Hot tub & spa or whirlpool bath troubleshooting & repair guide.

This article series describes the use, operation, maintenance as well as common problems, troubleshooting, & repair suggestions for hot tubs, spas, and whirlpool baths.

We discuss hot tub leaks, broken hot tub or spa jets, hot tub or spa water temperature & heater repair, hot tub or spa pump diagnosis & repair, hot tub or spa filter maintenance, cleaning & repair, noisy air pumps at hot tubs, noisy water pumps at the hot tub or spa, and other hot tub, spa or whirlpool bath diagnosis & repair topics.

Spa / Hot Tub Troubleshooting & Leak Repairs

This article describes the diagnosis & repair of common hot tub or spa problems at the blower unit, the spa or hot tub filter, including filter leaks, spa or hot tub heater repairs, hot tub or spa jet repairs, hot tub and spa motor or wet end troubleshooting & repair or replacement, and fixing other leaks at a hot tub or spa.

Leaks at the Jetted Tub Filter Cap

Our photo shows a common leak point at jetted tubs and one that's usually easy to fix: a worn or cracked gasket at the cover of the tub's filter canister, or a canister top that has not been adequately-tightened.

[Click to enlarge any image]

My index finger points to a place to feel for water leaking around the filter cap gasket. If you see water below or around the tub filter check here first.

First try hand tightening the top fastening knob (red arrow).

Sometimes the knob was not adequately tightened or vibration may have caused it to loosen.

Next check the bleeder screw on the cap to be sure that's closed. (Green arrow).

If the leak persists, turn off power, drain water pressure from the tub, and remove the cap to inspect the cap gasket.

Spa Blower Assembly: the air pump

Above: the air inlet and blower controls of an older jetted tub installed in Two Harbors MN.

Air is delivered to hot tubs or whirlpool baths in one or sometimes two methods:

1. Air inlet to jets: Air enters the water jets by manually opening an air inlet valve, usually a plastic turn-screw on the tub edge.
   
   The yellow arrow marks the tub rim air inlet valve to admit air into the water jet system.
   
   No separate motor is needed for this feature; by opening an air inlet on the water suction piping, air is drawn into the water jet piping system for the jets powered by the circulating pump.

2. Air blower motor: Air is forced through separate piping and up through small openings in the tub bottom, seats, or sides by a separate blower or air pump - discussed here.
   
   This feature, found on hot tubs and some other spas may be absent from a simpler whirlpool bath or jetted tub. You can see the pneumatic tub-rim blower on / off button at the white arrow on the right side our photo above.

Below at left in the photo taken from underneath the tub rim we see the plastic tube that connects the pneumatic switch on the tub side to the electrical control that in turn will switch on the blower motor.

The right-hand switch and plastic tube controls the speed of the water circulating pump.

Above we see these two plastic tubes at their connection to the electrical controls below the tub.

The tube from the tub rim blower switch connects to the blower switch relay on the electrical control box below the tub while the pump switch, as we noted, will control the water circulating pump speed.

Check the hot tub controls' pneumatic tubing: If your whirlpool or spa has a blower unit an it's not turning on, check below the tub, following the plastic tubing, to be sure that it is connected at both ends and that it has not been crimped, cut, or perforated.

Replace a bad blower control switch:

Next (below) we show the two pneumatically-operated electrical switches inside the control box shown just above.

In effect, the user is pushing a button that compresses air in the switch and tubing system that in turn operates an electrical switch inside the control box.

This safety feature avoids having people floating about in a hot tub having to touch an electrical switch directly - touching an electrical control directly while wet or in a tub is likely to kill you.

The blower switch and pump switch mounted in this spa /hot tub control are pneumatic devices that can fail and may need replacement. Below is a close-up of one of these that has been removed from the controller.

This pneumatic switch, model TBS212 is produced by Tridelaga Industries, Mentor OH 44060.

Check the air blower motor assembly: Below we see the actual blower unit for this hot tub/spa.

