Common reasons your hot tub isn't heating (and how to fix them)
- Water flow or circulation problems.
- Hot tub heating element fault.
- Hot tub control board fault
Why is my hot tub not heating up?
A hot tub that is not heating may be due to a tripped high limit switch on the heater 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 through wires under the hot tub, preventing the heater from working properly.
How to keep your inflatable hot tub from overheating?
Never fill your hot tub with boiling water, unless there's already enough colder water to dissipate the heat. In that case, make sure to not pour the hot water near the inflatable hot tub walls. 3. Use a solar heater During hot summer days, a solar heater connected to your hot tub filtration system can rapidly speed up the heating - for free!
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 is my hot tub not getting up to temperature?
If your hot tub fails to reach the temperature you've programmed into it, then the heater is not working properly. It could be the heater element, it could be a temperature sensor, it could be flow switch failure or any one of a dozen other reasons.
Why is my inflatable spa not heating up?
Low flow in your spa or hot tub is most commonly associated with a dirty spa filter. If your spa heater won't heat, remove and clean the filter(s) to rule out a pressure or flow rate problem. Low water level, a clogged pump impeller, closed valves, clogged pipes, or blocked spa drain covers can also cause flow issues.
How do I reset my hot tub heater?
1:112:01How to RESET your HOT TUB - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo over to your breaker panel. And flip your breaker or breakers. Down there are some hot tubs thatMoreGo over to your breaker panel. And flip your breaker or breakers. Down there are some hot tubs that have two breakers. And some hot tubs that have one breaker. But you will go to your sub panel.
Why is it taking so long for my hot tub to heat up?
The condition of your hot tub's components such as the water heater, pump, cover and even the jets affect how quickly your hot tub will reach its ideal temperature. If some of these components are wearing out or damaged, it can take much longer to reach the temperature you desire.
Should Jets be on when heating hot tub?
Before covering your hot tub, make sure to turn on the jets as this will accelerate the pace of your hot tub's heating. By running the jets, you're allowing the heated water to be circulated and evenly distributed to all areas of the hot tub.
How do I know if my heating element is bad in my hot tub?
To test if a bad heater is causing your tripped breaker, you can disconnect the copper tabs (or wires) from the spa pack to the heater element. Once disconnected, turn the power back on. If the breaker stays on, you've determined that the heater is bad.
Why is my hot tub not working?
There are two main reasons your hot tub isn't heating up properly; faults with the heater element, or problems with the water flow. The heater can fail for a few reasons but one of the most common is if it has been subject to corrosion caused by low PH in the water supply.
How do you diagnose a hot tub problem?
0:025:265 Common HOT TUB PROBLEMS and Solutions | Swim UniversityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo number one is that your hot tub won't heat properly. So why is that well it simply could be yourMoreSo number one is that your hot tub won't heat properly. So why is that well it simply could be your heater element. If that's not the problem it could be low flow from your pump.
Where is the reset button located on a hot tub?
Locate the spa's high-limit reset. This is a red button found on many spa packs. It may be located on the heater and covered by a rubber nipple.
How long do inflatable hot tubs take to heat up?
between 12-24 hoursWe advise to allow between 12-24 hours for the water to reach your desired temperature. Each time you turn your Simple Spa off, the water temperature will drop so always allow plenty of time for it to heat up before use.
Should I leave my inflatable hot tub filter on all the time?
Clean your filters after every use, or at least every other day that it is operating. A quick wash will keep them in good running condition. Every few weeks, or longer if you use your inflatable spa less frequently, you'll want to quality check your filter and change it for a new one if needed.
Can you fill inflatable hot tub with warm water?
Fill Your Lay‑Z‑Spa With Water From The Hot Tap It is far more energy‑efficient to start your hot tub up with warm water rather than filling the hot tub with cold water and waiting for the pump's heater to do all the work.
Why isn't my hot tub heating?
Common reasons your hot tub isn't heating (and how to fix them) Step one, is to check for any error messages on your control panel. This could hint at what the problem may be. If you are phoning a specialist to come out and fix the hot tub, then let them know about any error messages showing.
What happens if you have a poorly insulated hot tub?
About 60% in fact. So to keep this in, you need a really well-insulated cover that is in good condition. Plus, you need foam insulation in the cabinet. If you have a badly insulated cover you will lose heat quickly.
Why does my hot tub keep getting cold?
Finally, if your hot tub is heating it could be that your pump is not working properly. This will mean that the water is not being pumped around the hot tub, which will restrict or stop the flow. Causing the heater to cut off. And your hot tub to get cold.
What does it mean when your hot tub is too low?
This means a bit of air is trapped, which is stopping water flow. And could mean little of no water is getting through the hot tub pipes and heater .
How does a hot tub lose water?
