Who to Call to Troubleshoot and Fix Your Hot Tub
It’s a good idea to find a hot tub repair technician who specializes in your brand
Let’s be real: hot tubs are a lot of fun, but eventually, they will need repairs. Maybe the jets stop working, or the tub won’t heat up. Breakdowns are a part of hot tub ownership, and when they happen, you will need to bring in a pro to solve the problem. This guide will show who to call to fix a hot tub—and what to look for in your ideal contractor.
Benefits of Hiring a Repair Technician to Fix Your Hot Tub
Believe it or not, every hot tub has its nuances. They’re not standardized, making it difficult to troubleshoot or repair issues. Someone who works on different types of pools may not be qualified to work on your hot tub, so you should hire a hot tub repair technician.
Hot tub repair technicians often have a certification or license proving their qualifications. For example, they may have a pool and spa service license or certification from trade organizations like the International Hot Tub Association—but that’s just one layer of expertise. You should also search for a repair technician who works specifically with your hot tub brand.
Here are some benefits to hiring a hot tub repair tech:
Safety: Hot tubs have a lot of electrical components that come into contact with water, which makes DIY repairs especially dangerous. A hot tub repair technician is trained to work in this environment and will ensure your hot tub adheres to local electrical codes.
Quality: Unqualified contractors may make unnecessary or shoddy repairs, leading to additional repairs and expenses. This is particularly true if they aren’t familiar with your brand of hot tub.
Troubleshooting: A hot tub repair technician knows how to troubleshoot common hot tub problems—especially among specialty brands. They’ll be able to get to the bottom of what’s wrong and fix it ASAP.
Warranty: Some hot tubs come with a warranty, but you could void that warranty by making DIY repairs instead of hiring a qualified technician.
Value: Hot tub repairs cost about $175 to $550 for the average homeowner. A hot tub repair service will know when repairs are worth it and when it’s more cost-effective to get a replacement.
Can I DIY Hot Tub Repair?
Most homeowners DIY hot tub maintenance, but it’s limited to basic things like cleaning your hot tub, adding the right sanitizing chemicals, and raising or lowering the pH of the water. However, you should never try to DIY your hot tub repairs.
Hot tubs cost an average of $6,000—and most homeowners want to protect their investment. From the spa panel to the jets to the heating, many components and different things can go wrong. It takes specific knowledge to find the issue and repair the individual parts successfully.
On top of that, if you don’t know what you’re doing, DIY electrical repairs are dangerous, especially on components that come into contact with water. It’s best to hire a hot tub repair service near you for safety and a job well done.
Can I Call My Hot Tub Dealer to Fix My Hot Tub?
If your hot tub breaks down, you may want to call your dealer before searching for an independent repair service. Many reputable hot tub dealers work with factory-certified technicians who understand the nuances of the hot tubs they sell, along with your warranty.
This is an excellent option if you don’t have a popular model since finding an independent hot tub repair service specializing in certain brands can be challenging.
Can I Hire a Plumber to Fix My Hot Tub?
While plumbers can fix some hot tub issues, they aren't the best option for general repairs. Plumbing is just one aspect of how a hot tub works, and most plumbers don’t specialize in hot tubs. The repairs you need may be out of their scope.
For example, a plumber may be able to repair leaks. Some—but not all—can replace a hot tub heater. You might be out of luck if you need to troubleshoot power loss or control shutdowns.
Can I Hire an Electrician to Repair My Hot Tub?
Like plumbing, electricity is just one aspect of a hot tub. A licensed pool electrician is a great person to call if you have an electrical issue—but you have to be sure it’s really an electrical issue.
Certain problems can have multiple potential causes. For example, if your jets don’t work, it could be a power issue or a problem with the plumbing. An electrician won’t be able to work on plumbing, so you may just want to hire someone who can make every type of repair.
How a Hot Tub Repair Service Will Fix Your Hot Tub
The repair depends on the problem causing chaos for your hot tub. The main thing hot tub repair services can do is effectively troubleshoot the issue. Some of the most common problems involve:
Low water flow
Heating issues
Faulty jets
Cloudy water
Control panel failure
If it’s a water issue, your technician will check for clogged filters, blocked water lines, a malfunctioning pump, and poorly balanced water chemistry. If it’s a heater problem, they’ll test the heater. If it’s a jet issue, they’ll check the airlock system, seals, filters, and jets. Some issues, like control panel failure, signal an electrical problem, so they may test the electricity of various components. During this process, they may need to drain your hot tub.
As soon as the hot tub technician diagnoses the problem and gets your approval, they’ll make the repair. This can take a few days or weeks if they need to order a part from the manufacturer.