Aug
2024
09
Signs of a Hot Tub Air Lock & How to Fix It
Many hot tub owners have experienced that dreaded moment: turning on your hot tub to find the jets aren’t working. Jets are an integral part of the hot tub experience, providing massage and amplifying the feeling of relaxation and recovery. Most people mistakenly believe that malfunctioning jets are due to a major issue that will require expensive repairs. Thankfully, the most common cause of jets not working is an airlock. Unlike on a spaceship, an airlock in your hot tub simply means that there is air in your plumbing lines, which affects the function of your jets. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms associated with an airlock in your inground hot tub and provide advice on how to prevent and fix the problem. Next time you experience an airlock, you’ll now be prepared to deal with the problem swiftly and easily return to relaxing in your hot tub. If you still struggle, you can
Contact Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs for a hot tub repair service. Contact us today for a quote!
Signs & Symptoms of a Hot Tub Air Lock
As mentioned above, the most common sign that your hot tub has an airlock is the jets not working when powered on. However, determine if your hot tub has experienced any of the following signs, which could also indicate a hot tub airlock.
- Inconsistent Jet Performance: The jets of your hot tub may not be working at all, or the streams of water may seem weak and inconsistent.
- Noisy Pump: The pump can make loud, odd sounds, such as gurgling, sputtering, or high-pitched whining sounds, which can indicate that there is air trapped in the system.
- Reduced Water Flow: It may appear that the water flow is significantly lower or that there is weak water pressure coming from the jets.
- Air Bubbles: Air bubbles can appear in the water, which can indicate that there is air trapped in the plumbing lines.
- Fluctuating Water Levels: The water level in the hot tub might fluctuate due to air pockets affecting the water flow. The hot tub may appear to be less or more full as a result.
- Error Messages or Lights: Some modern hot tubs have diagnostic systems that might display error messages or warning lights if an airlock is detected.
- Temperature Irregularities: The hot tub may struggle to maintain the correct temperature, as air in the lines can disturb the heating process.
What Causes an Airlock?
Many people tend to clean their hot tub on a semi-annual or quarterly basis, and a lot of the time, an airlock occurs after you drain and clean it. When you drain your hot tub, the water obviously leaves the tub, but it also leaves the pump and the plumbing lines, leaving them empty and/or full of air. When you refill the hot tub, the hope would be that the plumbing line and pump refill with water but this isn’t always the case. The air that got into the line after draining can remain and block water from flowing. This is especially dangerous for the motor of your pump, as they are meant to be run with water inside of them. Without water, the pump can burn out rather easily. To avoid this, you’ll want to consult with an expert or learn more about how to prevent an airlock.
How to Prevent an Air Lock in Your Hot Tub
A hot tub pump is designed to pump water, not air. Therefore, if air is in your plumbing lines, it can cause damage over time. In order to prevent water from entering your plumbing lines, creating an airlock, and damaging your hot tub system, make sure that when you are filling your tub, the hose is placed into the empty filter canister instead of the tub itself. This ensures that the water fills the pump and internal plumbing along with the tub to prevent the development of an airlock. Once the tub is filled, “bleed” the pump by turning off the ground fault circuit interrupter, use a screwdriver to open the bleed valve until water begins to trickle out, then close the valve again. This will help further reduce the risk of air entering the plumbing and creating an airlock. It will also remove any air that did manage to get trapped during the filling process. Finally, test that all your jets are functioning correctly by turning on the pump and ensuring water is coming out of each individual jet.
How to Fix an Air Lock in Your Hot Tub
There are two common ways to fix an airlock in your hot tub. The first method is very simple and involves turning your jets on and off until their function returns. Simply turn the jets on low for 10-20 seconds and then switch them to high for 10-20 seconds and repeat the cycle until the jets are working. If you repeat this cycle 3-4 times and do not notice any improvement, you will need to fix the air bubble using our second method. This involves “bleeding: the pump as described above using a screwdriver. After “bleeding” the pump, you should be able to turn the jets back on and have them return to full function.
If you try both methods and your jets are still not working, it is possible that an airlock is not affecting their function. Clogs or leaks can also impact jet function, and this can sometimes be fixed by simply cleaning the filter of any gunk or debris. As well, if the water level is below the skimmer, the jets will not be able to function. If you notice that the water level in your tub is below the skimmer, fill up the tub using your garden hose and the jets should return to their full functionality.
Fix an Airlock with Seaway
If you try all the above methods and the jets are still not working, it may be time to seek professional help. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we provide a wide range of above-ground and inground hot tub models, parts, supplies, and accessories. Our friendly team has years of experience conducting hot tub repairs and can help determine what is affecting the function of your jets. Whether you require a simple fix or a more complicated solution, we can help with every step of the way. We have multiple convenient showrooms servicing Toronto and the GTA in Markham, Scarbrough, and Newmarket. Don’t let an airlock prevent you from enjoying your hot tub this season! Contact us today for a quote or to book a service!
