This was written by my good friend Kaisa Williams from The Spa Depot, an online hot tub supply retailer. Through her experience and expertise, she compiled a list of common problems you might run into when taking care of your hot tub, and gives solutions on how to solve them. Hope you find this post helpful, and if you have any additional questions, be sure to ask in the comments below. From hot tub leaks to control pad error codes, trouble-shooting your own hot tub problems can seem like a daunting task. It’s important to know when it’s necessary to call on a licensed repair-man, or when you can make a simple repair and save yourself a bundle. Here is a list of some common hot tub issues and solutions. Sometimes a heating problem is as simple as replacing a heater element, however sometimes the problem can be caused by another component. The pump has to be running for your spa to heat, so if the pump does not come on the problem may be with pump itself. Testing the components with a multi-meter, or hiring a repair-man is the most efficient way to diagnose the cause of the problem.
“My hot tub is running, but there’s nothing coming through the jets. This is a common question and the answer is usually as simple as twisting the face of the jet to allow water flow. Most hot tubs come with adjustable jets that can be turned down for less water flow, or closed completely. If you recently refilled the spa, the problem could be an air lock. To remove an air lock, loosen either fitting on the pump to allow the air in the pipe to escape – water should flow for about 5-10 seconds before retightening. Modern hot tubs with electronic controls feature spa-side keypads with digital readouts. Hot tubs with these readouts will display an error code when something is wrong or malfunctioning. Wondering what your spa is trying to tell you? Flo or FLC = Improper flow or pressure switch malfunction. Solution: If there is no water flow, check the voltage going to the pump. If the pump is getting proper voltage and not running, replace the pump. There are a number of other possible causes to this problem.
Professional help is normally required if replacing the pump does not remedy the problem. OH = Over heat. The spa is at a temperature above 108° F. Do not use spa when temperature is flashing or the OH message is displayed. Solution: If the temperature of the water is actually 108° or hotter, the temp sensor should be replaced. If the water is cool, the high limit sensor is bad and needs to be replaced. Dr/Dry = Inadequate water flow detected in the heater. Solution: If hot tub is under-filled, add water to the normal fill line. Similar to the Flo error, there are a number of other possible causes to this problem. Professional help is required if filling the tub does not solve the problem. COOL = Spa water is more than 20° F cooler than the temperature set point. Solution: Place cover on hot tub and allow it to heat up. SnA or SnB = This means that sensor A or sensor B is bad or has a poor connection to the circuit board. Solution: Check the connection or replace the sensor.
If that does not work, the problem is in the circuit board itself.Get a comprehensive list of hot tub error codes and what they mean. If your pump is louder than it used to be, the bearings in the motor are going out and soon the motor will seize. Most often this will be caused by a leaking shaft seal, or it could happen from old age. Sometimes motors with bad bearings can last for months; however the loud noise will only get louder. Tip: Parts and labor from motor shops can be very close to the cost of a brand new pump with a warranty, so do yourself a favor and replace the pump instead of having it repaired. If your GFCI is tripping, it could be due to a bad heater element, pump, blower or ozonator. To determine which component is causing the problem, unplug the components one at a time and turn the breaker on. If the breaker does not trip after unplugging the pump, ozonator or blow, you’ve found the problem and you can now replace that component. If you’ve unplugged all three components and the breaker still trips, it’s likely the heater element.
Hiring a technician or replacing the heater is the next best course of action. Need additional help or have a hot tub issue that isn’t mentioned here? Tell us by commenting below! There is nothing more annoying than turning on your hot tub after you spent a great deal of time cleaning it and refilling it with fresh water than an air lock. Unfortunately, this type of problem is quite common when you change the water on a hot tub, so knowing how to fix it is very important for every hot tub owner. Luckily, there are different ways you can quickly fix an air lock in a hot tub so you can get back to enjoying your spa in no time flat. Today, let’s take a look at a couple of fixes that will clear that air problem in just a few short minutes. Before you can begin to fix an air lock, you need to understand what it is. In most cases, an air lock occurs when you drain your hot tub, clean it and then refill it. During that time that your hot tub sits without water, air can become trapped inside your hot tub.
This air can prevent your hot tub jets from functioning and even damage your hot tub if you don’t repair it. When an air lock happens, you will quickly notice the problem. You will turn on the jets and hear the motors running but you will see that no water is flowing through them as it should. That is because there is air trapped inside the plumbing preventing the water from flowing normally. An air lock can vary in its severity based on the amount of air that has become trapped inside your hot tub. However, there are different methods you can try to fix this air lock yourself so you don’t have to call in outside help. Ahh-Some Hot Tub/Jetted Bath Plumbing & Jet Cleaner (2 oz) Aside from my silly puns, an air lock on a hot tub is serious business, and it is something that you need to look after right away. Luckily, in most cases, fixing an air lock in a hot tub isn’t too difficult and can also be fixed rather quickly. Let’s take a look at some quick fixes to get rid of that extra air trapped in your hot tub.
This first little trick is the easiest to do, and it can be done by anyone regardless of their technical experience. This is by far the easiest way to get rid of that extra air in your hot tub, but unfortunately it won’t always work. If after three times you don’t see air coming from the jets STOP the burping procedure immediately. Leisure Time A Spa Bright and Clear, Quart Sometimes, the only way to get rid of that extra air is to purge it directly from the pump itself. While this procedure may seem a little too complicated, it is actually a rather easy process that almost anyone can do with just a few simple tools. Before you begin gather up the following tools: Once you have gathered the tools that you will need, it is time to get started. In most cases, this will take care of your air problem once and for all so you can get back to enjoying your hot tub the way it was meant to be. If all else fails, don’t be afraid or ashamed to call in a hot tub specialist.
While I believe that you can do the repair yourself and I’m betting you will get great satisfaction by becoming Mr. or Ms. Fixit, if you aren’t comfortable doing it then you definitely should call in the big guns. Let’s face it, sometimes we all need a little help. So if you don’t feel like you can take care of your air problem alone, by all means call your local repair professional to take care of it for you. How to Drain and Clean a Hot Tub You should drain and clean your hot tub every 3 - 4 months. I'll teach you how to drain and clean a hot tub properly with just a few steps. Click here to learn more » There is nothing more frustrating than an air lock on your hot tub right after you just finished a water change. After all, chances are you are trying to get it ready to go so you and your family can enjoy those warm, bubbling waters again. Luckily, by following the steps above, you should be able to clear it in no time so you can get back to those nice, hot soaks in no time.