Spa Start-Up & Weekly Care: A Beginner’s Guide to Effortless Hot Tub Bliss

Congratulations on your new hot tub from The Great Escape! Whether you’re a first-time spa owner or returning to the wellness benefits of hydrotherapy, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow steps to get started — and keep your spa in peak condition all season long.

Our how-to videos walk you through each process visually, but here’s the written breakdown to keep on hand when you're getting ready to soak.

Part 1: How to Start Up Your Hot Tub with Frog @Ease

Step 1: Fill Your Spa Properly

• Always fill your spa through the filter area using a garden hose. This helps prevent air locks in your plumbing lines.

• If you have hard water, consider using a pre-filter attachment to reduce scale build-up.

Step 2: Insert the FROG @Ease SmartChlor Cartridge

• This system automatically maintains clean, clear water with less chlorine and less hassle.

• Set the dial based on your spa’s gallon size (refer to the package guide).

Step 3: Balance the Water

• Start with alkalinity: Use Quick 5 Test Strips and adjust with Alkalinity Up or Down.

• Then test and adjust pH with pH Up or pH Down to keep it in range (7.2–7.8).

• Finish by adjusting calcium hardness if needed. Water that’s too soft can corrode your components.

Step 4: Add Spa Shock

• Use WATER TRENDS Non-Chlorine Shock after startup to oxidize contaminants. Wait 15–20 minutes before entering the tub.

Step 5: Set Your Temp & Let It Circulate

• Set your desired temperature, close the cover, and let the system circulate for at least 12–24 hours before use.

Part 2: Weekly Spa Maintenance

Step 1: Test Your Water

• Use a test strip at least once a week. Focus on chlorine (or SmartChlor) levels, pH, and alkalinity.

Step 2: Add Shock

• Shock your spa once a week or after heavy use to eliminate bather waste and keep the water fresh.

Step 3: Clean the Filters

• Rinse your filters every week with a garden hose. Use Cartridge Renew once a month for deep cleaning.

Step 4: Wipe Down Your Shell & Cover

• Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive spa cleaner to keep surfaces clean. Don’t forget to wipe the underside of the cover, too.

Step 5: Replace FROG @Ease Cartridges as Needed

• The SmartChlor cartridge lasts 3–4 weeks.

• The Mineral cartridge lasts 4 months.

Bonus Tip:

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for helpful video guides on spa start-up, water balancing, and ongoing care. Our Signature and Jacuzzi spa series tutorials offer everything you need to feel confident and relaxed — from setup to every soothing soak.

Still have questions? Bring in a water sample to your local Great Escape for free in-store water testing and expert advice from our trained team. We’ll help you enjoy your spa with less stress and more satisfaction.