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Hot Tub, Spa, Whirlpool Pump Repair Troubleshoot & Repair Spa / Hot Tub & Whirlpool Bath Pumps
POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about how to troubleshoot & fix hot tubs, whirlpool bath tubs, spas, jacuzzis
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
Here 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.
In my photo above the blue arrow is pointing to a start/run capacitor that in this system mounts atop the pump motor itself.
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.
Water Leaks into or onto any electrical component, switch, motor, are very dangerous and risk injury or death from electrical shock.
If your spa or hot tub system is modern and meets current codes all of the electrical circuits for the system should be protected by GFCI devices (ground fault circuit interrupter) and the device should trip if a current leak or short is detected. But older systems may be connected without these critical safety features.
Watch out: if your pool, spa, or hot tub is wired without GFCI protection and/or if it does not have a proper electrical ground, the system is unsafe and does not meet current building and electrical code requirements. You should ask for help and updating by a licensed electrician.
Water leaks at the wet end of the pump may show up as mineral deposits and also mean that the impeller seals are leaking and need repair or replacement, as we discuss next.
Leaks at the Hot Tub or Spa Pump Wet End
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:
Check for loose wires or connections - beware of fatal electrical shock. Turn off power if you plan to inspect, touch, or wiggle wires.
If the pump motor hums but does not start:
Check that the pump motor has not seized as described just above
Check that the pump motor has not seized: using slip joint goose-neck pliers, check that the pump drive shaft (visible between the pump motor end and the pump impeller assembly) will rotate freely. If the pump motor will not turn when you try to rotate the drive shaft, or if it is binding and difficult to turn, the pump needs to be repaired or replaced.
Check (or ask your repair technician to check) for a pump centrifugal switch stuck in the "open" position. This internal motor switch will need replacement.
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
Check the water level in the hot tub or spa. The water must be above all water inlets, including an inlet that may be at or near the top rim of the hot tub.
Check that the filter/strainer has been filled with water
Check for a loose filter/strainer cover
Check for a damaged, missing, or leaky O-ring or filter/strainer cover gasket
Check for a hot tub or spa water line valve that was left closed - all of the valves should be open
Check the water level in the hot tub or spa. The water must be above all water inlets, including an inlet that may be at or near the top rim of the hot tub.
Check that the pump is capable of developing suction by blocking off the suction line close to the pump. These steps will require (for most people) a service call.
If the pump can develop suction (a vacuum) then there may be an air leak in the suction piping elsewhere in the system
If the pump can't develop suction check the foll
check for loose bolts on the pump impeller assembly that may be leaking air into the impeller
check for low voltage
check for a clogged or damaged pump impeller
check for and replace leaky pump seals
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)
If the problem has been present since original installation check for under-sized piping
If the problem is new, that is the flow rate used to be ok,
check for a clogged filter / strainer
check for a clogged filter discharge line (notice high pressure on the filter side of the system - check that pressure gauge)
check for an air leak in the suction piping (look for unexplained air bubbles in the pump output or at the jets)
check for low voltage that may result in the pump motor running at low speed
check for a damaged or debris-clogged pump impeller
Hot Tub / Spa Pump is Noisy
If you hear a high pitched whine or scream from the pump motor, most likely one of the motor bearings is failing - the motor probably won't last much longer.
If there is rumbling in the pump or impeller assembly check for air leaks in the suction piping
Check for cavitation in the pump impeller due to restricted suction piping or discharge piping. Partly closing (throttling) the discharge line may help.
Check for loose pump mounts or motor mounts or loose hardware anywhere in the system
Check for loose debris in the pump housing or in the impeller assembly
Check for worn pump bearings (from overheating, rust, running the pump dry, age, corrosion)
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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In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
American Standard - www.americanstandard-us.com
Aqua Glass Corp. - www.aquaglass.com
Aquatic Industries - www.aquaticwhirlpools.com
Bains Oceana Baths - www.bainsoceaniabaths.com
Eljer Plumbingware - www.eljer.com
Hayward Industries: spa, hot tub, pool supplies: Website: http://www.hayward-pool.com/shop/en/pools, Hayward Pool Products, Inc., 620 Division Street, Elisabeth NJ 07207, USA, in Canada: 2880 Plymouth Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 5R4 Tel: (908) 355-7995 (U.S.) Letter: Hayward Pool Products
Attn: Technical Services
One Hayward Industrial Drive
Clemmons, NC 27102 (Hayward pool and spa products are sold locally in major cities in various countries)
Atlantis Spa and Pool
1410 Highway #2 West
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Tel: (218) 326 3933
Email: atlantiswaterworks@hotmail.com Hayward Pool Products dealer
Horizon Pool Supply, 2125 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, MN 55108 Tel: (800) 969-0454 Website: http://www.horizonpoolsupply.com/
One on One Pools & Spas, 4088 Misty Morning Dr, Hermantown, MN 55811 Tel: 218-260-8992
Online Pool Supplies via Internet:
Amazon.com
Your Pool HQ, LLC, Website: https://www.yourpoolhq.com, Tel: 877-721-2555
Pools of Fun 4281 Haines Road
Duluth MN, 55811
(218) 727-7963 Website: http://www.poolsoffunduluth.com/Home.html,
provides Hayward pool supplies & repair services. [Recommended by DF as particularly helpful and courteous. 2016/03/02]
Hot Tub & Spa Repair Service: Minnesota north shore, Duluth MN area: Northland Spa Service, 4701 Woodland Ave., Duluth MN 55803, Tel: 218-390-9257, Chuck, 218-727-7963 (Works with Pools of Fun company listed above as well as other Minnesota north shore hot tub and spa suppliers)
Special thanks to Chuck from Northland Spa Service for on-site hot tub consulting, inspection, diagnosis & repair advice, 2016/03/11.
Hot Tub Sales, Installation, Parts: Minnesota north shore,
Pools of Fun Pool & Spa Center, 4281 Haines Rd, Hermantown, MN 55811
(218) 727-7963 (You will need to provide make, model, serial number, date of manufacture of your hot tub when calling)
Pool Supplies Online Duluth GA, Toll Free: 1-866-534-9725 (USA) Fax: 1-866-534-9725 (USA) 390 N. Orange Ave. Suite 2300 Orlando, FL 32801
Hayward Star Clear Filter Manual [PDF], retrieved 2016/03/02, original source: http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manuals/StarClear.pdf , Hayward Pool Products, Inc., 620 Division Street, Elisabeth NJ 07207, USA, in Canada: 2880 Plymouth Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 5R4 (Note: this manual covers the spa / hot tub filter illustrated in the article above)
Hayward Star Clear Filter Part Explosion [PDF], retrieved 2016/03/02, original source: http://www.hayward-pool.com/images/pdf/parts-diagrams/Star-Clear.pdf (Note: this parts illustration & list covers the spa / hot tub filter illustrated in the article above)
Jenkins, Kevin, "Hot Tub Care", Leslie's Blog [web page], 17 Oct 2014, retrieved 2016/03/13, original source: http://www.lesliespool.com/blog/hot-tub-care/
Leisure Time Spa Care Guide, [PDF] op. cit. (2002) - this is an updated version of the 1984 document provided with the hot tub illustrated in the home article for this series.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680, at Mike Holt's Forum: original source: https://www.mikeholt.com/mojonewsarchive/NEC-HTML/HTML/SwimmingPoolInstallations~20021227.htm This text includes the contents of Article 680 of the U.S. NEC along with author's comments that help interpret the code.
Trouble Free Pool [pool care website], retrieved 2016/03/13, original source: http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/84-How-do-I-use-Bromine-in-my-spa-(or-pool)
Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.