Hot Tub and Spa Troubleshooting Guide
There is possibly no worse feeling than getting ready to take a relaxing dip in your hot tub only to find it’s not working properly. While some issues may be more severe and require professional repairs, don’t fret just yet. With the help of this troubleshooting guide, you might be able to solve the problem yourself and be back to soaking in no time.
4 Common Hot Tub Problems and Solutions
Many things could be causing your hot tub to malfunction, some being more significant issues than others. The following are some of the top problems that homeowners tend to experience with their spas and hot tubs and how to solve them. However, if you are ever in doubt or feel uncomfortable doing the fix yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional to handle the repairs.
1. The Jet’s Aren’t Working
While you don’t need the jets working to be able to soak in your hot tub, it’s not the same experience without them. A hot tub without jets is just like an oversized bathtub. The jets are also great for drowning out any noise nearby, and for giving you privacy to talk in your spa without the neighbors eavesdropping. So we understand the desire to solve this problem as soon as possible.
It’s very common for jets to malfunction, considering the amount of work they do. The first thing you should check is that nothing in the tub is clogging or blocking the jets – also, be sure they are open as well. If they are clogged or have a calcium buildup restricting the flow of water, you may need to drain the tub and use a cleaning solution to get them cleared out. Another easy thing to check is the water level. If your water level is too low, the jets likely won’t work. Try filling the tub with more water.
If you already recently filled your hot tub with new water, the jets could be experiencing airlock. Turning the jets off and on a couple of times can help force the air out. If that doesn’t work, open your access panel to get to the pump and the airlock valve. Open the airlock valve just enough until you see a bit of water and hear some of the air escape. This will release any trapped air and purge the system, allowing the water to flow freely through the jets.
2. The Water Won’t Heat Up
If the water in your spa isn’t heating up, it could be an issue with the pump, such as airlock, filters, or it could be the heater element. There are a couple of different steps you can take to try to solve the problem. Check the filters to see if they are clogged. When the filters are clogged, it can deactivate the integrated pressure switch. Once the filters are clear, the system should reset. If it as airlock issue, you will perform the same steps as you would if the jets weren’t working because of airlock. Open the access panel and then open the air release valve to let some air escape, which again, should purge the system and get things working regularly again.
If the problem is with the heating element, you may need to call for repairs. The heating system can fail when it gets corroded from improper pH levels in the water. Unfortunately, fixing the heating element is a more complicated task that should be left to the professionals. To prevent this from happening in the future, homeowners should stay on top of the water chemical maintenance.
3. Error Code on the Control Panel
When the digital control panel is not working or displaying error codes, it could mean a few different things.
- FLO: If you see these letters on the panel screen, it is an indication that there is improper water flow. It could also appear when the jets are malfunctioning. Taking some of the steps above could help, however, also be sure to check for blockages and clean and replace filters.
- OH: This code indicates that the water temperature is too hot for you to enter. It can appear for a couple of reasons. It could mean the circulation system and filter needs cleaning. Or, it could be that the motor is overheating or that the pump is running for long periods.
- SNA or SNB: Either of these error codes usually means that something is wrong with the sensor or the circuit board. In this case, you will need to call to have it fixed or replaced.
- COOL: If these letters appear on the screen, it is pretty straight forward – your water temperature is too cold, or is 20 degrees cooler than what you set it to. Usually, replacing the hot tub cover and letting the heater do its job for another 24 hours will do the trick.
- DRY: This is another relatively straightforward code. It means that there is not enough water traveling through the heater. Filling the hot tub with more water should fix the problem.
4. Cloudy or Odorous Water
Water problems are one of the most unpleasant hot tub issues to have to deal with. Luckily, they can be fixed easily. If you are noticing that the water is looking a bit foggy or if there is foul smell wafting up from the hot tub, it usually means the pH levels in the water are out of balance. Try cleaning your filters and then shock the water with sanitizer. Adjust the pH levels to the recommended range in the owner’s manual.
How Arizona Spa-Technology Can Help
At Arizona Spa Technology, hot tub repair and maintenance are our specialties. Our qualified spa technicians are here to help in any way we can. From poor water quality and heating issues to jet and pump malfunctions, we can handle it all. Contact Arizona Spa Technology in Phoenix, AZ, today to see how we can get your spa back up and running!
