How do you start up a hot tub after winter?

A tub that was properly winterized comes back quickly. The care is in the order: nothing electrical runs until the tub is full.

1. Look over the shell, jets and cover. Check for cracks, loose fittings and anything that moved in over winter. Close any drain plugs that were opened.
2. Put in clean, dry filters.
3. Refill with fresh water. Many makers say to fill through the filter compartment, which helps keep air out of the pumps. Your manual says where.
4. Restore power and check that the pumps and heater run. If a pump hums but moves no water, there may be air trapped in it; your manual explains how to release it.
5. Start your sanitizer as its instructions say, and test the water once it has circulated.

Before the first soak

Let the water come up to temperature, which can take most of a day, and test again. Readings move as the water warms.

If something leaks

Turn the power off and look for where. A fitting that worked loose is a simple fix; a split pipe from ice is a job for a dealer.

This is general guidance. Your hot tub's owner's manual comes first, and so do the instructions on your products.