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why is my hot tub getting too hot

by Mr. Karl Schuppe III Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

  • Check for scale buildup on the unit – this is common if you have hard water.
  • Check for a short in the coating on the heating element.
  • Check with an ohm-meter if you have a newer spa that has the heater element encased in a stainless tube – look for a short or open reading to indicate ...

When the pump runs, it generates heat. This heat transfers into the tub water, increasing the temperature. So, if the hot tub is set to filter too many hours per day, it can cause overheating. Adjust your filter cycle duration cycle down and set it to run early AM and late PM, when the outside temperatures are coolest.

Full Answer

Why won't my hot tub heat up?

If you see any steam leaking out of the sides of your spa cover, this can be enough heat loss to reduce overall spa temperature. Finally, you have to keep the hot tub cover on the tub while heating, or the spa will never heat up. For extra heat trapping, use a floating spa blanket. 3. Thermostat is Mis-Calibrated

What are the most common problems with hot tubs?

But you can avoid some of the most common problems by taking proper care of your spa. Create and stick to a hot tub maintenance schedule, including balancing your water chemistry on a regular basis. Top off low water levels as soon as you notice them to prevent error codes, sputtering jets, and even dry fire.

Why does my hot tub breaker keep tripping?

Regardless of how well you take care of your hot tub, you’ll eventually need to replace the heating element. It’s simply a component with a finite lifespan. This one of the most common reasons your breaker might trip.

Why is my hot tub pump so loud?

When it sounds like bear cubs wrestling inside your spa cabinet, your pump is probably struggling for water. Clear any clogs from your circulation system. Top off your water. Make sure any valves near your pump are open. This loud, metallic whine is the telltale sign of bad bearings.

How do I stop my hot tub from overheating?

Add some shade.Turn Down the Temperature. The most straightforward solution to hot tub overheating is to simply turn down the temperature of your hot tub. ... Add Cool Water. ... Don't Run Your Filter When It's Hot. ... Add Some Shade.

What happens if a hot tub gets too hot?

Hot Tub temperatures above 104° can raise the internal body temperature too high, and can progress from feeling light-headed or dizzy, to fainting or passing-out. Losing consciousness while using a spa or hot tub can lead to drowning, of course.

How do I cool my hot tub down?

5 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Hot TubLower the Water Temperature. Your hot tub temperature usually hovers around 100 degrees, so dial down the temperature to 85 degrees to cool off the water. ... Stay Hydrated. ... Apply a Cold Compress. ... Soak in the Shade. ... Wait Until Sundown.

How do you keep a hot tub from overheating in the summer?

So what can I do to prevent my hot tub from going over temperature in the summer?Automatic controls. ... Open the cabinet air vents. ... Reduce filter durations.Open your air controls. ... Prop open the cover.Remove some insulation.

Why will my hot tub not cool down?

While a hot tub temperature panel typically allows you to bump it down to 60° F, when it's warm outside, the actual water temp will never get that cool. Cool it down further by switching the hot tub mode to sleep or economy mode, and consider buying a hot tub chiller if you live in an unseasonably warm area.

Why is my master spa overheating?

Water getting too hot. Heat fluctuating – often caused by an errant heat sensor that is due for replacement, though this symptom can also be cause by a clogged filter or faulty thermostat.

Can you control hot tub temperature?

Adjusting the thermostat can be necessary to maintain pool temperature. Most hot tubs today use electronic or digital controls to maintain the water's temperature. To adjust the thermostat, you simply press the button that increases or decreases the water's temperature.

How low can I set my hot tub temperature?

Given the potential severity of overheating, always play it safe and keep your hot tub at 104 degrees or lower. For pregnant women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend maintaining a body temperature of no more than 102.2 degrees.

What is normal hot tub temperature?

100°F-102°F.The majority of hot tub users prefer a water temperature in the range of 100°F-102°F. 104°F is the standard maximum temperature, which some users also prefer. Always consult a physician before getting in the hot tub while pregnant.

