Troubleshooting hot tub maintenance can be a little overwhelming if you’re not informed. But we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the more common hot tub problems and their solutions.

Hot Tub Water Chemistry

This is the most common hot tub “problem” for most, because the idea of water chemistry and maintenance can be overwhelming for those that have never done it before. But the solution is fairly simple and begins with purchasing and using a water testing kit a few times a week and following instructions for obtaining optimal results through the use of your sanitizers and shocks when necessary. If you need assistance, just call the experts — we can certainly guide you to crystal clear water!

Clogged Hot Tub Filters

Body oils, sunscreen and other residues in the water can result in grease build-up and possibly even blockage of your filter. In addition to regular water chemistry maintenance, you should clean your filter at least every 4-6 months to help prevent filter clogging. Consult the care instructions that come with your filter, but in most cases, you simply remove it from the hot tub and spray it down with the house to loosen debris build up. However, annual replacement of your filter is also recommended for optimal performance.

Tripped Breaker

Because ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and residual current devices (RCD) are often put on low settings to prevent electrical problems, a hot tub — which requires constant power of some kind — can cause the breaker to trip. In addition to finding the breaker box and resetting the breaker, you may want to make sure that your outlet can handle the wattage of electricity your hot tub requires, so you may need an electrician to check it out if the breaker trips frequently.

Hot Tub Heater Failure

If your hot tub is perpetually failing to hit the desired temperature, then you could have problems with your heater. This is often due to heating element corrosion, caused by low pH (below 7.0) balance of the water for a long period of time (again we’re back to the importance of water chemistry!). Check the filter and thermostat for damage too.

Leaky Seals in Your Hot Tub

If you’ve got this water chemistry thing down, but still can’t seem to get the water to balance out right, then leaky seals could be to blame. Replacing o-rings, pump seals and caring for your water filter can prevent leakage. And remember that leakage around the hot tub equipment may cause an electrical short, so be careful!

Malfunctioning Hot Tub Pump

Do you hear a humming noise, or even a clanking? Worn bearings, seals and leaks from your pump are likely the cause. If your pump malfunctions, it’s difficult to repair — you’ll likely need a new one. That’s why regular maintenance of your hot tub is so important, including at least annual checks by a professional.

Weak Hot Tub Jets

If you feel like you’re not getting the power from your jets that your hot tub once had, then you might have build up in the lines or silicone corrosion caused by — you guessed it — poor water chemistry. Also, winterizing your hot tub correctly — including fully draining the hot tub and cleaning the jet lines — can help prevent this. If you use your hot tub all year long, then you need to do a full drain and clean out at least every six months to keep it functioning properly (since it doesn’t get a break).

Poor Water Circulation

Failing to run your pumps long enough can result in poor water circulation. And you want that water circulating well so that the hot tub stays clean (running the water through the filter, etc.). As a general rule, for every 10 degrees of your water, you need to run your pump for one hour each day (i.e. if it’s 90 degrees, then your pump needs to run for 9 hours each day).

Circuit Board Corruption

This is not a problem you want to have because repair can be expensive. Warning signs include problems programming your hot tub, as well as burns, cracks or melting near components (from overheating), which is also a fire hazard. As you may have guessed, routine hot tub maintenance is the way to avoid this cumbersome problem.

Of course, if your troubleshooting efforts have not made an effective difference in the function of your hot tub, it may be time to call the experts. Aurora Pool, Spa and Billiard is proud of our service department and would be glad to help you get your hot tub back in tip-top shape so you can enjoy it more!