You can ignore that spare filter atop the blower. It was so dirty that we threw it away.

This blower was so noisy we left it off. Further investigation and repair are in order.

The blower unit shown is a Santanna Conger Brothers unit.

• Santanna Conger Brothers, 13892 Enterprise Drive, Garden Grove CA 92643, USA.

Watch out: notice that open electrical box with two yellow twist-on wire connectors?

Touching these, especially while you're wet and standing on a wet floor, is asking for death by electrocution. We need to install a cover on this electrical box.

Spa / Hot Tub Filter Leak Repair - Using Epoxy to Repair Leaks at the Spa Filter Top

We moved this discussion to a new page. Please

see SPA / HOT TUB FILTER LEAK REPAIR

Separately at SPA / HOT TUB FILTER REPLACEMENT you can see details of installing this new filter cover and checking the new installation for leaks.

Watch out: when ordering hot tub or spa parts such as the filter canister cover be sure that you also order the necessary o-rings, seals, gaskets.

Typically the filter cover is sold bare without the needed seals.

Spa / Whirlpool Tub Heater Repairs

If your hot tub or spa heater is not heating properly see details

at SPA / HOT TUB HEATER REPAIR

The Heat Wave II hot tub / spa heater shown above was produced by Hot Water Products, 5542 Research Drive, Huntington Beach CA 92649, USA, Tel: 714-891-5509

Spa / Hot Tub Jet Repairs

Reader Question: how to fix a clogged spa or whirlpool bath jet

2016/02/29 Terry said:

Spa bath has no flow from one of 10 jets?

This question was posted originally

at SPAS WHIRLPOOLS SOAKING & JETTED TUBS

Reply:

When only one jet is misbehaving and the other 9 are working, we can eliminate a worry about the pump, timer, or controls.

First and most important: check for a disconnected and leaky tube feeding the non-performing jet. Remove the tub access panel and with power to the tub OFF to avoid shock risk, look with care for signs of water or flooding under and around the unit.

While looking under the tub from its access side, I'd inspect for a clogged or crimped tube to that jet.

Next, as on some spas the jet assembly can be removed from the tub side, see if you can disassemble and clean it, looking for a blockage.

Armed with the brand and tub model, if you don't have the owners' manual, download one from the manufacturer. Most spa manuals include a troubleshooting guide at the end of the document. There may be specific clogged jet advice from your manufacturer.

Also check:

1. The filter unit: see if air needs to be bled from the filter. Typically there is an air bleeder screw or valve that can be opened at the top of the filter unit.

2. If there are more than one intake port in the tub be sure the water intake is not clogged with hair and debris.

Spa / Hot Tub Pump Repairs

This topic has been moved to SPA / HOT TUB PUMP REPAIR

Find & Fix Other Leaks at the Hot Tub

Leak points at a spa, hot tub or jetted are described separately at SPA / HOT TUB LEAKS

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2022-04-19 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - failing or seized or shorting motor itself can blow the capacitor and trip the circuit breaker

@Ken,

Yes, a failing or seized or shorting motor itself can blow the capacitor and trip the circuit breaker.

On 2022-04-18 by Ken

I have an American standard jet tub model 6060, it came with the home I just purchased, as is, it trips the breaker, upon inspection I found the start capacitor was blown out at the bottom, it was around a 30 microfarad

I could only get a 50 the day I looked for it, I replaced it and filled the tub, it worked about three minutes and tripped the breaker, I smelled an electrical smell and heard water dripping in the back under the seat area, I’m not sure if it has blown the capacitor again, if so are there any common problems that cause this?

On 2022-04-07 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - common reasons and cures for faulty whirlpool jets

@Karen,

The most common causes of trouble when some whirlpool spa tub jet work normally while others are weak or off completely

are

1. Someone has closed the jet control or the individual jet control is broken

2. The jet itself is clogged with hair, sludge, debris. Just how jets can be cleaned, perhaps requiring some dis-assembly, is brand and model dependent.

