Spa troubleshooting—not again! Is this your reaction to common spa problems?
Spa needs maintenance regularly, and to keep everything running smoothly you need to keep a check on your spa equipment. Unlike any other machine, your spa can also develop problems from time to time. When you are finally ready to jump to relax in your steamy hot tub; only to find that the water is ice cold. Even if it is not ice cold, maybe your jets are not working. It could be anything, but no need to stress, maybe you can try fixing it on your own. However, to fix the issue you must know about the issue. If you are also done with your spa wanting repair; this guide is for you. In this article, we will explore some of the common spa issues and identify and resolve spa glitches.
Common Spa Problems:
Addressing spa concerns is not the deal, the point is here to learn about the common spa problems and get them fixed either by a professional or DIY. Let’s explore some of the most common spa problem solutions.
GFCI Tripping:
A spa includes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that is supposed to protect you against any electrical shocks that may cause electrocuting. The GFCI will turn the power off to your hot tub if it determines that it is not safe for the electrical path through which the current flows. The GFCI is sensitive, even minute issues can trigger the breaker to trip.
If your GFCI is tripping, possibly because of a pump, ozonate, or blower. You need to find out the root cause and start troubleshooting the spa malfunctions.
To find out the main cause, first, unplug the first component after another before turning on the breaker, otherwise, you will be at risk of electric shock. The first and most basic thing to remember is safety comes first. Identifying and resolving spa glitches is no big deal, but the deal is to take care of the technicalities. If you are unable to deal with it–better to call a professional.
Poor Water Chemistry Maintenance:
A lot of people, despite having space at home, do not get a spa because they are unable to understand water chemistry. Not to mention, this is the most frequent issue people face with their hot tubs and spas. Resolving spa operational issues at times feels like a task, but at times it is the easiest issue to fix.
Maintenance is the key, and to maintain your spa’s healthy water supply is important therefore, as a user you must keep an eye on algae mold, and bacteria. The water testing step should be skipped as it ensures that your spa is clean, safe, and healthy. The quickest and easiest way is to use test strips as it is the most accurate way to determine the pH and alkalinity levels. To increase the longevity of your tub, shower without soap; and change the spa water every 4-6 months depending upon the usage.
Spa Heating Issues:
Having a spa in the comfort of your home is indeed a blessing, no need to get out of your home to relax, you can do the same at your humble abode. But what if the spa is not heating properly? Can this be a sign of heater failure?
Spa troubleshooting makes you a repairman because you are into the technicalities of the equipment. You are reading about the spa repair techniques which confuses you even more. If your spa is not heating, read below for the possible actions to take.
- Check the water level, check also for blockages in the circulation system, and clean filters. If not, troubleshoot for heater failure such as damage to the filter and thermostat. Turn the breaker on and off, or restart your heater.
- Inspect the filters and air locks in the plumbing, and unplug power to allow cooling of the pump first.
- Pour the water hose into it and fill up that spa entirely because an airlock had been formed after filling in the spa.
Tip: Request a spa service if the heater or circulation pump trips often.
Poor Water Circulation:
Poor water circulation is one of the most exhausting issues that happens frequently if not given proper attention. Spa troubleshooting is not just about repairing one thing because at times there are multiple things that need attention. If your spa pumps are not working properly, you should check the optimum flow and power. It should be around one hour per 10 degrees of temperature.
In addition to this, water circulation is also affected by the cleanliness of the water. The cleaner the spa, the better the circulation. Clean water prevents clogging of the lines and also keeps the filter clean. Spa troubleshooting demands to check the interconnecting issues; as water circulation is also connected to water chemistry problems. The pH imbalance can lead to corrosion on the pump which can disturb the water circulation.
Clogged Filters:
Clogged filters are one of the most common spa diagnosis issues, and it happen because of dirt, grime, and blockage. To keep the water circulation up to the mark, the filters must be cleaned now and then depending upon the usage. The clogged filter can cause water chemistry issues, water circulation issues; and ultimately damage the cover of your spa. Not to mention, the clogged filters may also generate errors on your control panel.
Well, the easiest way to get rid of the situation is to clean your filter. If the situation persists, it is better to replace the filters. All the chemicals and grime must be rinsed properly. You can even soak your filters in a solution of water and vinegar to get rid of the blockages.
The effectiveness of the Jets:
Spa troubleshooting is the best way to get the most out of your tub. If your spa jets are not working properly, it can ruin your entire experience. Below are some things that I can do to find a solution.
- Turn on and off your jet and force the air out of it. You can also try loosening the fitting at the top.
- Make sure that your jets are turned on
- Check for any accumulation of dirt, hair, debris, etc.
- Check the lines for blockage
Control Panels:
The control panel error code is indeed one of the most frustrating spa issues. Each spa and hot tub has a different manual, it is better to refer to manuals for settings and code. You can also browse through the online resources and download the e-manual. If you are unable to solve this issue, it is better to contact a professional.
Why Are the Alkalinity and pH of Spa Water Important?
To get the balance and optimum spa water chemistry balance, managing pH and alkalinity levels is extremely important. Not to mention, it also ensures clean and healthy water; keeps the users safe and at the same time maintains the cloudiness and scale deposits. If your spa water pH scale is lower than 7; it is considered acidic and it is the time to manage the pH of your water. The neutral water range is 7 and one must try to manage the chemistry on 7.
Troubleshooting hot tub problems should be the priority of a user, as not doing so can damage your spa equipment. Nonetheless, hazy spa water is a result of high pH, so try to use a pH eliminator to decrease the level of pH. Spa troubleshooting is a bit frustrating at times, if you are using a pH increase it might increase your alkalinity as well. You need to adjust both at the same time.
Tip: If your pH and alkalinity levels are low, you can increase both by adding an alkalinity increase.
Detecting spa equipment issues means that you are concerned about the longevity of your equipment as low pH and alkalinity can potentially harm your spa scaling. Low pH can cause the heater to corrode making the heater inefficient.
How to clean the Spa Plumbing?
Spa plumbing is not regular cleaning, it requires a special cleaning product that prevents water contamination and also ensures that the nozzles are offering the best flow. There are specially designed products such as pipe cleaners that are used to clean the mold, and biofilm from your plumbing.
To clean the spa pipes, remove the filters, check the nozzles, and pour spa cleaner into the filter compartment. The cleaner will clean the biofilm, and once that’s done just flush the pipes and run the jets for over 30 minutes.
Recap:
Spa troubleshooting is important for the efficient use of the spa. Above are some of the most common spa issues and how you can fix them. If your spa is not working properly, better to check the plumbing lines and filters. Most importantly, check your water chemistry to ensure that you are following a neutral pH and alkaline levels. Lastly, if you are unable to troubleshoot on your own, it is better to connect with a professional.
FAQ’s:
What is spa troubleshooting?
Spa troubleshooting is about analyzing the factors that can affect the working of your spa. It is not necessary to contact a professional every time, there are certain issues of the spa that you can fix on your own.
What is water chemistry?
Water chemistry is about managing the levels of pH and alkalinity. It is quite important to keep them on a level as it can damage your spa equipment. Better to use the strips to check the pH of the water.
How can I clean my jets?
Turn on and off your jets to check if there is an accumulation of dirt and debris. Next is to check the lines of blockages. Lastly, let the air escape by loosening the top fitting of the jet.
