Hot tubs are a fantastic addition to any home, offering a personal retreat of tranquility right outside your back door.

However, they come with their unique set of maintenance needs that can’t be ignored, and this includes the occasional hot tub repair when issues arise.

Although some issues are complex and require a trained professional to come in and repair them, there are others that are more common and can easily be managed on your own with a little knowledge.

In this article, we’re going to provide that knowledge for you, giving you what you need to tackle the most common hot tub issues and know when it’s time to yield to the professionals.

Let’s get started!

Understanding Your Hot Tub – 5 Basic Parts

Before diving headfirst into the realm of hot tub repair, it’s crucial to understand your hot tub’s basic components and their functions.

1. The Pump

The pump in your hot tub circulates water throughout the system, keeping the water moving and aiding in both filtration and heating.

Without the pump, the water in your hot tub would quickly become stagnant and uninviting.

Luckily, your pump won’t experience too many issues, but your water levels and its chemistry play a vital role in its health.

2. The Heater

This component plays the critical role of maintaining your preferred water temperature, ensuring your hot tub is always ready for you to step into and relax.

Heating elements are durable and shouldn’t often be the cause of issues occurring, especially in the early years of owning your hot tub.

However, you’ll quickly know when your heater is crying out for help when you open your cover and discover chilled water!

3. The Filter

Arguably one of the most vital parts of any hot tub, the filter works diligently to keep your water clean, catching and holding onto debris and impurities.

If not properly cleaned and cared for, your filter can cause various problems for your hot tub.

Anytime an issue occurs, whether it’s dirty water, or poorly working jets, checking your filter should be one of the first steps you take in diagnosing the issue.

4. Jets

These create the soothing, massaging action that hot tubs are renowned for, providing a spa-like experience at home.

While your jets won’t experience issues often, they can suffer from a reduced water flow, usually stemming from clogged filters or an airlock.

5. Control System

This component allows you to adjust settings such as temperature and jet intensity, tailoring your hot tub experience to your liking.

Your hot tub control system will communicate essential information to you regarding your hot tub through various codes.

If you’re not seeing codes, you’re in the clear. When they do show up, it’s important to check your user manual to decipher what they mean and find out the next steps.

Common Hot Tub Problems and Symptoms

No matter how well you care for your hot tub, there’s likely going to come a time when problems occur.

Most commonly, you’ll discover issues with your water that are a clear warning sign that either your water or your spa’s systems require support.

Some common hot tub problems you may experience include:

  • Cloudy, foamy, or dirty water
  • Weak jets
  • Cold water
  • A loud pump
  • Control panel errors

Recognizing these symptoms early on can make the process of hot tub repair far easier and can help prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant, potentially more expensive problems.

Hot Tub Repair - Common Issues

5 Common Hot Tub Repairs

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your hot tub, there are various steps you can take to diagnose the underlying issue and perform the hot tub repair yourself.

1. Water Clarity Issues

Your water is often one of the first places warning signs will occur.

If you’ve discovered murky, foamy, or dirty water, there are two steps that can resolve the issue:

  • Clean and inspect your filters
  • Test and treat your water

These are usually the culprits when your water is dirty.

If you’ve done both of these steps and your water still fails to clear up, drain and clean your spa completely before refilling it with fresh water.

2. Weak Jets

If you’ve noticed your jets or waterfall have a weak flow, there could be a few causes:

  • Clogged filters
  • An airlock
  • Debris buildup in or around your jets, such as mineral deposits

First and foremost, check your filters and thoroughly clean them. If necessary, use a filter cleaner to provide a deeper clean.

If you’ve recently drained and refilled your hot tub, you may have an airlock in your lines preventing the water from properly flowing.

To fix an airlock, you can attempt to flush out the air by fully opening your jets and turning them on and off in 15-second bursts until you see air bubbles forming.

Once you see air bubbles, leave them on until the flow has fully returned.

If it’s not an airlock or dirty filter, your last option is to drain your spa and inspect your jets for any debris and flush the lines with a cleaner to break up any buildup that may be inside.

3. Cold Water

Cold water can be caused by one of two things:

  • Clogged filters
  • A damaged heating element

First, you’ll want to check your filters, cleaning them if necessary.

Then, you’ll need to inspect your heating element for any corrosion or scale buildup.

If your heating element is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

4. A Noisy Pump

If your pump has begun making loud noises, it may be because your bearings are damaged or it’s not getting enough water.

If it’s making a deep growling sound, it doesn’t have enough water, in which case you’d want to check your water levels and top them up.

However, if your pump is making a high-pitched squeaking sound, it’s likely that your bearings need to be lubricated or replaced.

5. Control Panel Errors

Your control panel is one of the best ways your hot tub has to communicate issues to you.

If you’ve discovered your control panel displaying an error code, look it up in your owner’s manual and follow the directions listed.

Some error codes will provide potential solutions, while others require the immediate assistance of a trained hot tub professional to manage.

Follow the next steps provided in your owner’s manual closely.

If you’re unable to discover the root cause of the issue or are struggling to fix it, your best course of action is to schedule a professional hot tub repair.

How to Reduce Hot Tub Repairs

With a few simple steps, you can easily reduce the risk of hot tub repairs being needed in the future, saving you both time and money.

Following a thorough hot tub maintenance routine is vital in minimizing issues and keeping your hot tub in optimum condition.

Some steps you’ll want to include are:

These steps can help ensure your water is crystal clear and reduce any damage it may cause to your system over the years.

Your water chemistry plays an especially important role in the long-term health of your spa parts and should not be left poorly treated and imbalanced.

Hot Tub Repair in Granite Bay and Roseville

While hot tub repair may seem daunting, understanding your hot tub and taking proactive steps can save you both time and money.

With patience, the right knowledge, and a little DIY spirit, you can keep your hot tub running at its best, providing you with relaxation and enjoyment for many years to come.

Make hot tub repair effortless by scheduling a service appointment with the experts at All Seasons Pools & Spas!

With five convenient locations in Roseville, Granite Bay, Shingle Springs, Grass Valley, and North Auburn, our technicians are right around the corner.

Contact your local team, or request a service appointment online to get started.