Hot tubs lose water through evaporation. And displacement (ie. if you jump in and water splashes out). You may need to top the water up if the level drops down too low. Otherwise, the hot tub skimmer will suck in air instead of water. This will cause the heater to cut out as not enough water is passing through it.
What does it mean when a hot tub filter is still showing a flow fault?
After cleaning the filter, if you are still showing a flow fault, then it may be the pressure or the flow switch. The pressure switch is normally connected to the heater tube on a hot tub.
How long does it take for a hot tub to heat up?
On average your hot tub will take about 12-18 hours to heat up. This will vary depending on the heat that the water comes out the tap. So it will likely take longer in Winter. And less time in Summer.
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.
What does FL1 mean on a spa filter?
However, a dirty spa filter will usually produce an error code ( FL, Flo, FL1) if the pressure switch is sensing low flow and keeping the heater off.
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 much heat does a spa take?
Spas and hot tubs heat slowly - some as little as 1 degree per hour, although most can do 2-4 degrees per hour. If the timer is not set to run long enough each day, it can have trouble keeping up, especially with low outside temperatures.
What is the maximum temperature of a hot tub?
If the water temperature is warm, but not quite as hot as you like - you've come to the right place! Some hot tubs can heat up to 105°, although the recommended maximum temperature for healthy adults is 104°. Let's assume that there are no error codes on the display panel.
Is a hot tub cover inefficient?
2. Hot Tub Cover is Inefficient. An economy spa cover is not going to provide the same heat trapping efficiency of thicker and denser spa covers. The R-value of the best spa covers can be 3x the R-value of a basic spa cover.
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.
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.
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 if a hot tub breaker trip?
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.
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.
How to fix a water heater that is not working?
First, check your water level. Then, look for clogs in your circulation system, and wash or change your filter. While these may seem like mundane solutions, they’re also the quickest and least expensive, so always try them first. Next, flip your heater breaker off and on, or just hit your heater’s reset button.
What does it mean when a spa pump sounds like bear cubs wrestling?
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.
How long does it take to heat an inflatable hot tub?
Heating an inflatable hot tub to the highest temperature setting (104F - law limited) can take up to 48 hours depending on the outside temperature and insulation quality.
How to speed up hot tub heating?
How to speed up the heating? 1. Insulate the hot tub ( cover it!) There's not much you can do about the insulation of your inflatable hot tub walls (air acts as an insulator there), but you can definitely use an insulating cover! A typical choice for an inflatable hot tub is an inflatable cover, creating an insulating air pocket. ...
How long should I keep a hot tub warm?
Heating up the hot tub from the get-go can take up to 48 hours, so you really have to keep it warm if you use it often. However, you can lower the temperature and only heat up those last few degrees when you are about to use it.
What is the best cover for an inflatable hot tub?
A typical choice for an inflatable hot tub is an inflatable cover, creating an insulating air pocket. If you feel crafty, you can make your own polystyrene cover for even better insulation. The insulating cover will dramatically reduce heat losses, both by radiation and by evaporation.
Can you bypass an inflatable hot tub heater?
A normal inflatable hot tub heater runs on electricity and is limited in how much power it can take. You can bypass this with your own heater in the circuit.
Can you fill a hot tub with boiling water?
Never fill your hot tub with boiling water, unless there's already enough colder water to dissipate the heat. In that case, make sure to not pour the hot water near the inflatable hot tub walls. 3. Use a solar heater. During hot summer days, a solar heater connected to your hot tub filtration system can rapidly speed up the heating - for free!
Can you boil hot tub vinyl?
If you pour boiling water onto the vinyl, it might melt. Never fill your hot tub with boiling water, unless there's already enough colder water ...
Why does my hot tub keep turning on and off?
A heater that continuously turns on and off also indicates the filter must be changed. Hot tubs that are used often will need to have these cartridges changed more frequently. If you are unsure how to change the filter on your brand of hot tub, see your manufacturer's guide, contact the retailer or find the guide online.
Why does my hot tub switch trip?
If the hot tub has been drained recently this switch may trip due to air in the lines, leading to heating problems. If you have recently emptied your tub it is recommended that you run the tub a few times and the problem should resolve itself.
How to stop hot tub from leaking?
Step 1. Unplug your hot tub prior to working on it. Wear rubber-soled work boots to ground yourself. Water and electricity are a very dangerous combination. If you are not experienced in working with electricity you might consider contacting a repairman. See warning section below for more information.
Is it dangerous to fix a hot tub?
Hot tubs vary greatly in their model types and configurations. It is difficult to diagnose the problem and may be dangerous to resolve. Think twice before repairing this yourself. Proceed at your own risk. There are some simple steps you can take before you call in a repairman to fix your hot tub.
