Fix Your Hot Tub with This Complete Troubleshooting Guide
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You likely look forward to a hot tub soak every day. So, when you see an error code on your spa’s control panel, you might worry that you’ve lost your chance. But don’t fret! Hot Spring® spa systems are reliable and will last a long time with regular maintenance, but issues do sometimes arise. To help set you on the right track toward fixing minor hot tub problems with jets, pumps, heaters, electrical systems, controls, and water quality, we’ve created an easy-to-follow chart below. Consider it a great starting point for ways to troubleshoot and fix your hot tub problems. As a reminder, always be sure to consult your owners manual.
If you have questions about the best practices for do-it-yourself routine maintenance and repairs, or the details of your warranty, your local Hot Spring dealer is the best resource for answers. Plus, turn to your dealer for repairs by a certified technician who knows Hot Spring models inside and out.
HOW TO FIX COMMON HOT TUB PROBLEMS
To troubleshoot an issue with your spa, locate your specific problem in the chart below to help determine a probable cause, and then apply the right solution.
FIX YOUR HOT TUB’S OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS
The Problem
The Likely Cause(s)
Troubleshooting Solutions
Do you need to call a professional technician?
The spa is inoperative
Power failure
GFCI has tripped
Heater’s high-limit thermostat has tripped
Spa lock is activated
Check for problems with your power source
Reset the GFCI
Disconnect the power for 30 seconds to reset the thermostat; then check for clogged filters
Deactivate the spa lock
Contact an electrician if your power source is inoperative
Call for spa service if the GFCI won’t reset
Call for spa service if the high-limit thermostat has tripped
Spa won’t heat, even while the jets and lights operate (green logo “Ready” and blue logo “Power” indicators are blinking)
Integrated pressure switch is open
Circulation pump thermal cut-off has tripped
Air lock was created after filling the spa
Check for clogged filters; the switch should reset once the water is again flowing through the heater
Check for clogged filters and air locks in the plumbing, and disconnect power to the spa so the pump can cool; the pump should reset once it has cooled and the power is reconnected
Place the water hose down the main filter in the filter compartment, and fill the spa completely to push the air lock out
Call for spa service if the heater trips frequently
Call for spa service if the circulation pump trips frequently
Jet operation is weak or surging
Spa water level is too low
Filters are clogged
Comfort Control® lever is closed
Add water to the spa
Clean the filters
Open the Comfort Control® lever
Reach out to your dealer if you have further questions about optimal jet performance and maintenance
Light is inoperative
Spa lock is activated
Light wiring or assembly is faulty
Deactivate the spa lock
Replace the light assembly
Call for spa service if you are unsure of how to replace your light assembly
Moto-Massage® DX jet is inoperative or erratic
Comfort Control® valves are closed
Filters are clogged
Open the Comfort Control® levers
Clean the filters
Contact your dealer for more questions about jet maintenance
Blue logo “Power” indicator is blinking
The heater’s high-limit thermostat has tripped
Disconnect the power for 30 seconds to reset the heater’s high limit; check for clogged filters
Call for spa service if the thermostat continues to trip
Green logo “Ready” indicator is blinking
A problem with the temperature sensor
Disconnect the power for 30 seconds
Call for spa service if the indicator continues blinking
Control touchscreen is on but inoperable
Remote control is too far away from the spa
Communication between the control system and the remote is interrupted
Move the remote closer to the spa
Press the Jets button on the dock unit; if it’s necessary to reset the panel, press and hold the touchscreen in any blank area until it turns black
Contact your dealer to learn more about the possibilities of customizing your hot tub soak through the intuitive control panel
Control touchscreen is off and black
Power to the spa is off
Battery needs to be recharged
Battery is in Shut-Down mode
Battery is not recharging
Turn the power on
Put the remote control back in the docking tray to recharge
Press the touchscreen and wait 40 seconds
Call an electrician if your power to the spa will not turn on
Call for spa service if your battery is not recharging
Remote responds intermittently within the 30-foot range
An outside source is interfering with the signal
Change the channel on the remote by pressing the Lights button on the dock unit until the buttons flash and you see a change channel screen on the remote; press UP or DOWN to adjust the channel, and OK to set it
Reach out to your dealer with further questions about operating your control panel and remote
Touchscreen continues to read “Searching for spa” on a black screen
Remote is not paired with the control panel
Press the Jets button on the dock unit until the buttons flash; press and hold on the screen until Pairing Yes/No displays; press Yes to pair
Contact your dealer for technical support if problems with your control panel or remote continue
FIX YOUR HOT TUB’S WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
The Problem You’re Noticing
The Likely Cause(s)
Troubleshooting Solutions
Do you need to call a professional technician?
