How Do You Turn a Hot Tub On and Off?

You’ve just bought a hot tub—or maybe you’re getting ready to. One of the most common questions we hear at Hydropool is: How exactly do you turn a hot tub on or off? Whether it’s your first spa or you just need a refresher, this guide will help you understand the basics of hot tub operation.

Here’s the quick answer:
To turn on a hot tub, you’ll need to fill it with water, power it up at the breaker or GFCI, and use the topside control panel to start heating and jets. To turn it off, use the panel to shut down functions, then cut the power at the breaker or GFCI. Some spas also have energy-saving modes rather than full shutdowns.

In this Hydropool blog, we’ll walk you through:

• How to safely turn on a hot tub for the first time
• What the topside control panel does
• How to adjust heat, jets, and lighting
• How to power down your spa properly
• When to use standby or vacation modes
• Tips for long-term shutdowns or seasonal use

Let’s dive in!

How Do You Turn On a Hot Tub for the First Time?

Before you power anything up, the hot tub needs to be filled.

Steps to start up your hot tub:

1. Clean the shell and check for debris inside the tub
2. Insert the hose into the filter area and fill the tub with clean water
3. Fill to about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) above the highest jet
4. Once filled, restore power at the breaker or GFCI panel
5. The spa will initiate its startup cycle automatically
6. Use the topside control panel to adjust settings

Tip: Never power the spa before it’s filled! Running the pump dry can cause damage.

What Does the Hot Tub Control Panel Do?

Most Hydropool hot tubs come with a digital topside control panel—your central hub for everything.

From this panel, you can:

• Adjust water temperature (typically from 26–40°C / 78–104°F)
• Control the jets (low/high speed or massage modes)
• Turn lights on or off
• Set filtration cycles
• Enter standby or economy mode

The panel may have buttons labeled Jets 1, Jets 2, Light, Temp +, and Temp –, depending on your model.

Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning and Serenity models have intuitive controls designed for ease of use. Explore our hot tub models.

How Do You Adjust the Temperature?

To heat the hot tub:

1. Press the “Temp +” button until your desired temperature appears
2. The heater will automatically activate
3. Heating can take 6–10 hours depending on water volume and starting temp

Most spas default to 38–39°C (100–102°F)—safe and relaxing for most users.

Want to cool it down? Press “Temp –” and allow time for it to drop naturally. There is no active cooling in most spas.

How Do You Turn Off a Hot Tub?

If you’re just finishing a soak and want to pause spa functions:

• Use the panel to shut off the jets and lights
• Some spas enter an idle mode after use
• Filtration cycles and heating may continue as programmed

To fully shut down the hot tub:

1. Use the panel to stop all active functions
2. Turn off power at the breaker or GFCI disconnect box
3. Ensure water levels stay above the jets if not draining

Only power off the spa if you’re cleaning, draining, moving, or leaving it unused for extended periods.

What is Vacation or Economy Mode on a Hot Tub?

If you're going away for a few days, there's no need to shut down the spa completely.

Use vacation or economy mode to:

• Lower heating frequency
• Maintain minimal water circulation
• Save energy while avoiding total shutdown

This keeps the water clean and prevents freezing in colder climates.

Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning hot tubs have programmable modes that simplify vacation use—check your owner’s manual or Learning Centre for help.

How Do You Shut Down a Hot Tub for the Season?

If you're planning a winter break or summer shutdown:

1. Power down the hot tub
2. Drain all water through the drain valve and pumps
3. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove residual water
4. Remove and clean the filters
5. Leave the cover secured

How Do You Turn a Hot Tub On and Off Safely?

Turning your hot tub on and off is simple once you know the steps. Just remember: always fill before powering up, adjust the settings using the control panel, and shut down at the breaker when needed. Whether you’re preparing for daily use, travel, or seasonal changes, Hydropool is here to help.

Still have questions? Reach out to your local Hydropool retailer here: Find a Retailer