Can you lower hot tub temp in summer?

ENJOY A COOLER SOAK Although they are usually kept at temperatures between 99° F to 102° F, with a maximum heat of 104°F, you can lower the temperature for summertime use. Simply lower the temperature of your hot tub to roughly 85°F or turn off your heater altogether.

Why do hot tubs have 15 minutes?

Hot tubs have seats at various levels for a reason–to allow you to move around and cool various parts of your body. If you sit at the lowest level for 15 minutes or more, you allow your core body temperature to rise a lot faster than it would if, say, you moved to a seat at which your upper torso was out of the water.

How do I reset the high limit switch on my hot tub?

The High Limit Switch Needs to Be Reset or Replaced Simply reset by pressing the big red button on your spa pack. The high limit switch may be housed in a thermowell. If the water temperature in the thermowell is the same as the water temperature in the rest of the spa, the switch is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Why does my hot tub overheat?

Hot tubs that overheat are usually due to a sensor malfunction, but an electrical problem or faulty plumbing could also cause it. Weather and prolonged use of the hot tub could also make the hot tub overheat. A simple cause of overheating is the temperature may be set too high. Try setting your hot tub temperature to 98°F and see if this helps. Removing the cover, adding cold water, and adjusting the filtration cycle of the hot tub will also help fix the issue.

Why does my hot tub heater stay on all the time?

A hot tub heater that stays on all the time can be a sign of an intermittent connection, which could indicate that you need new wiring or even the controller needs replacing! This also shows that you may need to replace your thermostat as it is faulty.

Why does my hot tub smell like chlorine?

My hot tub smells like chlorine. A hot tub that smells like chlorine is often the result of too many chloramines in the hot tub. To get rid of chloramines, add 30g (1 capful) of oxidizer to the spa....

Why is it so hard to monitor hot tub water?

This can also be a problem if you go on holiday or you are unable to take care of your hot tub due to mobility issues.

How hot should a hot tub be?

In general, hot tub water should be somewhere in the 98 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit range. If you’re unsure how hot it is where your tub is located, put a thermometer inside and see what it reads.

Why do you have to keep the cover off in a hot tub?

Keeping your hot tub cover off will increase air circulation and help with the cooling process. Be sure not to let leaves or other debris collect on top of it!

How to tell if hot tub is overheating?

Symptoms of an overheating hot tub include steam coming off the water, a hot tub heating element that stays on or continues to run even when not in use and an increase in electric usage.

Why lower the temperature in a hot tub?

Lowering the temperature your hot tub is set to can help prevent the outside temperature from heating your water above where you want it to be.

How to keep a spa from getting too hot?

Here are three suggestions to help keep your spa from getting too hot in the summer. 1. Lower The Temperature Settings.

How to keep hot tub water warm?

1. Lower The Temperature Settings. Lowering the temperature your hot tub is set to can help prevent the outside temperature from heating your water above where you want it to be. Be careful not to lower it too much or your water may be at a lower temperature than you want it to be later in the evenings after the spa cools off from the day’s heat. 2.

How to put dish towels under spa cover?

Lift the side flap of the cover nearest to the fold of the cover and wrap it under the cover. (Be sure as much of the rest of the side flap is down against the side of the spa to prevent leaves and dust from getting in.) Place the rolled up dish towels under the cover to create a wedge between the spa and the cover (Shown Below).

How to keep spa lid from blowing open?

Make sure the spa cover is secured to the spa with the clips to prevent the lid being blown open when not in use. The wind can lift the cover up using the newly created vent space if not latched down.

How to keep a spa from overheating?

Providing shade will help keep your spa from overheating as it reduces the amount of extra heat the spa absorbs from the sunlight. There are several options that vary in price that can help accomplish this.

Does Whirlpool cover come with foam inserts?