Cloudy water
Filters are dirty
Excessive buildup of oils and organic matter
Improper sanitation
Suspended particles or organic matter
Overused or old water
Clean the filters
Shock the spa water with sanitizer
Add sanitizer as your owner’s manual recommends; adjust the pH and/or the alkalinity to the recommended range
Run the jet pumps and clean the filters
Drain and refill the spa
Contact your dealer with any questions about proper water sanitation and maintenance for your spa model, or to purchase new filters as needed
Water odor
Excessive buildup of organic matter
Improper sanitation
Low pH
Shock the spa water with sanitizer
Add sanitizer in the appropriate quantity
Adjust the pH to the recommended range
Contact your dealer with any questions about proper water sanitation and maintenance of your spa model
Chlorine odor
Chloramine level is too high
Low pH
Shock the spa water with sanitizer
Adjust pH to the recommended range
Contact your dealer if you’re unsure about proper water sanitation and maintenance practices for your spa model
Musty odor
Bacteria or algae growth in the spa
Shock the spa with sanitizer; if the problem persists, drain, clean, and refill the spa
Contact your local dealer for tips on keeping this problem in check in your climate
A ring of scum around the spa
Organic buildup of oils and dirt
Wipe the scum off with a clean rag; if the layer of scum is heavy, drain the spa and use a spa surface and tile cleaner to remove the scum before refilling the spa
Contact your dealer for cleaning recommendations and tips to prevent future buildup
Algae growth
High pH
Low sanitizer level
Shock the water with sanitizer and adjust the pH to recommended levels
Shock the water with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level
Contact your dealer for advice on keeping your home spa looking like new
Scale
Water has high calcium content, and total alkalinity and pH are too high
Adjust the total alkalinity and pH. To remove the scale, drain the spa water, scrub off the scale, refill the spa, and balance the water
Contact your dealer for tips on how to prevent future scale buildup
Remember to exercise caution when attending to your hot tub’s mechanical and electrical parts. We recommend contacting an expert technician when repairs require professional attention, especially during the warranty period—you don’t want to risk voiding your warranty.
PROACTIVE HOT TUB MAINTENANCE TIPS THAT CAN SAVE YOU FROM FUTURE HEADACHES
Your Hot Spring hot tub offers incredible benefits for stress and tension relief, hydrotherapy, and personal connections. When you regularly and proactively care for your spa, it will keep giving back in valuable, healthy ways. Hot Spring spas are designed to make it easy for you to monitor water quality, clean the filters, and protect your spa from the elements. Follow these tips to keep your home spa in tip-top shape and to minimize the time and cost of repairs.
Always keep your hot tub covered when not in use to keep debris out and to more efficiently maintain water temperature.
Keep detergents and soaps out of your spa by showering with water only before getting into the hot tub.
Drain and refill the hot tub as recommended in your owner’s manual to keep your water fresh.
Use only the chemicals and cleaners your dealer recommends for your hot tub model. Pool chemicals and other products can throw off your water balance and lead to damage down the road.
Purchase authorized Hot Spring parts from your dealer to ensure that you’re outfitting your spa with quality, lasting components.
Keep your spa’s serial number on hand in case you need to reference it for more troubleshooting advice or official parts and repairs.
You don’t have to be tech savvy to solve some of the common problems that arise with regular hot tub use; just learn to be more proactive. This guide can help you get started, so you and your family can enjoy relaxing, therapeutic soaks for decades to come. For issues that require expert troubleshooting, your Hot Spring dealer is always ready to step in.
The best time to start thinking about spa maintenance and repair options is before you even purchase your hot tub. When you buy a hot tub from a reputable Hot Spring dealer, your package includes access to a wealth of expert knowledge and certified technicians who can ensure the best possible outcome when your spa experiences problems. So, plan a visit to your showroom today. You can also refer to our frequently asked questions, request a personalized price quote, or download a brochure for more details about Hot Spring spas.