In addition to manual dis-assembly and cleaning of the clogged jets,some sources suggest filling the tub to several inches above the highest jets, then running the pump for an hour - but I’m doubtful that this will accomplish anything if your jets are totally blocked.

3. A crimped or clogged tubing line between the pump and the jets.

Here are the details for cleaning the two bad jets - fro the manufacturer of your American Whirlpool tub:

CLEANING JETS

To REMOVE the jet insert, use the palm of your hand to exert pressure on the face of the jet. Turn counterclockwise until the jet ‘clicks’. Gently pull the jet assembly from the housing.

To REMOVE the smaller adjustable jet insert, wear latex or rubber gloves. Turn counterclockwise until you reach the stopping point. Exert more pressure to turn past the
stopping point and as the jet ‘clicks’ pull the insert toward the center of the spa. Gently pull the jet insert from the housing.

To CLEAN the jet insert and housing, use a pressurized hose and spray the inside of the jet. Soak the jet in a diluted spa cleaning solution, rinse. Wipe the inside of the housing to remove any debris.

To REINSTALL the jet, line up the tab on the backside of the barrel with the groove in the body. Use the palm of your hand to gently tap the jet until it snaps into position.

Source: AMERICAN WHIRLPOOL OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] (2021) MAAX Spas Industries Corp.. Customer Service 25605 South Arizona Avenue Chandler, Arizona 85248 www.maaxspas.com retrieved 2022/04/07 original source: https://americanwhirlpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2021-American-Whirlpool-Owners-Manual.pdf

Or see these instructions that IMO have better-illustrated instructions and that may pertain to older models:

AMERICAN WHIRLPOOL OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] (2017) Op. Cit.

On 2022-04-07 by Karen

Bathroom American whirl pool Saint Croix all jets work except top two of the back any idea of possible cause?

On 2022-04-01 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Anonymous,

We need a bit of initial diagnosis: is the problem that you can't open the drain plug, or is the drain line clogged?

CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR

On 2022-04-01 by Anonymous

the tub will not drain

On 2022-02-28 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - water temperature doesn't match the set temperature in whirlpool bath tub

@Michael,

Look for

- un- insulated hot water pipes in a cold area

- a separate water heater for the spa

- an anti scald valve needing adjustment

On 2022-02-28 by Michael

We have a whirlpool bath tub. I have the water heater set to 120 degrees. The hot water in the sink next to the tub flows at 117 degrees. The tub won't ever get above 95 degrees. ???

On 2021-08-05 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Jamie,

A simple web search for "San Diego California Jacuzzi service company"

finds what we show below.

But depending on the kind of heater your Jacuzzi is using (electric, gas, solar, oil) you might need a heating service technician or an electrician.

On 2021-08-05 by Jamie

We are looking for an in pool Jacuzzi technician in the San Diego California area who could check our heating unit and help us turn it on again. It is an older model and hasn’t been turned on for a while. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

On 2021-05-21 by danjoefriedman (mod)

@Robert Huff,

Sure

On 2021-05-20 by Robert Huff

My hot tub just quit coming on - 220 electrical is ok- could it be the electrical control panel?

On 2021-05-13 by danjoefriedman (mod) - check valve may be cause of jetted tub water leak

@Kathy Frey,

Because the exact details of how controls work on your spa or hot tub very by brand and model it would be helpful to have that information and then to examine the control specifics in the installation and owners manual.

Therefore I can only offer a general suggestion that the way the air control works is essentially a mixing valve LOL some are to enter the water being pumped through the Jets on your system. Some systems use a check valve to prevent water backflow when the pump and the air pump are stopped.

So it may be that you have a defective check valve.

On 2021-05-13 by Kathy Frey

I have a jetted tub and when I turn the jets off there is a water leak that seems to be coming from the air flow control on one side of the tub. It doesn't leak until I turn off the jets then water spews out the pipe where the air control button is located.

