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how often should a hot tub pump run

by Stan Brown III Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Here are some starter guidelines based on usage:

  • A couple, occasional use: 2-hour cycle, twice per day
  • Small family, or couple who entertain regularly: 3 or 4-hour cycle, twice per day
  • Large family, frequent use, especially by kids: 6 or 8-hour cycle, twice per day

Ideally, your spa pool pump will run for at least four hours, twice a day, but it's okay for the pump to run longer.Oct 6, 2021

Full Answer

How many hours a day should you run a hot tub pump?

So, eight hours a day is a happy medium that will keep a hot tub functioning properly without skyrocketing bills. However, it should be noted that it is best to run a hot tub’s pump on a cycle in which it turns on and off at set times throughout the day.

How often should I run my hot tub filter?

Since many filters have several options as to how often they can work, it is up to you to decide according to how frequently you use your hot tub. It should be enough to run your hot tub filter for up to eight hours a day. It would be best if you run it in two intervals of four hours.

Should I keep my hot tub running all the time?

Even in this situation, though, it’s still recommended that you keep the hot tub constantly running since if your spa is allowed to sit idle several problems and issues could occur that could end up causing you more expense than the cost of keeping the power running.

How long does a hot tub circulation pump last?

Naturally, a circulation pump can last for 10 to 15 years but just like other components of a hot tub, the circulation pump can stop working at any time. Three scenarios can make your circulation pump to stop working.

Should the pump on my hot tub run all the time?

Since your hot tub pump circulates the warm water as well as the sanitizer, a general rule is to follow manufacturer recommendations or leave the pump on for a minimum of eight hours per day.

How long should I run my hot tub filter each day?

In order to properly filter the water in a hot tub, suction side filtration systems need to run a minimum of 8 hours per day, with most requiring 12-24 hours per day. The longer these systems run for, the higher your energy costs become.

How many times a day can you use a hot tub?

Overall frequency of use People enjoying a new hot tub or considering purchasing one frequently ask “How often can I use a hot tub?” The answer is you can really use it as often as you want if you're following the recommendations discussed above and keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance.

How long should you run a hot tub?

Ideally, you should aim to time your hot tub sessions to last between 15 and 30 minutes. Depending on the factors at play (i.e. water temperature), you might be able to extend your soak to 45 minutes. Keep in mind that you can always re-enter your hot tub later on!

What is a hot tub pump?

Sometimes called a “circ pump” (as in circulation) or a “hush pump,” your hot tub pump is a low-flow pump that circulates the water. This is not the pump that in your hot tub. Its purpose is to ensure the water runs through the filtration system and that heat is distributed through the water to keep it clean and warm.

Why is it important to sanitize hot tub water?

Stagnant water can be a hot tub’s biggest foe, so it’s important that your hot tub water has sufficient movement throughout each day. While sanitizing your hot tub with chlorine or bromine keeps bacteria from breeding even if your hot tub pump isn’t on your spa pump circulates the chemicals so they are evenly distributed throughout the hot tub. ...

How long does a hot tub pump last?

Hot tub circulation pump not working? Naturally, a circulation pump can last for 10 to 15 years but just like other components of a hot tub, the circulation pump can stop working at any time. Three scenarios can make your circulation pump to stop working. Here is an analysis of each of these situations.

Why prime a hot tub pump?

Priming helps to remove any air trapped in the circulation pump. If a pump isn’t primed, the motor works fine but no water flows through the jets. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prime your hot tub circulation pump .

How do a water heater and pump work?

The pump and the heater work together to circulate heated water through the jets. You may need to reset the pump and the heater if they don’t function appropriately. Here are the steps to follow. On the heater, find a red button covered by a rubber – this is the high limit reset switch.

Why won't my hot tub work?

Faulty wiring can cause circuit breakers to trip, fuses to blow , and your hot tub won’t function. Rodents and power spikes can make wires faulty. We recommend hiring a professional electrician to inspect and repair faulty wires.

What to do if your hot tub doesn't have power?

If you don’t have power on your hot tub, you’ll want to check whether the circuit breaker is tripped. If that’s the problem, then switch the breaker off then on again to reset it. If the problem persists, it could either imply you have a problem with the voltage or a faulty circuit breaker. In either case, you should have a professional check it out for you.

What does it mean when a pump goes dead?

The pump could be dead. A pump can also stop working if it’s dead. When a circulation pump goes dead, you should see an error code OH or FLO on the control panel. When you notice the pump isn’t functioning, you want to make sure that the power outlet is switched on and the circuit breakers aren’t tripped.

Why is my hot tub overheating?

Overheating of a hot tub can happen because the pump has been running for some time due to extended filtration cycles settings or faults within...

