Enjoying Your Softub: A Comprehensive Guide to Setup and Maintenance
Relaxing in your Softub is a delightful experience, but it does require some preparation to ensure that you and your family can enjoy it to the fullest. Once you’ve found a level location near a 110-Volt power source, it’s time to fill it with water. The time it takes to fill your Softub depends on your water pressure and the size of the model you own. Softubs come in three sizes: 140, 220, and 300 gallons.
Here’s a quick overview of the approximate filling times:
- 140 Gallon Model: Approximately 16 minutes.
- 220 Gallon Model: Approximately 25 minutes.
- 300 Gallon Model: Approximately 33 minutes.
These times are based on a water flow rate of 9 gallons per minute and might vary slightly depending on your specific water pressure. Thankfully, filling a Softub is significantly quicker than filling a swimming pool, and you’ll generally have it ready for use in under an hour, even with slower water pressure.
Sportster 140
Time to fill: 12 to 28 minutes
The Sportster 140 is the smallest option, ideal for 1 to 2 people. Overcrowding is a concern if more individuals try to squeeze in. This model holds 140 gallons of water and is the quickest to fill. Even with the slowest water pressure of around 5 gallons per minute, you can expect it to be filled within 30 minutes.
Legend 220
Time to fill: 19 to 44 minutes
For families who need a bit more space, the Legend 220 is a step up from the Sportster and comfortably accommodates up to 4 people. This model holds 220 gallons of water and can still be filled fairly quickly. The fastest fill time is 19 minutes for those with a water pressure of 12 gallons per minute; however, the average time is around 25 minutes.
Resort 300
Time to fill: 24 to 60 minutes
The Resort 300 is designed for larger gatherings, fitting up to 6 adults—or more with children joining in. While it holds 300 gallons of water and takes the longest to fill, it can still be done within an hour, regardless of your water pressure. Most users can expect a fill time of around 30 minutes, with some achieving it in less than 30 minutes, while others with slower water pressure may take a bit more time.
Steps to Successfully Fill Your Softub
Now that you have an idea of how long it takes to fill your Softub, here are important steps to follow before, during, and after the filling process:
1. Place Your Softub on Level Ground
Before adding water, ensure you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your Softub. It should be placed on level, smooth ground to fill evenly. Suitable surfaces include concrete, grass, sand, or dirt. Avoid areas with rocks, sticks, or debris that could puncture the bottom. While the base is durable, maintaining its condition will extend the life of your unit.
2. Connect the Plumbing
Follow your owner’s manual to connect the pump and hose to the main unit. This process is straightforward, but ensure all hoses are snug and the clamps are fastened to prevent leaks once the tub is filled. Position the Softub about 6 feet away from a standard 110-Volt wall outlet. Remember, do not plug it in until the tub is completely filled with water.
3. Don’t Forget the Safety Straps Before Adding Water
The safety straps included with your Softub must be arranged in a plus sign formation beneath the unit. If you forget to do this before filling with water, you’ll need to drain it and start over. While not required for functionality, these straps are essential for child safety. They connect to the cover once it’s placed on top and lock with a combination lock to prevent unauthorized access and potential drowning hazards. Before adding water, also place the cover on the Softub and lock all four combination locks in place to ensure they’re aligned correctly. If the straps don’t reach the connectors, adjust them until you can lock each one without difficulty.
4. Removing Wrinkles
As you begin to fill your Softub, it won’t take long before a couple of inches of water are in the bottom. At this point, press firmly on the liner’s bottom to smooth out any wrinkles, working from the center toward the outer walls. Adding warm water can be beneficial in removing wrinkles, but I’ve personally had success adding regular tap water. Attempting to smooth out wrinkles with several inches of water already in the tub will be much more challenging, as the weight of the water will make it difficult to adjust the liner.
5. Don’t Leave It Unattended
Once the bottom is wrinkle-free and the tub is filling, stay nearby to keep an eye on the progress. Unlike swimming pools, Softubs can overflow quickly if not monitored.
6. When to Power It On
Leave the unit unplugged while filling the tub until the water level rises above all the jets. Once the highest jet has at least an inch of water above it, you can safely plug in your Softub. Set the temperature to your desired level and wait for it to warm up. Depending on the model, it can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours to reach the chosen temperature.
How Long Before You Should Drain and Refill?
With proper care and normal usage, you can maintain your Softub’s water for several months before needing a change. Check the chlorine and pH levels at least once a week and adjust as necessary. Aim for chlorine levels between 1 and 5 parts per million to combat algae and bacteria that can make your water murky and unpleasant. Consider using a spa frog, which adds minerals to the water and lasts about 4 months between changes. Simply place it in your filter to help keep the water clean while reducing chlorine use.
You Will Know When It Needs Drained
Signs that it’s time to change the water include discoloration, unusual odors, or a lack of clarity. If you notice these changes, it’s time to drain and clean your Softub.
Create a Routine Cleaning Schedule
A proactive approach is to establish a quarterly cleaning routine. Mark your calendar for draining and refilling every January, April, July, and October. Regularly cleaning during these months will help you maintain a clear and clean Softub throughout the year. If you experience a period of heavier usage between these scheduled changes, you might need to drain the water sooner.
Conclusion
Filling your Softub is a quick process, making it one of the most convenient and portable options available for hot tubs. You can easily drain it and refill it from start to finish in about an hour, allowing you to have it reheating for your next soothing hydrotherapy session in no time.