Note: New (2020+) covers from American Whirlpool come with foam inserts that can be removed to create a vent and do not require this.

Why is my hot tub not heating?

If you have low water in your hot tub, this can cause the water not to be heated effectively. Keep an eye on your water level and make sure to add water when needed.

What happens if you get the wrong cover on a hot tub?

If you get the wrong cover, it could lead to heat loss.

Why is it important to maintain a hot tub?

Proper maintenance of your hot tub is imperative so that it works correctly and efficiently. If your hot tub is taking too long to heat, there could be several things causing it to have issues.

What to do if your hot tub thermostat is broken?

If you suspect that the thermostat is broken, you will need to call for a repair to repair or replace the thermostat.

What causes hot tub water to overheat?

Clean the hot tub filter. A dirty filter could be blocking the flow of water, causing the water to sit in the hot tub and overheat.

Can a hot tub overheat?

Call your hot tub dealer or manufacturer for service options . There are a variety of conditions that could lead to the overheating of your hot tub, but may differ in various hot tub models and brands.

What happens when you get hot in a hot tub?

Hot tub hypothermia takes place in several stages. It starts as heat fatigue, then becomes heat exhaustion, and finally heat stroke. While you’re in the hot tub, you may not notice the temperatures increasing. However, you may start feeling light-headed, dizzy, fainting, and finally passing out.

Why does my hot tub pump overheat?

Your hot tub pump can overheat if there’s a blockage caused by debris on the pipes or valves. The blockage could make your pump work extra hard to heat the water, making it extra hot. The pump may also overheat if it’s situated in a tiny space where it doesn’t get enough cool air.

How do I know if my hot tub pump is bad?

A hot tub pump works hard to maintain clean and hot water in the spa. There are several ways you may know if your hot tub pump is bad .

Why is my spa pump not working?

The other reason why your pump could not be pumping is an inadequate water level. If the water level is low, the skimmer may suck in air, causing a blockage. The solution to this problem is filling the hot tub with water until it reaches the middle of the skimmer opening. Lastly, your spa pump may fail if there is a blockage.

What voltage do you need for a spa pump?

Depending on the model of hot tub you have, power should be either 110V or 220V. If the power supply seems fine, then you can try rotating the timer slightly.

Why does my hot tub creep?

Temperature creeps happen because the excess heat in your hot tub has no way of escaping. Here are some ways you can lower the temperatures in the hot tub. Control panel. You can manually reduce the temperature to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit whenever it’s too hot to bear.

How to lower temperature in hot tub?

Another effective way to lower temperatures in the hot tub is placing a shade above it. If you cannot move the spa to a place with shade, you can have an umbrella or roofing over the hot tub. Open the air vents. Hot tubs have air vents that can close or open depending on the weather.

What to do if your hot tub is too hot?

Start by cleaning your filter, checking for circulation blockages, and topping off your water if necessary.

How to tell if your hot tub pump is bad?

This loud, metallic whine is the telltale sign of bad bearings. You may continue using your pump safely, but the noise will only get worse. First, try lubricating the bearings, but eventually, you’ll probably have to replace the circulation pump. Or start using your hot tub with earplugs.

What to do if hot tub breaker is tripping?

If your hot tub is tripping the breaker, you could spend quite a lot of time on hot tub troubleshooting, and less time soaking. A breaker trip is common and usually easy to fix, but any troubleshooting and repairs require you to work with electricity. If you’ll be working on it yourself, remember to turn off the breaker before you begin, and be sure you’re not touching anything wet.

What happens when you turn on your jets?

Or maybe your water is fine, but when you turn on your jets, nothing happens. Or maybe when you turn on your hot tub, the breaker trips. Or maybe your pump kicks on and produces an ear-splitting screech.

What is the best way to soak in a hot tub?

If you wanted to lie around in warm, unmoving water, you’d just take a bath. One of the best parts of soaking in a hot tub is using the jets. But if you’ve got nothing coming out of your jets, don’t fret.

