Hot Tub Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes for Common Problems

It's been a long day, and you've been looking forward to sliding into your hot tub for a relaxing soak. You remove the cover, fire up your spa, and get ready to unwind. But wait a minute, the water is still cold and there's no pressure coming from the jets. What's going on?

Hot tub ownership can be highly rewarding, but it also comes with occasional problems that you'll need to troubleshoot. Whether your hot tub won't heat up or your jets aren't working, every hot tub owner experiences issues with their spa every once in a while. 

But don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's take a look at some of the most common issues with hot tubs and some simple solutions to fix them.

1. Hot Tub Won’t Heat Up

There’s nothing more disappointing than jumping into your hot tub only to find out that the water is cold. After all, the whole point of a hot tub is that it's supposed to be hot! 

If your hot tub won’t heat up, here are some common reasons:

• Thermostat setting - The temperature on your thermostat might be set too low. Check if the temperature is turned up high enough to heat up the water.
• Dirty filter - A dirty filter can cause low water pressure, which in turn affects the heating system. Ensure you clean the filter regularly to allow water to pass through without issues.
• Faulty heater - The heater could be damaged or malfunctioning. If this is the case, it might need to be replaced or repaired by a professional.
• No power - Sometimes, basic troubleshooting can fix the most frustrating issues. Be sure to check if your hot tub is properly plugged in and the circuit breaker isn't tripped.

If you’ve gone through this list and still can’t get your hot tub to heat up, it's best to call a professional to avoid causing more damage.

2. Jets Aren't Working

One of the best things about owning a hot tub is relaxing with the soothing jets. Water jets help to relieve stiffness and sore spots, and if you're in need of some hydrotherapy, malfunctioning jets can be very frustrating to deal with.

If your hot tub jets aren't working, there could be a few reasons why:

• Clogged jets - Dirt, debris, or algae can accumulate in the jets, causing blockages that prevent them from working. Use a jet cleaner and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions regularly.
• Pump issues - If the pump isn't working correctly, the jets won't either. A professional can check the pump to ensure it's functioning properly.
• Airlock - If you opened the lid and forgot to re-engage the pump, it could create an airlock which results in reduced water flow that prevents the jets from working. Check the lid and ensure the pump is working correctly.
• Low water level - If the water level isn't sufficient, it can cause the jets to stop working. Make sure to fill your hot tub with water to the required level.

To avoid future issues with your jets, be sure to perform regular maintenance checks on your hot tub.

3. Control Panel Displays an Error Code

Seeing an error code displayed on your hot tub control panel can be distressing. Not only are these error codes confusing to understand, but they also might not even tell you the cause of the problem. If your control panel displays an error code, don't panic – it's a common issue. 

Here are some error codes you might encounter and what they signal:

• Error code FL - This code means a low flow condition that could be caused by restrictions, dirty filters, blocked heating systems, or closed valves.
• Error code FL-1- If the flow switch is not working, your hot tub will display this code which means there’s an issue in the filter compartment.
• Error code OH - This code indicates an overheating issue If the water temperature is above the required limit.
• Error code SN - This code means the temperature sensor is not working, and you might need to replace it.

4. Hot Tub Pump is Too Loud

If your hot tub pump is making strange noises, then it's likely there's an issue that needs to be addressed. 

Here are some of the probable causes and what to do:

• Cavitation - When there's air in the pump, it causes a vibration which leads to a noisy pump. To fix this problem, remove the air screw present in the pump and refill it with water.
• Faulty bearings - Worn bearings or motor issues can cause loud noises to occur during pump use. A professional will be required to replace the bearings and fix any other motor issues.
• Hot Tub Pump is Squealing - If your hot tub pump is making a loud metallic whining noise, it's usually because of a belt issue or bad bearings. Belts can wear out or slip, which causes squealing sounds when the pump is on. Check the belts to see if they need replacing or adjusting, and lubricate the bearings if needed.

5. Hot Tub Has Weak or Low Water Flow

If you notice that the water flow in your hot tub is low or weak, there could be numerous reasons for this problem.

It's best to check your hot tub for the following possibilities:

• Clogged filter - Dirt and debris can clog up your hot tub filter, which slows down the water flow. Clean and replace the filter regularly to maintain water flow and pressure.
• Dirty water lines - If you haven't used the hot tub in a while, or it's being used regularly, gunk and grime can accumulate on the walls of the pipes, slowing water flow. A good cleaning, using the correct and safe hot tub cleaning supplies, can resolve this issue.
• Blockage of water intake - Other debris or objects in the water might block the water intake, which can cause low water flow. Ensure the water is free from debris and all vents are functioning properly.

If you need assistance troubleshooting problems with your hot tub, Watson’s has everything you need. Our knowledgeable pool and spa experts can guide you to the right parts and equipment you need to get your hot tub running at its best.

Also check our Hot Tubs Guide 

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