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Do you have a problem with your hot tub or spa? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here we address some of the most common hot tub problems and talk you through how to fix them.

Problem 1: My Hot Tub is Leaking

In order to stop a leak, you must first locate where it is. This may seem obvious if there is damage to your spa, however, in many cases it isn’t this simple.

The most common source of a water leak is under the pump, as there may be a bad seal. Other areas to consider include the heater assembly manifold, gate valves, tubing or the jet bodies.

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In order to fix the issue, disconnect all power to the hot tub and then inspect the equipment compartment. Here you’ll be able to see if you need a new pump or seal. If this doesn’t seem to be the issue, tighten all union fittings on the spa and inspect the heater, pressure switch and the components that surround them.

If there is still a leak, check the valves (their gaskets can fail in cold temperatures) and make sure there is no damage to tubes, jets or any other parts.

If there’s still an issue, contact the manufacturer and request a repair call out.

Problem 2: My Hot Tub is Not Getting Hot

If you’re hot tub isn’t heating up or retaining heat, you likely have a power issue. The best answer to this is to call out an experienced professional to take a look. After all, we all know water and electricity don’t mix.

But what could be causing the problem? An expert is likely to look at a select few components first: the limit switch, pilot, pump and heating element.

Problem 3: My Hot Tub is Tripping the Breaker

Like with the heating issue, this is a job for a professional; however if you are confident in taking your tub apart, here is what to do.

It is likely that either the pump, ozonator or heater is drawing too many amps, which, as a result is tripping the breaker. To diagnose which is causing the issue you must disconnect all power to the hot tub and disconnect these elements one at a time to see if it powers up without them. If the control panel lights up and the breaker doesn’t trip, you’ve found your problem.

Problem 4: My Hot Tub is Overheating

Most hot tubs are fitted with a limit switch. If the hot tub gets too hot this will trip. This is likely to be caused by a restrictive filter which, although may look clear, is stopping water from flowing freely.

Give this a thorough clean and if this is not an issue you may have a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.

Problem 5: My Hot Tub is Slimy

It is likely that you haven’t used your hot tub for some time and a biofilm has formed. This simply means your hot tub needs a good clean and from then on, regular use of hot tub pool chemicals. A hot tub flush should do the job, followed by regular use of chlorine granules. To be thorough, you may also want to replace your filters.

Problem 6: My Hot Tub is Not Getting Power

This is a job for a qualified professional. It is likely that you have a worn component that needs replacing. Most likely this will be a blown fuse, faulty GFCI, damaged input wiring or a blown high-limit switch.

Problem 7: My Hot Tub is Gritty

If the surface of your spa or hot tub feels gritty, you probably have calcium deposits. This is a common issue and is simple to fix. To see if you have a pH issue, invest in a quality water test kit. This will give you an accurate reading to help diagnose the issue. With a thorough clean and by adding spa chemicals to adjust the pH of your hot tub’s water, your gritty issue should clear up.

If you have particularly stubborn deposits you may like to refresh the water in your tub after cleaning.

Problem 8: My Hot Tub is Frozen

As a general rule, as long as your hot tub is operating the water cannot freeze, therefore it may be an idea to leave your hot tub on at a low speed. Or, you can fit a freeze monitor that will turn on the pump should the outside air temperature fall below a certain level.

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If you’re spa is already frozen, disconnect it from the power and using a pick, smash a hole in the centre of the frozen water surface. Into this hole pour multiple loads of boiling water from your kettle. This will bring the core temperature of the water up and begin to melt the ice that surrounds the tub.

Continue to do this, regularly removing water when levels get high. Once thoroughly defrosted, drain the water and refill. Be aware that the tub mechanisms may also be frozen and will require thawing by convection heat.

Do you have a hot tub question we haven’t answered? Then tweet it to us @onlinepoolchems and check out the following detailed blog guides.

Read more:

The World’s Most Unusual Hot Tubs

7 Ways to Ensure You’re Buying the Right Hot Tub

How to prevent foaming in your hot tub