Mar
2024
17
5 Signs Your Hot Tub Needs Repairs and How to Address Them
Owning a hot tub can provide a sense of relaxation, where all the stress from work and everyday life melts. However, like any other appliance in your home, you will require hot tub repairs and occasional maintenance to maintain a fully functioning and long-lasting hot tub. Ignoring any signs of damage will result in more significant issues down the line, which may include more expenses and cutting down the lifetime of your hot tub. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we offer reliable hot tub maintenance services to keep your backyard living space up and running so you can enjoy it at your convenience.
Here are 5 signs that you need hot tub repairs and how to address them.
Low Water Temperature
Nothing is as disappointing when using your hot tub than anticipating a piping hot water, only to step into a lukewarm pool. This clearly indicates that it's time to check up on your hot tub. The average temperature at a hot tub should be set at around 38ºC (100ºF). There are many reasons for the faultiness, one being that there is not adequate insulation. Your hot tub should have a perfectly fitting cover in order to keep the water at the correct temperature. If that isn't the problem, it's best to continue investigating other areas of your hot tub, like the heater. It is very possible that it could simply be due to the outside temperature, as in colder climates, it's challenging to maintain an adequate temperature, or it may take longer to heat up. Lastly, the issue can simply be a faulty thermostat, which will mismeasure the water temperature to activate the water heater. When in doubt, check in with a professional to investigate and pinpoint the issue.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water is often a result of unbalanced water. Keeping the water chemistry balanced is essential to ensure a safe and clean area for you and your guests to enjoy. A hot tub with a pH level that is too high or too low can cause cloudy water resembling milk. A similar reaction occurs when the alkalinity of the tub is too high. Other reasons for which this can happen are insufficient sanitization, leaving particles, algae and bacteria in the water. Especially if your hot tub is outdoors, sunlight can encourage algae growth. These microorganisms also gravitate towards warm and moist areas, making your hot tub an optimal location. Once you clean your hot tub of these microorganisms and the water still appears murky, there's a big possibility that there are issues within the pipes from which the water is sourced, possibly corrosion or mould growth in the jets of your hot tub. Call a professional to perform hot tub repairs once you notice it.
Noisy Pump or Motor
Strange noises that come out of your hot tub often stem from the piping of it. This is typically a good indicator that your hot tub will soon shut down and be out of order. This is why treating this issue before it's too late is crucial. If you are hearing grinding or screeching sounds, it's often coming from a bad bearing. This is a widespread problem with hot tub owners, as bearings usually break from wear and tear, so be sure to keep an eye on your motor and pump for this exact reason. A pump will often last you anywhere from 5-10 years, depending on how well the water chemistry has been maintained. Other reasons for strange noises from your hot tub can be from lack of lubrication, misalignment, or the pump's impeller clogged with dirt debris. It's vital to identify the underlying cause of the strange noises, which may involve visible signs of damage, checking water levels or testing the electrical supply.
Weak Jets
The jets of a hot tub are a crucial part of what makes a hot tub by providing hydrotherapy. It becomes an issue once one jet stops working or becomes faulty. That is often a noticeable sign when your hot tub is malfunctioning. The causes of weak or malfunctioning jets can be that it's clogged, it's worn out, or it's loose jets. Due to the tub sourcing water from the municipal water source, calcium buildup and other minerals are bound to be found in the municipal water. Ensure the jets are every so often to ensure a clear path for the water to travel. Airlock is another common cause of this, where air is trapped in the plumbing line. This is why it's good to prime the pump or open the air relief valves to restore the water flow and jet performance. Like all the other parts of the hot tub, jets can also deteriorate due to overall wear and tear.
Leakage
You should take it with great concern when you notice any leak in your hot tub, as that is an obvious sign of damage to your hot tub, which demands repair. Cracks and a damaged shell can cause leaks, which are often caused by stress, age and impact. Though these cracks can appear small and hard to detect, they play a significant role in leakage. Another cause of leakage is faulty seals and gaskets around the jets. Over time, these might deteriorate due to the chemicals in the water, temperature fluctuation, or simply wear and tear. If you live in a country that experiences colder climates, there is a fair chance that this is from freeze damage. In repairing leaks, it's best to call a professional to ensure the source of the leak doesn't open up again.
Hot Tub Repairs with Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs
Listed above are the most common reasons for hot tub repairs, though there are many other causes of damage. It's essential to keep an eye on the condition of your hot tub to catch these faults and damages early on and repair them promptly to maintain the hot tub's lifespan. Get the best use out of your hot tub with Seaway Pools & Tubs. We ensure that we provide our clients with the best care so you can continue to enjoy your summer days in your backyard living space. Call us today for any pool or hot tub services, and explore our online store for your favourite pool and hot tub accessories.