How long should a spa pump run?

A spa pump should run for a minimum of 8 hours a day. In an ideal world, one would run all day every day. However, doing this is a quick way to run energy rates through the roof and the bills with it. Therefore, it is not a very plausible option for most hot tub owners. So, eight hours a day is a happy medium that will keep a hot tub functioning ...

How long should a hot tub filter cycle run?

How long should the filter cycle run on a hot tub? Standard hot tubs operating with single or two-speed pumps should have filtration cycles running for 4 hours twice a day. Once again, many hot tub owners prefer to run these cycles during non-peak hours in order to save on their utility rates . Similarly, if pinched for money, hot tub owners can ...

What to do if hot tub is not working?

If any of these signs are noticed, hot tub owners should thoroughly inspect their hot tubs to ensure that there are no leaks, cracks, or malfunctions in any other area of the hot tub. If nothing is found, it is safe to assume that the filters are too dirty, too old, or simply need an upgrade, and new filters should be put in place as soon as possible.

What is the purpose of a hot tub filtration system?

Moreover, the filter’s purpose is to ensure that the sanitizer, such as chlorine or bromine, is well mixed and thoroughly distributed through the water.

Why does my hot tub water look dirty?

Visible signs of leaks or cracks in the filter causing it to lose the ability to function properly. A hot tub’s water still looks dirty after cleaning the filters. Filters begin to become blocked more frequently and require more frequent thorough cleaning.

Why run a hot tub filter while sanitizing?

Another advantage of running the hot tub’ filter while sanitizing is that it will provide you with more accurate test results later.

Why does my hot tub lose water?

It is a result of the natural process where warm water evaporates into the air. This happens more...

What are hot tub filtration cycles?

Filtration cycles are periods of time when hot tub pumps are scheduled to run automatically, circulating water and chemicals through the filter system and pipes—regardless of whether the spa is in use or not.

How often should you run your pump?

As a general rule, you should aim for the shortest filtration cycle needed to maintain clean water in your hot tub. What this is will depend on your spa, usage and local water quality, and will need some experimentation to figure out initially.

When you might need to run your pump all the time

There are two situations where you might want to run a hot tub pump all the time.

When is the best time to run hot tub filtration cycles?

By default, most hot tubs will start their filtration cycle at the time you first turn on the spa, and then run on a schedule every 12 hours after that.

What happens if you don't run your filter enough?

The telltale signs that you're not filtering your spa water enough are:

What happens if you run your filter too much?

If your filtration cycles are too long, you'll have a clean hot tub. However, you'll also be wasting energy, putting unnecessary strain on your pump, and your filters could need changing more regularly.

Should you leave your hot tub on all the time?

Independent from filtration cycles, you should definitely leave your spa connected to power and 'on' all the time.

How efficient is a hot tub pump?

A 24-hour circulation pump is much more efficient when it comes to how much electricity your hot tub uses. When a filter cycle kicks in, it uses one of the main therapy pumps. This pump draws more amps than the circulation pump and can cause additional wear on a main therapy pump when you aren’t actually using the hot tub. A typical circulation pump runs at about 0.45A, whereas a two-speed therapy pump might run between 3A and 4A on low.

Why do hot tubs have circulation pumps?

One of the advantages of a hot tub circulation pump is that the water stays at a higher temperature. It will take less time — and energy — to heat the water when you want to soak in.

What is a jet pump in a hot tub?

A typical hot tub, whether it’s saltwater or mineral system, uses the jet pumps to move water through the hot tub filters. The fabric of the filter will catch particles and debris that you don’t want in the water. The filtration cycles will take place at preset intervals and when you use your hot tub. A circulation pump, though, is different.

What is circulation pump?

What is a circulation pump? It’s a low-flow hot tub pump that moves the water through the filter system — even when the hot tub is not in use. The more water that moves through the filter, the cleaner your hot tub water will be. The system also keeps the water at a slightly higher temperature, making it easier to heat your hot tub.

What is salt water in a hot tub?

“Saltwater” might be one of the first things you ask about when discussing a hot tub’s filtration system. The systems, which use a salt chlorine generator, are a popular topic among hot tub buyers. However, there might be another feature to discuss with your local hot tub retailer — the circulation pump.

How much water does a QuietFlo pump move?

The system moves water at 25 gallons per minute through the EcoPur® Charge filtration system. Your hot tub water is filtered and cleaned even when you are not soaking in the water. By keeping the water moving at preset intervals, the QuietFlo pump ensures water remains filtered evenly.

Why does my hot tub heater run less?

The heater will run less to maintain water temperature , meaning that water is moving through the filters less often. When water is “still,” owners are more likely to experience hot tub water issues — especially if they are new to hot tub ownership.

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