What happens if you refilled a hot tub?

If you’ve just refilled your hot tub, you may have an airlock, which is when air gets trapped in your plumbing lines, and impedes the flow of water, which will keep it from heating up. Luckily, fixing an air lock is a fairly easy task.

Can you fill a hot tub with gunk?

Don't let your hot tub fill with hard-to-remove gunk. Clear out the gunk and keep your hot tub water fresh. It removes gunk in your pipes caused by lotions, sunscreens, cosmetics, etc.

What is wrong with my hot tub?

At this point there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and fix the problem (s) in your hot tub. 1. Thermometer is Incorrect. First off, thermometers are not usually "precision instruments" and can give an inaccurate reading.

Why does my spa heater overheat?

Spa Water Level is Low. If your spa skimmer begins to draw in a steady stream of air in a vortex inside the skimmer, or gulps down air because of a stuck skimmer door or thermometer, this will cause the heater to overheat and shut down. You may need to hit the heater element reset button if this happens.

How many watts does a spa heater need?

Also true for spas and hot tubs that have small heater elements, under 4 Kw, or 4,000 watt. The fact is - less expensive spas will have more trouble keeping up with low outside temperatures.

Why does my spa water blower always cool?

Using a forced air blower or opening the air intake knobs will always cool the water, because the air temperature is much colder than the water temperature. If this is causing problems during cooler weather, you may want to turn the blower off. 7. Spa Heater Not Running Long Enough.

How long does it take to heat a hot tub?

To bring your hot tub up to speed, run the circulation pump and heater continuously. It can take up to 24 hours, depending on starting water temperature, outside air temperature, spa cover efficiency and, most importantly, the size of your spa heater.

What does Sn mean on a spa?

On digital spa packs, you will usually see an error code ( Sn, Sn1, HL, Hot, OH ), when a temp sensor is causing the heater to shut off, but if they are off a few degrees, a temperature sensor or thermostat can shut off the heater, thinking the spa is hotter than it is.

Why does my spa cover sag?

If you see any steam leaking out of the sides of your spa cover, this can be enough heat loss to reduce overall spa temperature.

Why is my hot tub heater not working?

Your hot tub heater may be faulty or tripped the high limit switch which can be caused by clogged filters or blockage preventing water from flowing through the heater . Additionally, the thermostat may be faulty, and sometimes rodents even chew threw wires under your hot tub, preventing the heater from working properly.

What are the problems with a hot tub?

We’ll review all the common problems. Those include clogged and blockages. But they can also include faulty heater elements or thermostats. More information that you may need can be found below, so you can get your hot tub back up and running properly.

How Do I Make My Hot Tub Hotter?

Make a hot tub hotter by adding insulation, keeping the mode set to standard mode, and keeping the filters clean which allows for better water flow through the heater. All modern hot tubs are set to allow a maximum of 104° F. You should not attempt to make it hotter than that.

How Do I Know if My Heating Element is Bad in My Hot Tub?

If the hot tub’s breaker continually trips off and the filters and clean and allowing good water flow, and the water is not reaching the set point temperature, the element in the hot tub heater may be failing.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Heating Element in a Hot Tub?

A heating element for a hot tub heater is typically about $30. A complete heating tube can be purchased for under $150, and the entire control pack and heater assembly can often be replaced for under $500.

What to do if your thermostat has a red arrow?

If your thermostat has a red arrow, you need to check the cord for damage and make sure it is plugged in properly. Most hot tubs have a knob on the control unit under the hot tub which leads to the digital topside panel. So you’ll want to look at the control unit behind your tub’s panel. Hot tub cover replacement.

How to reset hot tub control pack?

Many hot tub control packs have a red reset button on them. Remove the side panel to access the control pack. If no red reset button is available, cut the power at the disconnect box for 1 minute and then restore.

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