If I close that air flow valve, the water doesn't leak out. I cant seem to find any answers through my internet searches so I am hoping you can help. Thank you

On 2021-04-22 by (mod) - where to buy replacement air switch for controlling spa or hot tub pump

@Richard W Ainsley,

Sure. There are dozens of air control switch replacement parts sold on the after-market parts for spas and hot tubs.

If you can't buy the exact part from your Espree 536 manufacturer, you can probably find one of the right dimensions from an online vendor.

The example I show below is from https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/

If you don't have it grab a copy of the IO manual for your Espree 536 - I think this Jacuzzi Cetra 536 manual is the same or very similar device

JACUZZI Cetra 536 WHIRLPOOL BATH MANUAL [PDF] https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Espree-536-Spa-Manual.pdf that you're welcome to download

or contact Jaccuzzi directly at Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, 14880 Monte Vista Avenue,Chino, CA 91710 USA Website: www.jacuzzi.com

On 2021-04-22 00: by Richard W Ainsley

My Espree 536 (pump probably HB21000). The plastic fitting that connects the air hose to the on-off button became brittle and broke (and it leaked then broke off). Is it possible to repair it without purchasing a new pump? Can the air switch be purchased separately?

On 2021-03-25 - by (mod) -

@Mark, the most common cause of a dead or blank display screen is loss of power to the screen. If you have power to the control board of could be that a cable is damaged or cable connection is damaged or loose.

On 2021-03-25 by Mark

My control panel touch screen is not working on my Ariel whirlpool. I can't turn it on. What's wrong? There is power to the circuit board from the gfci.

On 2021-03-09 - by (mod) -

@Joyce,

First, locate the emergency or service switch so that you can turn off the Jacuzzi immediately - for safety; that may be in the room where the Jacuzzi is located, or inside an access panel giving view of the motor and pump etc., - or if you can't find that switch, turn off the circuit in the electrical panel

Next look at the air-button and tubing that control the on-off switch and replace any damaged, kinked, leaky components
or
you may need to replace a motor control relay

On 2021-03-09 by Joyce

How to repair in home jacuzzi when it will not turn off?

On 2021-03-08 - by (mod) -

@MIKE WARD, Yes, the air switch may need replacement or you will want to replace a bad pump motor relay.

On 2021-03-07 by MIKE WARD

jacuzzi whirlpool on/off switch - depressing the switch starts the motor but it won't stay on - releasing the button and the motor stops Could it be the bellow or the switch ?

On 2021-02-27 by Dorothy

I am searching for an exact or very similar part that matches this! I have found several that look like it could be it, but are for refrigerators and such.

It's commonly called a double water inlet valve or double solenoid. I believe it controls the air flow. It has 4 wires that connect and then plug into the button on the tub. Thank you!

...

On 2020-12-14 by Donnie

I have a leak from the backside of the air control knob. I checked from underneath and it is dripping from there. There is a plastic tube that is connected to the suction on the bottom portion of the tub and runs up to the air control knob, it is tied with a zip tie, but the plastic tube continues on past the knob and is not connected to anything.

Should the other end of this plastic tube be connected to the backside of the air control knob? I am unable to reach this from underneath and wondering if I need to chisel away some concrete so I can cut into the floor to allow for more room to reach.

On 2020-12-0 by (mod) - Jacuzzi whirlpool jetted tub that will only stay on while the on/off button is depressed

I hope that works too. Please keep me posted.

On 2020-12-07 by Anonymous

I’ve replaced the air hose and was still having the same issue. I’ll replace the relay next and hope that fixes the problem. Thanks!

On 2020-12-03 - by (mod) -

Tom

I would look for a leaky or crimped air tube between the button and the actual electrical switch; if you're certain there's no problem with the actual tub button itself nor its tubing then I'd replace the electrical relay switch.

On 2020-12-02 by Tom

I have a jacuzzi whirlpool jetted tub that will only stay on while the on/off button is depressed. But once released jetts turn off. Help!!!

