explain things so well thank you 😊 ni bore very easily...but I actually grow learning from your style

[@terryteo1]

Don’t forget to add in Celsius for us other folks abroad :) very handy info though, cheers

[@CharlieSpoons]

agree!

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Thanks for the reminder! I do forget! But I'll make note!

[@Mbunchwalleye]

What makes you choose bromine over chlorine? Hot tub gets delivered tomorrow, doing all my research the night before even though I have had 4 months of waiting 😂😂

[@notrealya_youtuber]

The way that is that both chlorine and bromine rid the pool of contaminants is through a process called "oxidation". The reason why it is wise to use brobine in a hot tub rather than chlorine is chlorine oxidates with the contaminant while bromine only oxidizes the contaminant. This is why chlorine will lead to a strong chemical smell and watering of the eyes

[@drdrew3]

Chlorine degrades rapidly when heated whereas bromine is relatively heat stable so more suitable for a hot tub. And when the bubbles are turned on chlorine vapors can irritate the eyes of people sensitive to it. Bromine tablets dissolve more slowly so you don’t need to add them as often as chlorine. Bromine is a little easier to handle because less noxious odor and skin irritation compared to chlorine tabs. High chlorine levels can bleach the spa shell and corrode the internal components. I’ve bought spas from 3 major companies and they all recommended bromine. About 25 years experience with bromine and never a problem

[@jdt8826]

Great in go. Thank you. Can you still use bromine if the hot tub uses ozone?

[@SlipAndBreakYaNeck]

I just got a pp41 plug and POWER. It’s 110 but has 2 pumps. 1 2hp and 1, 1 hp. It’s as strong as the 240 and it can be hard wired but I’m in Alabama and it’s HOT lol so not needed. My plug and power jets are (constricted) I think is the word and it’s powerful. Wired it myself so I didn’t pay out for that. Wired my entire house also. Thanks for all the info! I’ve been watching a lot of your videos. 😊

[@dominickloke2050]

Best video I've seen yet!

[@nelbanks6976]

Great video very clear to understand thank you

[@flintstone7404]

thanks a lot Jeff, really helpful video since I will be a newbie soon, hopefully.

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nikola-tn8fu]

Good video Jeff, thanks

[@coreydaley2179]

Wonderful video thank you!

[@shannoncarey2718]

Super helpful. Thanks Jeff!

[@milothechihuahuabrunetandmommy]

You are helping me out alot thank you so much

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Glad to hear it!

[@ivanparedes4006]

Excellent job explaining .....

[@terridean6190]

Trying to fill an empty spa. Tightened the drain cap at the bottom but when I put the hose in to fill it the water is leaking out somewhere around the cap. What do I do?

[@markhooshmand5712]

Thank you so much for your video.

[@varunthefreak]

I bought a house and a hot tub came along with it! Can you please tell me what I need to do to de-winterize the tub? I live in Canada

[@AnitaCorrado]

Great video

[@Lady4Life]

You are brilliant.

[@sherylbrown3392]

Have you ever used the eco one system?

[@jharms2529]

At what point during fill-up do you turn on the heater?

[@drdrew3]

Best to wait until water is above the top return jets before turning in the pump. It only takes a few minutes to fill but hours to heat so there’s not much time saved by rushing it. If you turn on prematurely more likely to get an air lock and water sprays out of the tub with some designs

[@pamkimball4775]

Does the water need to be up at a certain temp before adding chemicals? Our fill temp from the hose is around 55 degrees.

[@mrtogoodc]

Did u find out

[@drdrew3]

It doesn’t matter if the chemicals are added to the water when ambient temperature or heated. You will be checking and chemistry and making adjustments daily during the first week either way

[@ericjohnson868]

What’s the difference between the shock you use and regular chlorine sanitizing granules? Same active ingredient. Sanitizer is just 99% and the shock is 58%. ??

[@drdrew3]

Same ingredient in both products and they are BOTH SANITIZERS as well. Some contain conditioner (cyanuric acid) which can accumulate over time and decrease the power of your sanitizer. A 1 lb packet of pool shock (dichlor) will last months because just using a few teaspoons each week

[@ellyncase1071]

That was very helpful. Thank you!

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beardedwendigo5291]

Is there any downside to placing the bromine tablets directly in the skimmer basket? That's what my hot tub manual suggests. I don't really want a floater bonking into me

[@drdrew3]

Most of the skimmer baskets aren’t as adjustable as a floater. When you get in the spa just remove the floater during that time (or place it in the filter compartment if there is room).

[@kevs1768]

What about calcium? When do I add calcium increaser? My house has a water filtration system so I also have to watch the water’s hardness. Do I work on calcium first before alk/ph?

[@drdrew3]

You add calcium LAST. I keep hardness around 150-175 ppm just to keep foaming to a minimum. Calcium level much less important in a spa versus a concrete pool.

