How to install your Softub?

October 21, 2025

Since 1990, Softub Canada has been providing Canadian families with a premium portable hot tub solution — handcrafted, all-season-ready, and built for the Canadian climate. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a snowy night, enjoy some hydrotherapy, or simply elevate your backyard relaxation spot, a Softub is engineered to deliver. Below is a streamlined setup guide, followed by initial water treatment and ongoing maintenance tips so that you can soak with confidence and ease.

By Softub Canada Oct 21, 2025 10:50 AM EDT

Step 1: Unpack & Position Your Softub

Remove the safety straps from the packaging and lay them flat on the floor, at right angles (90°) to each other.
Place the empty Softub tub onto the straps. This protects the liner and ensures stability.
Attach the power-pak unit to the tub using the hose clamps provided. Tighten the hose clamps using a straight-slot screwdriver or a 5/16″ nut wrench. (Do not plug in the pack unit at this time.)

Step 2: Begin Filling the Tub

Fill the Softub with about 2-3 inches of warm water initially; then carefully pull out any wrinkles so that the interior liner lies smoothly on both sides and the bottom — this prevents damage and improves insulation.
Continue filling the tub with water until the water level reaches approximately 2″ above the highest jet. This ensures proper operation of the jets and heater.
Plug the GFCI into a standard wall outlet and set the temperature control to 104 °F. If 104 °F feels too warm, you may adjust it downward. The unit will take roughly 24-48 hours to reach its maximum temperature.
Be cautious to prevent water splashing when filling and using the tub — sealing, cover usage and safe operation all help to prolong equipment life.

Step 3: Initial Water Treatment (“When in doubt — dump it out”)

(Pro tip: Using hot water for the initial fill will help your Softub reach temperature more quickly.)

With the pump running and the cover open, shock the water by adding 2 tablespoons of chlorinating granules sanitizer.
After shocking, leave the cover open for 30 minutes to let the product circulate and the gases escape
Check alkalinity using a test strip and adjust it according to the product label. Alkalinity is your buffer—it helps maintain stable pH levels. Always get alkalinity in range before adjusting pH.
Once alkalinity is correct, adjust pH if necessary.
Place the bi-fold cover on the tub, close the air control, and set the temperature to the maximum (104 °F). When the unit reaches temperature, the power-pak will cycle off and on automatically to maintain your set point. Pressing the jets button will initiate a 15-minute cycle.

Step 4: Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Enjoyment

After each soak (or at least regularly), test the water with a test strip: check alkalinity, pH and sanitizer levels.
If alkalinity is out of range, correct it first—then adjust pH afterward.
A simplified everyday regime: Add 1 teaspoon of sanitizer per person after your soak. Sprinkle it over the surface with jets on and air control open. Leave the cover open for 30 minutes with pump running. Then close the air control and cover.
Always check the water temperature before entering the tub. Safety first.
Keep the area around your Softub clean and free of hazards. Stay attentive to your environment and equipment.

Why Softub Canada Is the Smart Choice for Canadian Families

Built specifically for Canada: engineered to handle extreme cold temperatures and all-season use.
Plug-and-play setup: no special wiring, no complex plumbing. Just plug into a standard outlet.
Lightweight and portable: the tub itself weighs as little as ~50 lbs when empty, making setup, relocation and winter storage possible.
Energy-efficient: patented heat-recovery systems mean lower running costs.
Trusted since 1990: decades of experience supporting Canadian homes and cottage retreats.

Conclusion

Following this straightforward guide will have your Softub set up, safe and ready for relaxation in no time. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day, enjoying time with family outdoors in a chilly climate, or just seeking wellness through hydrotherapy, the Softub gives you the flexibility, comfort and ease you deserve. With the right care and maintenance, it will serve your family for many seasons to come.

Ready to learn more?
Check out real Softub reviews and explore models to find the perfect fit for your home. Whether you want stress relief, better sleep, or a backyard retreat, Softub delivers the comfort, quality, and convenience that first-time buyers love.