On 2020-09-18 by Foster

Hi I’ve fitted a new pump to my hot tub and it isn’t running, all other functions pumps are operating ok but this is the main pump, any ideas?

On 2020-08-17 by Anonymous

I have a bath tub with jets with right side water drain with small acess panel on left side on front of tub. My tub is only six years old and it appears that one of the jets is leaking. Could the jets be clogged and need replacing? I was told the tub has to be taken out and replaced with a new tub.

The leaking has damaged the ceiling below the tub. Can the tub be taken out and fixed and put back? Can you recommend someone to fix problem. I am in Chicago south side area.

On 2020-08-03 by Carl

Our spa tub will not shut off with the small pushbutton at the back of the tub. It has a telephone style jack that plugs into the small switch.

If I unplug the cable from the switch the tub keeps running. Is this normal? I found a replacement switch but it's quite expensive and I want to make sure it's not the motor control that's defective.

On 2020-07-11 - by (mod) -

Rolf

What's not shutting off: water into the tub or the pump.

If the pump, find the main breaker powering the pump system for your spa or hot tub and turn that off and leave it off pending repair, as the system is unsafe.

If the water supply, you'll want to find a local water shutoff under or near the tub itself or you'll have to shut off your building's water supply and get repair help from a plumber, replacing a bad shutoff valve at the tub.

On 2020-07-11 by rolfex2@yahoo.com

I can turn the tub on but it will not shut off

On 2020-06-07 - by (mod) - Is it ok to run the spa or hot tub motor without water?

Kris

Thank you for asking a helpful question: is it OK to let the spa or hot tub or whirlpool bath pump run dry?

Answer: No. You should avoid any prolonged running of the spa or hot tub motor for more than a couple of minutes or you risk permanent damage to the pump bearings or impeller assembly or motor.

I don't know your specific spa motor brand and model but at least some pumps will be damaged if run dry for any length of time.

However a spa pump is usually designed so as not to be damaged by temporary dry running such as might occur for example during pump priming or if the pump is air-bound or air-locked, a common problem with spa systems.

Here is an example warning about avoiding damage to the spa pump by dry-running, excerpted from the

2019 Legacy WHIRLPOOL SPA OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] available here, original source: Master Spas 6927 Lincoln Parkway, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Tel: 800.860.7727 Email: CustomerService@MasterSpas.com retrieved 2020/06/06 original source: legacywhirlpool.com/documents/owner-manuals/2019-legacy-whirlpool-owners-manual.pdf

Watch out: IMPORTANT: A pump should not be allowed to run continuously without priming for more than 2 minutes.

Under NO circumstances should a pump be allowed to run without priming beyond the end of the 4-5 minute priming mode

Doing so may cause damage to the pump and cause the system to energize the heater and go into an overheat condition.

On 2020-06-06 by Kris

Is it ok to run the motor without water

On 2020-05-27 - by (mod) -

Chris

If the circuit breaker for a dedicated whirlpool tub trips before you even turn on the unit, I suspect a wiring error and a short circuit.

Watch out: leave the circuit off to avoid a fire or shock hazard, and ask your electrician to sort out the snafu.

On 2020-05-27 by chris

I purchased a Ariel whirlpool tub last year and hired an electrician to provide 240 volt service to my bathroom. After plugging the unit in I noticed the breaker automatically trips off even before the tub can be powered on. Do you have an idea of what may be causing this issue ?

On 2020-05-10 - by (mod) -

Check first for a leaky or blocked air tube.

On 2020-05-09 by Rocky

Power good to Jacuzzi. Buttons do nothing.

On 2020-03-24 - by (mod) - can you test a tub motor without water in the tub?

Hal

You can remove the motor from the pump assembly and test it on an electrical test bench to confirm that the motor works normally; that won't test the pump component - for which water is needed.

On 2020-03-23 by halmitch

can you test a tub motor without water in the tub?

