7 Common Hot Tub Problems & Their Solutions

Like most things around the home, you might run into occasional hot tub problems which require repairs and maintenance. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot these issues to make sure your hot continues running properly so you can enjoy it all year round.

Common Hot Tub Problems

Here are seven of the top hot tub problems that people encounter and their solutions.

1) Water Chemistry

The most important and most common hot tub problem tends to be maintaining proper water chemistry. Luckily, this is one of the easiest issues to fix! Maintaining healthy water is crucial to preventing damage to your hot tub and filters. Test and treat your hot tub water often and make sure to keep your hot tub clean and sanitized.

2) Heater Malfunction

Your heater may have malfunctioned if your water i isn’t heating up. In many instances, it is due to a damaged or faulty thermostat. Or, the thermostat may have been turned down accidentally. First, check to make sure your thermostat is at the proper temperature, and the water still does not heat, contact your hot tub professional to repair or replace the thermostat.

3) Leaks & Seals

Leaky seals can happen over time, but especially if the water chemistry is off. If your PH balance is off, it can corrode silicone seals and jet lines. Make sure to replace old o-rings, pump seals to ensure your filter stays clean. Also, don’t forget to clean each jet line and drain the hot tub when you winterize (or summarize) your hot tub each year.

4) Jets Don’t Flow

It might surprise you, but sometimes jets don’t flow and have poor circulation because they aren’t being run long enough. A good rule is to let your hot tub and pumps run one hour for every ten degrees of temperature. Make sure to wipe down your hot tub walls to remove grime that can clog lines with biofilm and check filters for blocked lines.

5) Error Codes

There is nothing more frustrating than receiving an error code when you are ready to relax in your hot tub! Here are what the top five error codes mean so you can determine your next phase of action:

• FLO or FLC = Improper flow or pressure switch malfunction: Check the voltage going to your pump. If it is receiving proper voltage but the pump still doesn’t run, you might need to replace the pump.
• OH = Overheat: The spa temperature is over 108°F or the temperature sensor has malfunctioned. The sensor may need replacing.
• DR or DRY = Inadequate water flow in heater: It may be that your hot tub is underfilled. However, there are many possible reasons this code appears and it is best to contact a hot tub professional for assistance.
• COOL = Water is more than 20°F cooler than the temperature you have set. Wait a little longer until the hot tub has fully heated.
• SnA or SnB = This code means that either sensor A or sensor B is having issues connecting to the circuit board. Check the connection to the sensors. If this does not remedy the situation, it might be the breaker board that is having the issue.

6) Tripped Breakers

The GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protects your hot tub from an event of an electrical fault and prevents electrocution. This usually occurs when the device detects electrical current flowing on an unsafe path. These sensors are incredibly sensitive and can also be a sign that there is water in your Ozonator. Contact a professional spa service company and have them assess the situation.

7) Clogged Filters

With proper preventative maintenance, you can prevent clogged filters and keep the water in your spa healthy. Body oils and residues build up over time and can cause a blockage. Make sure to use a recommended degreasing agent to prevent this issue. Once a filter is dirty, its contaminants cannot be removed and continue to build up, causing your water chemicals to be unbalanced. Create and stick to a filter replacing schedule to keep your hot tub water healthy.

Routine Checkups to Prevent Hot Tub Problems

With routine checkups and proper maintenance, most of these issues can be avoided and will save you money on costly repairs. Make sure to keep proper PH balance and use a fitted hot tub cover to keep pests out and keep your hot tub clean and healthy!

To learn more about common hot tub problems and their solutions, Contact Us.