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Hot Tub Repair – 6 Tips to Keep Your Hot Tub in Peak Condition

Discovering an issue with your hot tub is the last thing you want when all you’ve been looking forward to is your blissful evening soak all day.

Hot tub repairs come in many forms, and some have more subtle signs than others, which can be easy to miss if you’re not sure what to be looking for.

That’s where we come in.

Diagnosing the root cause of your hot tub doesn’t have to be hard, and we want you to have complete success as you navigate any issues with your spa.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common hot tub problems and the steps you can take to manage them, along with six easy tips for maintaining your spa like a pro.

Let’s get started.

In This Article:

  • Can a Hot Tub Be Repaired?
  • Common Hot Tub Issues and Their Fixes
  • Spa Maintenance Tips
  • Signs You Need a Professional

Can a Hot Tub Be Repaired?

This is a common question from current hot tub owners and those considering making the plunge to invest in their very first spa.

The good news is YES!

A hot tub can most certainly be repaired, and while there are repairs that should be done by a professional, there are also some you can do yourself!

Common Hot Tub Problems

Hot tubs, like anything else, can experience a number of issues over the years.

With a lifespan of up to 20 years, you’ll inevitably face a few hot tub repairs, especially considering many of your hot tub parts are in direct contact with water 24/7!

Knowing what signs to look for can save you a substantial amount of money over the years, helping you catch issues early before they expand to affect other parts of your spa.

Here are some of the most common issues and the basic steps you can take to make the hot tub repair yourself.

Cloudy, Foamy, or Odorous Water

Dirty water is something every hot tub owner will face at one time or another, and luckily, can be fairly simple to fix in just a few steps:

  1. Test your water
  2. Add any necessary treatment chemicals
  3. Clean your filters
  4. Change the water

The first step you’ll need to take is testing your water.

This will give you a clear starting point by highlighting any imbalances that may be responsible for your dirty water.

Using these results, treat your water with the necessary chemicals to bring everything back into range.

Your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8, while your alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm.

Your sanitizer levels will vary based on which sanitizer you use. Chlorine and bromine are the most common and should be kept within the following ranges:

Chlorine: 1-3 ppm

Bromine: 3-5 ppm

For foamy water, you can also include an oxidizing shock treatment. This will break down any of the oils in your water, allowing your sanitizer to work more effectively.

Your last step will be checking your filters and cleaning them off if necessary, either by rinsing them off under the faucet or treating heavy buildup by spraying them with a filter cleaner and allowing them to soak for 15 minutes before rinsing them.

If your water is still dirty, completely drain your spa, clean your shell, and refill it with fresh water.

Cold Water

If your hot tub water has suddenly cooled off, there are a couple of things that may be at fault:

  • Your heating element is damaged
  • Your filters are clogged

The first thing you’ll want to do is inspect your heating element.

This element is constantly surrounded by your hot tub water, which can cause damage if it’s not kept balanced, either resulting in corrosion or scale buildup.

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

If this is the case, you can either buy a new element and install it into your heater yourself or simply buy a new heater, which is likely the easier solution.

If your heating element looks like it’s in good condition, you’ll want to check your filters.

Clogged filters can impact your water circulation, reducing your heater’s ability to heat your water.

If your filters are dirty, rinse them off, as mentioned above, before putting them back into your hot tub.

If these steps don’t fix the issue, you’ll need to schedule a hot tub repair appointment.

Your Jet’s Aren’t Working

One of the best parts of a hot tub is the soothing pressure from the jets, but if they suddenly have little or no water pressure at all, a few things could be happening:

  1. Your filters are clogged
  2. You have an airlock
  3. You have a blockage in your system

Your first step will be checking your filters and cleaning them as recommended above.

If you’ve changed your water recently, you likely have an airlock. This is essentially a pocket of air in your system that’s blocking the flow of water.

You can fix this one of two ways.

First, you can slightly unscrew the fitting on your pump and listen for any air to begin escaping.

Once the water begins coming out of the opening, retighten the fitting.

Alternatively, you can try to push the air out of your system.

To do this, open your jets and, alternating between high and low pressure, turn your jets on and off in 10-second bursts until your jets begin working as necessary.

You’ll know if this is working if you begin seeing air bubbles coming out of your jets.

Your Pump is Making Strange Noises

Your pump is an essential part of your spa, ensuring your water is properly circulating each day.

If your pump has begun making unexpected noises, such as a low growling or a high-pitched squeaking sound, one of two things may be happening.

A low growling often means your pump isn’t getting enough water.

This can be caused by:

  • Low water levels
  • Clogged filters
  • Blockages in your circulation system

To fix this, top up your water to the right level, remove and clean your filters, and inspect your pump for any debris build-up.

A squealing sound, however, often means your bearings are struggling.

This can either be fixed by lubricating the bearings so that they’re better able to move again or, if that doesn’t work, by replacing the bearings altogether.

6 Spa Maintenance Tips to Help Reduce Future Hot Tub Repairs

While hot tub repairs will most certainly be needed at one time or another during your hot tub’s lifespan, there are steps you can take to drastically reduce the number of issues you experience.

1. Test Your Water

As mentioned above, your water chemistry will have a significant impact on your entire system.

We recommend testing your water at least three times a week to ensure it’s always balanced.

Not only will this reduce the risk of your water being left unbalanced for long periods of time, but it will also help you better track the fluctuations of your chemistry, which can signal any underlying issues.

2. Maintain Your Chemistry

Keeping your water chemistry balanced will protect your system by providing a healthy atmosphere.

This will ensure your water won’t become corrosive, eating away at various parts of your system, or become too hard, resulting in scale buildup leading to future blockages.

When treating your water, always use the right chemicals for your spa.

3. Change Your Water

Over time, your water will become saturated with your water treatment products, making it difficult to maintain.

Every three months, you’ll need to drain and clean your hot tub.

This will ensure you have a fresh tub of water once each season, keeping it healthier and your system in optimum condition.

4. Keep Your Filters Clean

As you can see from the list of common problems above, your filters can have a significant impact on your system, so keeping them clean is vital to the health of your water and hot tub parts.

Filters have a lifespan of twelve months, so you’ll need to take various steps throughout the year to keep them in their best condition, including:

  • A weekly rinse under the faucet
  • A monthly spray using a filter cleaner
  • A chemical soak every three months

5. Follow a Maintenance Routine

Your maintenance routine is essential and ultimately decides the fate of your hot tub.

Following a properly planned hot tub maintenance routine will help protect your spa through clean water and well-cared-for parts.

Every maintenance routine should include:

  • Filter care
  • Water testing and treatment
  • Water changes and deep cleans
  • Monthly inspections

When It’s Time to Call A Professional Hot Tub Repair Service

If your hot tub is still under warranty, you’ll want to call the professionals in for any issue that’s covered under it.

Not only will they know the best way to manage the problem, but they can ensure your warranty isn’t voided.

While the issues above are easy to handle on your own, if you discover any of these signs, it’s likely you have a much more significant problem that needs to be addressed by a professional right away.

  • You’ve discovered a leak, damp insulation, or unexpected puddles around your cabinet
  • Your water levels are dropping faster than expected
  • You’re struggling to keep your water balanced or clean
  • Your water is still dirty even after you’ve done a water change

Hot Tubs For Sale in Delaware

Delaware Hot Tub Company in Millsboro is your go-to hot tub dealership and spa supply store.

Our team of experts can easily help you find your dream hot tub and prepare you for expert spa care with the right products.

Contact us or visit us in-store to discover your perfect hot tub!

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