Filling a hot tub

[fishman61]

We are having a new hot tub delivered in a couple weeks. It mentioned in the brochure to prevent freeze damage, do not to fill the hot tub when the outside temp goes below 35 degrees  during the first 24 hour. If this holds true, we probably won't be able to fill it until spring. We live in Missouri, last weekend we had a snow storm which left behind 12". What should we do? We want to do everything by the book.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 You get the power hooked up, fill it, turn the power on and set it for 102/103  your water is going to be really cold going in, but once the spa is running and heating it will take around 10 to 12 hours if not less to heat it to 102.   As long as the water is circulating you will be fine.      Is it 110v or 220v  110v will take much longer to heat but again as long as the water is circulating it won't freeze. 

  What brand spa is it?   

[clover]

Water comes out of the ground at approximately 56°.  After the electric is connected, fill the spa placing the hose into the filter stem pipe that will take water directly to the pump to prevent an air lock.  Fill it to above the jets below the pillows and then power up the spa.  Depending on where you live, the water will range from 48° to 56°.  DO NOT FILL WITH HOT WATER. 

Think thermal, if it is 25° out, the shell is close to that temperature.  Initially filling with hot water can cause damage, as the water can be near 140°, and the cold plastic will not like that.  Acrylic and plastic components react to thermal differences.  Once the spa is filled to above the seats, you can resort to hot water if you feel so inclined, other wise 220v systems will produce 8° to 10° per hour.  No need to be in a hurry.

Moving water will not freeze, but standing water will.  IF and when that occurs use a small space heater inside the EQ area to prevent ice from forming, or thawing the ice that has formed.  Starting a pump that has been frozen can be bad news.  When you power it up, the torque can twist the iimpellar right off the shaft as the impellar is frozen in ice. 

You should have no problems, but they include the "disclaimer" just to say, it not their fault.

[fishman61]

Waikiki Spa, by Tropical Sea Spas. It will be a 220wt/50 amp connection. I still need to complete the patio where it will be set up on. There is a 6" crushed limestone base, 1 1/2" sand and then the 2" tall 16" pavers. The recent unexpected snowstorm delayed me in completing the patio.

[wmccall]

Latitude wise we are probably about the same. I understand your logic in wanting to follow those guidelines.   I've lived in this area 36 years. Chances are you will get a couple of warm days. However, if you see that you have a forecast that shows no bad storms for 48 hours, I would go ahead and fill assuming the electric works and powers up ok watch the temp to make sure it is rising.  By some weird chance you have a new tub with a heater that doesn't work, drain it and vacuum out the water lines if the heater didn't work.  Any of us might have to do that after a couple of days if power went out.