On 2020-03-08 - by (mod) - Water draining away through the whirlpool jets

Anon

A good place to start would be to open the access panel beneath your tub and inspect in there with a good flashlight to see if there is a leak that you can fix by replacing a gasket or jet part.

On 2020-03-07 by Anonymous

Water draining away through the whirlpool jets

On 2020-01-21 - by (mod) - bad water level sensor in the whirlpool tub.

Hi Dave,

Indeed this sounds like a bad water level sensor in the tub.

Remove the access panels to look inside. If you can see the sensor from that interior view, check to see if a simple plastic air tube connects the sensor to a control board or panel or switch. If so check that the tube is not kinked, damaged, or clogged - or just replace it.

If that doesn't fix the problem then either the sensor at the tub or the control to which the sensor tubing connects needs replacement.

On 2020-01-21 by Dave

I have an older AquaGlass jacuzzi bath tub. There is a low water level message displayed on the touch pad and my tub won't turn on.
I soaked the tub with 4 gallons of vinegar in the tub filled with water but the tub still won't turn on.

Is there anything else that I can do to fix a low water level on the display? I know the parts are discontinued. Can anyone recommend a plumber in
Northern NJ that worked on Aqua Glass that knows how to fix this problem?

On 2019-12-20 by Anonymous

water comiming out the air in take

On 2019-11-26 - by (mod) -

Look for a loose motor mount first.

On 2019-11-26 by Tracye

Our Jacuzzi whirlpool tub sounds like a washing machine out of balance when we are filling it with water. Does anyone know if this is a tub problem or water pipe problem?

On 2019-11-25 - by (mod) -

Dawn that sounds like biological contamination, perhaps an algae or fungal growth. Your spa piping and jets need to be cleaned and sanitized.

On 2019-11-24 by Dawn

Brown spongie particles emitting from the jets

On 2018-11-20 - by (mod) - MTI whirlpool tub cleaning system & repairs

Pine

I'm reluctant to recommend gobbing on a sealant before understanding exactly what's wrong.

I'd give MTI a call directly.

MTI Baths, Inc.
670 North Price Road
Sugar Hill, GA 30518 USA
Tel: (800) 783-8827
Website: https://mtibaths.com

On 2018-11-20 by Pine Grove Park BnB

We have an MTI brand whirlpool bathtub that leaks out the air inlet valve which is normally suppose to be loose. When it is tightened, water leaks under the tub housing at the top of the air inlet fitting.

When I fill the tub and run the jets, water also wants to spill out of the air inlet and the pump also is making loud and erratic sounds. Can anyone help me diagnose this?

...

Continue reading  at HOT TUB SPA WHIRLPOOL OPERATION & REPAIR - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see SPA HOT TUB WHIRLPOOL REPAIR FAQs - questions & answers posted originally on this page.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• HOT TUB SPA WHIRLPOOL OPERATION & REPAIR
• SPA CONTROLS & SWITCHES
• SPA / HOT TUB BLOWER UNIT
• SPA / HOT TUB FILTER CLEANING
• SPA / HOT TUB FILTER LEAK REPAIR
• SPA / HOT TUB FILTER REPLACEMENT
• SPA / HOT TUB HEATER REPAIR
• SPA, HOT TUB, SWIMMING POOL INSPECTION & CODES
• SPAS, WHIRLPOOLS, INSTALLATION
• SPA / HOT TUB JET CLOG REPAIR
• SPA / HOT TUB LEAKS
• SPA / HOT TUB & POOL OZONE
• SPA / HOT TUB PUMP OPERATION
• SPA / HOT TUB PUMP REPAIR
• SPA JETTED TUBS NOISE
• SPA HOT TUB WHIRLPOOL REPAIRS
• SPA / HOT TUB CHEMICALS & CHLORINATION
• SPA / HOT TUB DRAIN / WINTERIZING PROCEDURE
• SPA / HOT TUB / POOL MANUALS, PARTS, REPAIR, SUPPLIES

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