Owning a hot tub or spa provides a relaxing escape, but like any equipment, issues can arise. Understanding the most common problems and their solutions helps you maintain your hot tub in optimal condition while avoiding costly repairs.
Fortunately, there are ways you can resolve these issues easily without seeking professional help. Most of the time, you only need to to find spa replacement parts from your pool store to fix your spa problems.
Here are the five most frequent issues hot tub owners face, along with practical troubleshooting steps and maintenance tips.
Hot Tub Won’t Heat
A common frustration for hot tub owners is the inability to heat the water properly. Two primary causes include a faulty heater element or low flow from the pump. Here are the most common solutions for this:
- Check the Heater Element
If the heater element is damaged or malfunctioning, it will need to be replaced.
- Inspect the Pump for Flow Issues
Low flow could be caused by a clogged filter, airlock, or pump malfunction. Cleaning or replacing the filter may restore proper flow.
If you’re unsure about performing these tasks, hiring a professional is recommended to ensure safe and effective repairs.
Jets Are Not Working
Jets provide the therapeutic benefits of a hot tub, and their failure can detract from the experience. This issue often results from closed jets or an airlock after refilling the hot tub. Try the following possible solutions:
- Open the Jets
Many hot tubs have adjustable jets that can be opened or closed by turning them. Ensure all jets are fully open.
- Remove an Airlock
If an airlock occurs after refilling, release it by loosening the unions on the pump to allow trapped air to escape. Be cautious and consult a guide or professional if needed.
The Pump is Making Loud Noises
Unusual or loud noises from the pump often indicate failing motor bearings or a motor nearing the end of its lifespan. You can repair or replace the pump. While motor bearings can be repaired, it is often more cost-effective to replace the entire pump with the appropriate spa replacement parts. Newer pumps are more efficient and come with warranties, ensuring long-term reliability.
GFCI Breaker Keeps Tripping
A tripping GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker is a safety mechanism designed to prevent electrical hazards, but frequent trips indicate an underlying problem. Possible causes include a malfunctioning heater element, ozonator, pump, or air blower.
- Identify the Faulty Component
Ensure the breaker is off, then unplug all connected components. Plug in one component at a time and flip the breaker to see if it trips. Then replace the component causing the trip, such as the heater element or pump.
- Hire a Professional
Since water and electricity are involved, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when diagnosing or fixing electrical issues.
- Check the Water Chemistry and Maintenance
Many hot tub problems stem from poor water chemistry or inadequate filter maintenance. Proper water care not only prevents issues but also extends the lifespan of your hot tub.
Foam on The Water’s Surface
Some of the most common issues for hot tubs or spas is the water quality. Sometimes you might find foamy water flowing into your tub. This is often caused by organic matter saturating your water. Often the foam is from soap, hair products, makeup, lotion, and perfumes.
You can resolve this when you use an oxidizing shock treatment for your hot tub. Oxidization breaks up organic matter, and makes it easier to use a sanitizer to clean the water and make it crystal clear once more.
Cloudy Water
If your hot tub has cloudy water, it means there has been a build-up of bacteria and that the pH balance of the water is off. You need to use a water test kit first to know what is making the water’s pH balance off.
The test kit will show whether it’s the alkalinity or the pH that is off. Then use a pH increaser or decreaser based on the results. Often cloudy water indicates low sanitizer levels. Always check sanitizer levels when you use your hot tub often. Often the solution is as easy as testing the water and adding chlorine to your spa.
The Water Smells Foul
When your spa emits a nasty odor, it is often an indicator that the sanitizer levels are too low and you need to add more. However, if the smell is similar to too much chlorine in a public pool, it is an indication of too much chlorine.
This can happen if you cover your hot tub soon after a water treatment. Treated water releases gas, and covering your spa too soon traps the gas the sanitizer emits and increases the sanitizer levels. It’s best to leave the hot tub uncovered for 20 minutes after a water treatment.
But if you have foul smelling water, you need to test your water first and do the appropriate water treatment. If you have a very high sanitizer level, you can drain the tub, refill it, and then add a neutralizer. The chlorine levels will go down after a few days.
Your Hot Tub Water is Cold
When your hot tub’s water is cold and does not heat properly, it could be a sign that the filters are dirty, the heating element is corroded, or there is an airlock issue. You need to check the filters and clean them. Spray them with a filter cleaner and soak them in the solution for 15 minutes before rinsing them. This could also help resolve an airlock issue.
Check the water flow as well; turn on the jets and see if they are properly working. Lastly, check the heating element. This is always exposed to water, and it can corrode especially if the water is not properly balanced. Replace it when corrosion has damaged this part.
Find Spa Replacement Parts at Best Buy Pool Supply
While common hot tub issues can be frustrating, most problems are solvable with basic troubleshooting and maintenance. Find the appropriate spa replacement parts at Best Buy Pool Supply, so you can enjoy a trouble-free hot tub experience for years to come.