What should you do if your hot tub isn’t running as it should?
It could simply need a little bit of attention, be it replacing the water or cleaning your spa’s filter. If you always follow a set routine for chemical treatments and other hot tub maintenance, however, it’s likely the problem will require professional service.
Once you’ve ruled out minor issues that you can handle yourself, it’s time to call a reputable company offering hot tub repairs. It’s vital that you not try to fix serious problems yourself. Doing so could not only damage your spa, but also risk voiding your warranty.
If you’re wondering the best ways to determine if your spa needs professional service or repair, our comprehensive list below will walk you through the most common warning signs.
1. SMELLY WATER
If the water in your hot tub has an unpleasant odor despite routine hot tub maintenance, such as chemical treatments and regular cleanings, that’s a sign that something could seriously be wrong.
The most common cause of putrid water is a lack of circulation. Poor circulation can be caused by the spa’s drains, filter, or pump being clogged.
When this type of problem occurs, a professional hot tub repair is needed.
2. MURKY WATER
If the water in your tub is cloudy or foamy, don’t use your spa until you’ve treated the water. The water in your tub should always be clear and clean, even when you’re running the jets. If it’s not, it could mean the water needs to be treated with water care products.
If the water in your tub will not clear, no matter how much shock you use, that’s a good indicator your hot tub needs some extra attention. Start by draining the water, give your spa a good cleaning, and your filter a thorough rinse.
If this doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to call in the experts for an assessment.
3. ALGAE
Sunlight encourages algae growth in moist places, so if you have an outdoor hot tub without a cover, you could soon have a slippery situation on your hands.
The best way to prevent algae from forming in your spa is to keep it covered when it’s not in use and follow a weekly schedule to keep your water balanced and sanitized.
Without a strict maintenance schedule to keep the water’s pH levels even, algae can appear on the walls of a covered spa.
If you religiously balance and shock your water but are still having an algae problem, it likely means you’re using the wrong configuration of chemicals. The best way to fix the problem is to take a sample of your spa’s water to your local hot tub expert for an assessment.
After testing it, he or she will be able to tell you the best chemical balance for your water.
4. MOLD OR MILDEW
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that can appear either as a floating white slime on the top of your spa’s water or as white or black patches on the walls of your tub.
Mildew is often easily dealt with, while the mold is a much more serious problem. If you have mildew in your spa, drain the water and wipe the walls clean with a hot tub cleaner.
Mold, however, can grow in your spa’s filter, jets, or plumbing, as well as on the shell or hot tub cover. If you suspect you have mold in your tub, it’s time to call in an expert to determine how pervasive the problem is.
If mold has taken up residence in your jets or plumbing, the clean-up should be handled by a professional.
5. LEAKS
If you notice water laying around your spa, or the level of the water appears low, your hot tub has a leak. Leaks can be caused by a crack or hole in the tub itself or in the plumbing. Either way, this is not an issue to try to tackle on your own. The best way to ensure the leak is fixed properly is to call in an expert.
6. TEMPERATURE CHANGES
If the temperature of your hot tub water fluctuates despite keeping it covered when not in use, your spa’s heater is likely the cause. This is another job that requires the attention of a professional. You shouldn’t use your tub until it has been fixed.
7. JET PRESSURE PROBLEMS
If the jets in your spa are on the fritz, check them for calcium build-up or debris. If this is the issue, a thorough cleaning should do the trick. If not, your filter is a possible culprit. Put in a new filter if it’s due for a change or give it a good rinse.
If the jets continue to be a nuisance, the tub’s plumbing lines and filter will need to be checked over by an expert.
8. CONTROL PANEL
If error codes are all you see when looking at your spa’s control panel, it could be an indication of any number of problems, from your circulation pump not working to your pressure switch malfunctioning. Unless you’re an electrical expert, call in a pro to tackle the repair.
HOT TUB UPKEEP & REGULAR SERVICE NEEDS
To keep your spa in good repair, there are a few simple steps you should follow:
- Have a regular cleaning schedule
- Use proper chemicals to treat the water
- Rinse or replace the filter as needed
- Drain and clean your tub once every quarter
Taking care of your hot tub not only makes it easier to enjoy now, but also ensures you will be using it for many years to come.
HOT TUB SERVICE AT VAN DORN POOLS & SPAS
As the provider of the best hot tubs in Pennsylvania and Maryland, our experts will keep your spa running as it should. If you have questions about hot tub maintenance, call any of our three locations.
Our expert staff is always on hand to offer advice on everything from water care products for sale to the best accessories and maintenance products to purchase.
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