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Signs of leak at a hot tub or spa pump impeller assembly (C) Daniel FriedmanHot Tub, Spa, Whirlpool Pump Repair
Troubleshoot & Repair Spa / Hot Tub & Whirlpool Bath Pumps

Hot tub & spa or whirlpool bath circulating pump troubleshooting & repair:

This article describes the diagnosis & repair of common hot tub or spa pump problems including leaks or noises or failure to start or weak pumping at the hot tub or spa motor or wet end.

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

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Spa / Hot Tub Pump Repairs

Hot tub / spa pump assembly (C) Daniel FriedmanHere 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.

Hot tub or spa pumps are normally sized and piped to permit a complete water turnover rate of about 1/2 hour for the tub's water.

 

[Click to enlarge any image]

In hot tub or spa lingo, the pump assembly consists of two principal parts: the pump motor (red arrow in photo below) and the "wet end" or what I prefer to call the impeller assembly (to the left of the green arrow in the photo below

The pump motor drive shaft is connected through an air space (vertical green arrow) to the separate wet end wherein it drives the impeller to actually move water through the spa or hot tub piping system.

This spa or hot tub pump type is typically referred to as an "insulated wet-end pump".

This physical separation of pump motor from wet end reduces but does not completely eliminate the chance of water entering the pump motor bearings or motor where water will cause quick pump failure if it doesn't first short circuit and blow the circuit beaker or fuse.

Spa or hot tub pump motor (C) Daniel Friedman

In my photo above the blue arrow is pointing to a start/run capacitor that in this system mounts atop the pump motor itself.

See HOW a STARTING CAPACITOR WORKS if the motor shaft is not frozen but the motor hums without starting.

Spa / Hot Tub Pump Leaks

Depending on where the leak is originating and where water has gone, the system may have short remaining life or it may be unsafe to use at all.

Leaks at the Hot Tub or Spa Pump Wet End

Signs of leak at a hot tub or spa pump impeller assembly (C) Daniel Friedman

Above: the white salt deposits around the pump wet end or impeller assembly indicate a history of leaks at this spa pump. It's likely that the impeller or pump seals need replacement.

This is a Hayward Power Flow II two-speed self-priming centrifugal pump, model S48K2A10 Serial No. 7F85 operating at 1/8 - 3/4 hp. A replacement impeller for this pump is Hayward P/N SP 1775-2. But I think the pump impeller assembly needs new seals or bearings, given the leakage we see in the photo below.

The seals in this hot tub / spa pump can be replaced in 12 steps by following instructions in the Hayward operating and use manual for this pump.

Spa or Hot Tub Motor Won't Start

If the pump motor will not start after you've turned on the toggle switch that sends power to the pump (SPA / HOT TUB PUMP OPERATION), check that you've pressed the white pneumatic pump control button on the tub rim. Start the pump in high speed.

If the pump won't start and is silent:

If the pump motor hums but does not start:

Spa / Hot Tub Pump Runs But Does Not Pump Water

If the pump runs but will not prime - the motor spins but water is not exiting the tub jets

Hot Tub or Spa Pump Runs but Water Flow is Weak - poor pump pressure diagnosis

If the pump runs but the water flow rate is low (possibly showing up as heater won't stay on)

Hot Tub / Spa Pump is Noisy

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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2020-09-18 by (mod) - the hot tub display panel will not switch on

If you have power to the display panel and the panel won't switch on then I suspect either a wiring error or a damaged panel. Let's ID the brand and model so that we can see the troubleshooting guide from the manufacturer

On 2020-09-18 by Bromz

Hi, after fitting a new pump I have lost power, the display panel will not switch on. It did turn on but when I selected the pump 3 option on the display panel to test the pump everything switched off? I have checked the wiring and trip switch and all ok???

On 2020-04-20 by Pat

I purchased a home 5 months ago that has a Kohler jacuzzi tub in the main bathroom. I have filled the tub ran the jets 34 times.i have used every possible product to clean the jets & lines but i am still getting black particles & hair in the tub when I shut off the jets & the water settles. What could be wrong??? How do I remedy?

On 2019-07-24 - by (mod) -

Pam

I'm guessing you're looking for a replacement nozzle for your jetted tub. Best bet: contact the manufacturer of your specific tub to find an OEM replacement that will fit and match exactly.

Alternative: take one of the existing nozzles to your local plumbing supplier to find a generic replacement that will most-likely work as well.

On 2019-07-23 by PAM CLARK

Master Bathroom Spa Tub/Surround: Fiberglass Jetted tub / Tile ‐ Missing direction nozzle on one of the jets in the tub.

On 2019-06-13 by (mod) - How do you fix a jammed motor

You might get the motor running with anew start-run capacitor, or disassemble, free up, lube the motor but its going to fail again.

I suspect you're going to have to replace the motor soon.

On 2019-06-13 by Ron sands

How do you fix a jammed motor it hasn't been used for about 6 months and now just buzzer when turned on thanks

On 2018-12-12 - by (mod) -

I don't have a for-sure diagnosis but I would be looking for crimped tube. I'm assuming that the Jets are not models that allow you to close them completely.

On 2018-12-12 by Mike

Motor and pump run, all dishchard outlets ok, but one has no dishchard at all in rear of bathtub seems blocked no leakage under tub, can u give idea?

On 2017-06-12 - by (mod) -

Sean

Take a look at the tub from inside or below - by removing its access panels, and check with care around the air inlet valve for a deteriorated or broken mounting gasket.

While you are there, also take a look inside the air supply tubing itself to see if water is leaking into the air pump system.

You are welcome to use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send me photos of the situation from above and from under the tub - perhaps I can comment further.

On 2017-06-12 by Sean

I currently have a leak on my spa system.The leak is coming from the air inlet control valve when I turn the machine off.

This only happens when using the air cycle and on turning off a small amount (cup) is coming out of the air inlet.When using just the water jets cycle its fine on turn off.


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