7 Common Hot Tub Problems and How You Can Fix Them

There are few things more relaxing than slipping into a bubbling hot tub on a quiet evening. But when that hot tub is not working properly? That’s not quite so relaxing. Whether your hot tub is freezing cold or the jets aren’t working or it’s making strange noises, you want to get it fixed right away. But the first thing you need to do is diagnose the issue. Here are some of the most common problems that hot tub owners are likely to encounter, and what should be done about each.

1. Lack of Heat

If your hot tub isn't heating up, it's likely due to one of two things: a problem with your heater or with your water flow.

The Solution

If the heater element is the culprit, that could be a big problem because it means it will need to be replaced, most likely due to corrosion or some other damage. If it's a problem with water flow, you may only need to clean or replace your filters. 

2. Jets That Aren’t Working

If water isn't flowing out of your jets, that could be a sign of an air lock. This can happen when you drain the hot tub and then refill it. During this process, you may cause air to get trapped inside that blocks the flow of water.

The Solution

Open all jets and let them run on high for about 30 seconds until you can see bubbles. If that doesn't work, you may need to call a professional to release the air by accessing the area near the motor.

3. Leaking

If you've noticed water pooling up somewhere nearby, it's possible you've sprung a leak.

The Solution

This is usually a sign that you have an issue with your pump, so the first thing to do is shut it down and check the pump to see if it needs to be replaced. If not, it could be the heating element, and if it's not that, check the pipes and the jets themselves to see if there's a seal broken somewhere. If you're still not sure, it's best to get a professional to take a look.

4. Noisy Pump

Whenever you hear unpleasant noises coming from something with a motor, that's a sign something is seriously amiss, and hot tubs are no exception. A lot of noise could indicate a problem with your pump.

The Solution 

If it's growling, it may just need more water, but if it's squealing it could be a sign the bearings are shot and you need a new pump.

5. Foul-Smelling or Dirty Water

If your water is starting to stink or just looks discolored and dirty, get it tested right away. A simple test strip will show you what the pH, chlorine, and alkaline levels are. Compare that to what the manufacturer says should be the correct level.

The Solution 

Most of the time when this happens, it's a sign the hot tub hasn't been maintained properly. All hot tubs need to have the water shocked with special chemicals to keep it clean and safe. If you've been doing that, check the filter to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

6. Electrical Faults

Sometimes, turning on your hot tub will trip the circuit breakers. A GFCI device will automatically shut it off if it detects electrical problems to prevent anyone from getting electrocuted after stepping into the hot tub.

The Solution

Something is causing the GFCI to trip, and it could be one of multiple components in your hot tub, from the pump to the blower. To test and see what is causing the problem, each component will need to be unplugged separately. As a result, this job is best left to a pool repair professional.

7. Error Code on the Control Panel

Sometimes, your hot tub just straight up tells you that something is wrong on the control panel. It will display an error code that you can look up in the user manual.

The Solution 

Refer to your user manual to identify the problem. It should also recommend a solution. If you're unsure of whether you can perform the repair, always contact a pool service professional near you. Don’t worry, it’s not that expensive: the cost to fix a hot tub can be as little as $160.

D.P. Taylor contributed to this article.