The Spa Start-Up Procedure:

Starting a spa involves 10 critical steps: market research, legal compliance, location strategy, business planning, design/ambiance, staffing, service curation, tech integration, marketing, and post-launch optimization.

This guide simplifies the process with actionable checklists, local SEO tactics, and insider tips to avoid costly mistakes—whether you’re opening a boutique day spa or a full-service medical wellness center.

Written by saghirDsk, a licensed esthetician and spa consultant with 15+ years of experience launching award-winning spas, this blueprint combines industry expertise with proven frameworks to help you rank higher, earn trust, and outcompete established players.

Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Spa

Before you design your first treatment room, complete these 3 non-negotiable steps—market validation, legal safeguards, and location analytics—to avoid 83% of startup failures.

Step 1: Assemble Your Hot Tub

The first step in the start-up procedure is assembling your hot tub. If you purchased a new hot tub, it should have detailed assembly instructions. If you need clarification on the assembly process, consult a professional.

Step 2: Fill Your Hot Tub with Water

Once your hot tub is assembled, it’s time to fill it with water. Start by connecting your garden hose to the hot tub’s water inlet. Please turn on the water supply and let it fill the hot tub to the desired level. It’s important to avoid overfilling the hot tub, as this can lead to water spilling over the edge and damaging your hot tub.

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Step 3: Test Your Water

Before you start using your hot tub, it’s essential to test the water to ensure it’s safe and balanced. You can purchase a water testing kit at your local hot tub supply store. Follow the instructions in the kit to test the pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Adjust the levels as needed until they are within the safe range.

Prime the Pump

• Prime the pump to remove air from the system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually involve turning the jets on and off to force air out.

Step 4: Add Chemicals to Your Water

Now that your water is balanced, it’s time to add the necessary chemicals to your hot tub. This will help to keep the water clean, safe, and hygienic. You can purchase hot tub chemicals at your local hot tub supply store. Follow the instructions on the product label when adding the chemicals to your hot tub.

• Test the water using a test strip to determine pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
• First, adjust the pH and alkalinity. Aim for a pH of 7.4-7.6 and alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.
• Add a sanitizer like chlorine or bromine to kill bacteria. Follow the instructions on the chemical packaging for proper dosing.

Run the Spa

• Turn on the jets and let them run for 15-20 minutes. This helps distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the water.
• Check for leaks around the pump and plumbing connections during this time.

Step 5: Heat Your Hot Tub

Once you’ve added the chemicals to your hot tub, it’s time to heat it. Please turn on the hot tub’s heating system and allow it to reach the desired temperature. It’s essential to wait until the hot tub is thoroughly heated. Depending on the size of your hot tub and the ambient temperature, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

Check out Hot Tubs and Body Temperature: What You Need to Know

Step 6: Maintain Your Hot Tub

It’s essential to maintain your hot tub regularly to ensure it continues to function correctly and provide a safe and enjoyable experience. This includes periodically testing and balancing the water, cleaning the hot tub, and adding necessary chemicals. It would be best to have your hot tub serviced annually by a professional to ensure its functioning.

Final Check

• Test the water again after running the spa for a few hours and adjust the chemicals if necessary.
• Inspect the cover to ensure it fits properly and keeps heat when the spa is unused.