Common Hot Tub Problems, Repairs, and Service Calls

HotSpring hot tubs are one of the most reliable, high quality hot tubs on the market.

That said, there will eventually come a time when your hot tub will need a little extra love and care.  Like a pool, or luxury vehicle, even if the craftsmanship, quality, and upfront investment is there, with regular usage minor issues can start to appear a few years down the road.  Thankfully, HotSpring hot tubs come with a great warranty.  And even if you’re out of warranty, we’re still able to assist you with most repair issues.

From our two showrooms in Longview and Tyler, Texas, we offer hot tub repair services throughout East Texas.  If you’re having issues with your hot tub — even if you didn’t buy it from us — contact us today!

Hot Tub Warranty

When it comes to hot tubs and many other “bigger ticket” items around the home, the important thing for you to do when you notice a problem is to address it immediately.  Whether it’s a hot tub, car, refrigerator, pool, or something else, many larger issues start as a minor issue.  If your hot tub is still under warranty, then take advantage and call for repairs and service!  If your hot tub is no longer under warranty, you should still reach out for repairs so a potentially small issue doesn’t become a big one.

So, what signs or problems do you need to look for (or hear) in your hot tub? And when should you call East Texas Spa to come out and take a look?

Problem:  Water isn’t warm enough

You’ve had a long day at the office and want nothing more than to relax those tense muscles the warmth of your hot tub. The problem is the water just won’t heat! If this happens to you (where one day you have hot water and the next, no hot water) the answer could be simple. In most cases, it just means that you need to replace the heater element.

The heater element is similar to a light bulb in that it will eventually burn out. The good news is that this is a simple fix that requires swapping out the old heater element for a new one.

There are other simple problems that could prevent your hot tub’s water from heating. Some of these issues include:

  • Clogged filters
  • Bad thermostat
  • Broken heat sensors
  • Poor water balance

Most of these issues you can prevent yourself. Regularly cleaning filters or making sure to add the right chemical balance are part of basic hot tub maintenance. So, if the water in your hot tub won’t heat, but you’ve kept up your side of the upkeep, you’ll know the water heating problem is something else. This is when you need to call in for service and repair.

Problem:  Jets are weak or not functioning.

Sometimes the jets in your hot tub won’t work (or don’t work as well as they used to). The likeliest reason for weak or broken jets is that you haven’t maintained the proper water chemical balance.

Like a pool, you need to add different chemicals to your hot tub’s water in order create a healthy pH balance. If the pH is too high, the water can adversely affect water sanitization. If the pH is too low, the water will turn acidic, which isn’t ideal. Acidic water can sting or burn your eyes, and dry out your skin.

In addition to the issues that can affect your health, poor chemical balance can create build up. This build up can clog your jets, because it makes it difficult for water to pass through.

Another issue with your hot tub jets might include an air lock. An air lock can occur after you drain and clean your hot tub. When you refill your hot tub, there is a chance that air has had time to enter and get trapped in the pipes. This air will prevent your jets from working, and if this happens, you will need to call for repair to release that air. If you don’t deal with this issue, you could end up damaging your hot tub further.

Problem:  Pump is making unusual sounds

In some cases, this issue simply means that the motor on your hot tub is very old. If this is the case your hot tub definitely needs repair because you need a whole new motor! To keep an eye on your motor, listen out for difference in volume. If your motor sounds much louder than it used to, this could mean that it’s about to seize.  In other words: it might stop working.

In this situation, there isn’t much you can do other than replace the pump. You will need to call in for service and repair to get the job done. In some situations, you will need to assess the damage. If the pump is very old, replacing a few bolts and parts will only stall the problem for a short while. In these situations, replacing the pump will save you money in the long run.

Sure, a service/repair person can continue to replace parts of the pump to keep it running, but this is a much more expensive, not to mention time-consuming solution.

Problem:  Error code(s)

Your hot tub manual is important in helping you to understand how to safely use your hot tub. It will also provide detailed information on different error codes your hot tub might display. The purpose of these error codes is to try and inform you (the user) of the exact problem. This way you will have a clear issue for your service or repair person to try and resolve.

Different hot tubs have different error codes. Again, you will need to check your manual for the ones that apply to your specific brand of tub. That being said, we can provide you with a few examples of some of the most common reasons for error codes for hot tubs. These include:

  • Pressure switch malfunction
  • Improper water flow
  • Water temperature is too hot (overheating)
  • Hot tub needs more water (under-filled)
  • Water temperature is too cold (under-heated)
  • Poor sensor connection

Problem:  Pump is leaking

As your hot tub gets older, the seals around the pump (or even around other elements of the hot tub) can begin to crack or leak. As you can imagine, water leaking around electrical components can cause significant damage to your hot tub.

Prevent this from happening by keeping up a regular maintenance schedule. If you do notice a crack or leak yourself, don’t put off calling in for repair. This is one of the most serious hot tub issues and could lead enough damage that you will have to replace your entire tub. This is a much more expensive solution than simply keeping up with a smaller maintenance job.

Problem:  Electrical issues (GFCI)

Your hot tub’s Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) panel is a critical element to staying safe while using your hot tub. Depending on where you live and buy your hot tub, this equipment will either live in your hot tub’s electrical panel, or in a box at least 5-6 feet away.

The GCFI’s sole function is to keep an eye on electricity flow, and warn you of any harmful disruptions in that electricity flow. If the device senses any difference or change in the electricity flow, it will immediately shut off power to the hot tub.

Keeping an eye on your GCFI is absolutely non-negotiable if you want to maintain a safe hot tub. In some situations, the GCFI can trip and stop working, or not work as well. If this happens to you, call for service or repair immediately. You will want a professional to address the problem and confirm whether or not your hot tub is safe to use.

At the end of the day, if you own a hot tub and use it often, you will need to keep it maintained, just as you do (or should!) your vehicle.  A licensed professional will have your hot tub up and running in no time, but you need to take the time to address the problem(s). If you do this, a little money or investment will go a long way in the longevity and your enjoyment of your hot tub.