As a hot tub owner, it’s best to keep an eye out for potential problems so that you can rectify them before they become much bigger (and more expensive) issues. To make your life easier, we’ve compiled this hot tub troubleshooting guide – here’s our list of the most common hot tub problems and how to solve them.
Hot tub not heating up
As a general rule of thumb, heating up your hot tub should take approximately 30 minutes per degree. If your hot tub isn’t getting warm, there may be an underlying problem.
Worst case scenario: your heating element is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it’s likely to be a much simpler fix. Before you pay for any repairs, check for the following issues:
- blockages in the circulation system
- dirty/clogged filters
- your heater needs resetting
- an airlock in the lines
Here are our top tips for faster heating:
- Make sure the air bubbles are turned off
- Make sure the waterfall and any other water features are off
- Keep your hot tub cover on
Broken/leaking water jets
A hot tub session just isn’t the same if your jets aren’t working properly. Those powerful water jets - and the invigorating spa experience they provide - are among the biggest selling points of a hot tub.
There are a number of reasons why your jets may be leaking or broken. The first thing to do is check the water’s pH level. If the pH of the water is outside the recommended range, it has the potential to corrode hot tub jets - just one reason why a strict maintenance routine is so important.
When choosing which chemicals to use in your hot tub, we suggest avoiding chlorine tablets as these contain Trichlor, which decreases the pH and can be corrosive to the pumps, jets, heater and shell.
Here’s another useful tip to help you protect your jets: if you tend to stop using your hot tub during the winter, make sure you clean each jet line and fully drain the hot tub before closing it for the season.
Other possible causes of faulty jets include:
- Debris, such as a build-up of dirt or calcium
- Blockages in the plumbing
- Air lock in the jet lines
If this is the case, you can simply clean any debris or remove any blockages. In the instance of an air lock in the jet lines, you can turn the jets on and off to force out any air.
Broken jets are a pain, but fortunately they are replaceable! Shop replacement hot tub jets here.
Control panel errors
We all dread seeing an error code pop up on any electronic device - they’re often confusing and indicate a possibly costly fix. If your hot tub control panel is showing an error code that you don’t recognise, the best thing to do is to consult the manual.
To make things easier for you, here are the most common hot tub error codes and what they mean:
- FLO – pressure or water flow issue
- OH – risk of your hot tub overheating due to high water temperature
- DRY – inadequate flow of water to the heater
- COOL – water temperature below the recommended level
- SNA or SNB – issue with one of the sensors (A or B)
That said, we always recommend checking your manufacturer’s manual as different models may utilise slightly different error codes.
Noisy pump
Hot tubs are supposed to be relaxing, so a noisy pump can ruin the whole spa experience. How then to deal with a loud hot tub pump?
The most common noises associated with a noisy hot tub pump are deep growling and high-pitched squealing.
If your hot tub sounds like it’s growling at you, it’s likely there’s a blockage in your circulation system that is preventing water from making its way to the pump. You should also ensure all valves that lead to the pump are open.
If your hot tub sounds like it’s squealing, it might be time to replace the circulation pump. More often than not, a high-pitched sound coming from your hot tub is a sign of an issue with the bearings, which will only get worse with time. As a temporary fix you could try lubricating the bearings, but ultimately, replacing the circulation pump is the only way to properly stop the noise.
Water flow issues
A weak or low water flow means the water in your hot tub is struggling to move, leaving you with a very luxurious but very boring outdoor bath!
If this has happened to you, here are the main causes of water flow issues:
Problems with the filter
If your filter is dirty or damaged, it can stop water from flowing properly. Check your filter for any signs of wear and tear and act accordingly. It’s always a good idea to keep on top of cleaning the filter and replacing it when necessary.
For more information, see How Do Hot Tub Filters Work?
Water level is too low
If your hot tub’s water level is too low, it won’t be able to flow properly. This one is a simple fix: simply add more water to your hot tub. Try running it again and the flow should return to normal.
Broken pump
The water can’t flow without a pump! If you’ve checked and your pump is turned on and receiving power but it still isn’t working, there’s a high chance it may need repairing or even replacing.
Tips for a well-maintained hot tub
The best way to prevent issues with your hot tub is to properly maintain it. Weekly shocking and maintenance will help keep your hot tub working perfectly. For more guidance on how to keep your hot tub clean and in good working order, head over to our Hot Tub Maintenance page at the link below.
Hot Tub Maintenance
If you’re having issues with your hot tub and don’t feel comfortable taking action yourself, it’s always a good idea to get an expert involved. Hot tubs are a big investment, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you’ve purchased a hot tub from Premier Hot Tubs and you’re having issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch - we’re always happy to help.
Hot Tub Support