[@sueallen6898]

We have a Viking Spa that is 110 we are using an extension cord however my husband plans on getting a heavier duty extension cord is it still not recommended

[@drdrew3]

Ideally you would have a licensed electrician install a new GFI outlet closer to the spa. Sometimes you have no choice but to use an extension cord. Definitely use a commercial grade heavy duty cord with the shortest possible length. It’s critical that this is connected to a GFI outlet. Keep the connection between the cords off the ground and route it where it won’t get pulled from the wall socket.

[@recoswell]

first lesson jeff is use back lighting when filming :~)

[@AndyColvin]

Fortunately, most of us didn't come to this video for production value.

[@gergage6]

You say you add 3 tablets in the floater, then a week later you add some more. Are you adding 3 more tablets or replacing the original 3?

[@drdrew3]

After a week the original tablets are gone (dissolved) so you replace them. You should do that on a regular basis to maintain a reservoir of sanitizer in the water. Three tablets a week is about right for a 250 gallon spa but it also depends how open you keep the floater baffles. With experimentation and frequent water testing you will learn how many tablets your specific unit requires.

[@nicklandry8019]

so basically what i'm getting from the first three minutes is quit while your ahead lol

[@alistairpraet9108]

I've heard the bromine slow release will ruin the hot tub lid is this true ??

[@alistairpraet9108]

Guessing that's a yes lol

[@drdrew3]

Both chlorine and bromine vapors degrade the inner lining of the cover over time. Part of regular maintenance is to rinse the cover with fresh water and let it completely air dry. Apply vinyl protectant to the outside to minimize sun damage

[@dezrvnone2483]

Why does your sound keep going in and out?… ok even my ads are fading sound in and out so it’s not just your video..not sure why but still helpful. Ok I took my headphones out and now I can hear ya just fine…..lord.

[@rozdarden3059]

Should I turn my hot tub off in the winter

[@drdrew3]

If you just turn it off without draining it the water can freeze and expands which can burst pipes or damage other components. Either leave it running or properly “winterize” it

[@pdmark311]

I keep looking at Salt Water tubs.

[@kyleturner7627]

Do you recommend the basic cover for tubs or the hard plastic upgraded covers? It is a huge price jump..what is your experience?

[@drdrew3]

I’d choose the one with the best insulation even if it costs more - you will save money on electricity over time. Don’t ignore ease of use because a heavy cover without a lift mechanism is a pain - very awkward to take on and off regardless of your strength

[@johncarter9509]

“If you happen to be drinking alcohol” Me: 2 hours and 10 beers later… someone call 911. Lol.

[@arizonahd]

It takes way more than 4 hours to bring the tub up to temp.

[@Maynhoover]

Do you have a video can't seem to find it if you do on all the tricks for waterfalls, jets, Bluetooth, lights etc. Our manual is pathetic and doesn't explain anything.

[@scarlettorres3940]

I paid $2,200 for the electricians . :(

[@rand49er]

Quick! Sell the hot tub before your bank account gets depleted!

[@drdrew3]

Hot tubs are definitely a luxury item. But worth every penny!

[@MaryBrown-ff3by]

Y

[@notrealya_youtuber]

Although this man is well intentioned and not a novice, you should not take his suggestions for chemicals too literally. Adding chlorine and bromine together is very dangerous. He also has a spa that sees light usage from what seems like only his family. The water temperature is also considerably lower than the average hot tub. The hot water can facilitate bacteria and improper chemical balance can lead to various health problems. Spas are incredibly filthy, even a personal one and need to be maintained very well to avoid again, a plethora of health risks and chemical burns.

[@drdrew3]

No. No. No. It is common practice to regularly use chlorine shock in a bromine spa - it’s not dangerous and it’s in the guide that comes with the spa. In the US all spas have a limiter so the temp doesn’t exceed 104F. Hot tubs are easy to maintain and do not pose a risk to healthy adults. Because your head remains above water (unlike a pool) there is no chance of ingesting chemicals or contaminants. Residential spas are especially safe because it’s usually the same people over and over. Rinsing the filter and adding small amount of shock weekly completely avoids the “filthy” spa that you fear. Chlorine is an EXTREMELY POTENT SANITIZER against bacteria, virus and mold. I’ve maintained a spa 25 years with crystal clear water and no illness or “chemical burns” you speak of. Please give the fear-mongering a rest and educate yourself on water chemistry and methods of sanitization

[@davidtangey4208]

_

[@melvalentine6637]

Managed the convince my partner to get a hot tub I didn’t think about how much work goes it to it! Definitely need a good few months of google deep dives for more info before we buy one thinking of getting a secondhand one as you can get a very expensive tub a lot cheaper any advise on a second hand tubs?

[@drdrew3]

Very often second hand tubes are discarded when they need expensive repairs or leaks. Definitely get one from a reputable source to avoid inheriting somebody else’s problem. They are sold “As Is” which means no warranty or liability to the seller