A soak is the fun, exciting and/or tranquil ending to a spa owner’s day. Until it’s not.
Perhaps you see an error code on your hot tub control panel. Perhaps you press a button and nothing happens. Perhaps your water doesn’t look or smell quite like it should. Hot Spring hot tubs are ultra-reliable, particularly when they are maintained as they should be. Nevertheless, issues do sometimes arise.
That’s why we've created the troubleshooting chart below to help you solve your hot tub problems, whether with jets, pumps, heaters, electrical systems, controls or water. It covers dozens of the most common hot tub issues, as well as their potential causes and fixes.
Before we get stuck in, remember to always consult your owner’s manual when an issue arises. If you have questions about routine maintenance, repairs or your warranty, be sure to get in touch with your local Hot Spring dealer.
How to fix common hot tub problems
To troubleshoot an issue with your spa, find your problem in the left hand column of the chart below, then scan across to find the causes, the solutions, and whether you require professional help.
Fix your hot tub’s operational problems
|
The problem |
The likely cause/s |
Troubleshooting solutions |
Do you need to call a professional technician? |
|
The spa is inoperative |
Power failure RCD has tripped Heater's high-limit thermostat has tripped Spa lock is activated |
Check for problems with your power source Reset the RCD Disconnect the power for 30 seconds to reset the thermostat then check for clogged filters Deactivate the spa lock |
Contact an electrician if your power source is inoperative Call for spa service if the RCD won't reset Call for spa service if the high-limit thermostat has tripped |
|
The spa won't heat, even while the jets and lights operate (green logo “Ready” and blue logo “Power” indicators are blinking) |
Integrated pressure switch is open Circulation pump thermal cut-off has tripped Air lock was created after filling the spa |
Check for clogged filters; the switch should reset once the water is again flowing through the heater Check for clogged filters and air locks in the plumbing, and disconnect power to the spa so the pump can cool; the pump should reset once it has cooled and the power is reconnected Place the water hose down the main filter in the filter compartment, and fill the spa completely to push the air lock out |
Call for spa service if the heater trips frequently Call for spa service if the circulation pump trips frequently |
|
Jet operation is weak or surging |
Spa water level is too low Filters are clogged Comfort Control® lever is closed |
Add water to the spa Clean the filters Open the Comfort Control® lever |
Reach out to your dealer if you have further questions about optimal jet performance and maintenance |
|
Light is inoperative |
Spa lock is activated Light wiring or assembly is faulty |
Deactivate the spa lock Replace the light assembly |
Call for spa service if you are unsure of how to replace your light assembly |
|
Moto-Massage® DX jet is inoperative or erratic |
Comfort Control® valves are closed Filters are clogged |
Open the Comfort Control® levers Clean the filters |
Contact your dealer for more questions about jet maintenance |
|
Blue logo “Power” indicator is blinking |
The heater's high-limit thermostat has tripped |
Disconnect the power for 30 seconds to reset the heater's high limit; check for clogged filters |
Call for spa service if the thermostat continues to trip |
|
Green logo “Ready” indicator is blinking |
A problem with the temperature sensor |
Disconnect the power for 30 seconds |
Call for spa service if the indicator continues blinking |
|
Control touchscreen is on but inoperable |
Remote control is too far away from the spa Communication between the control system and the remote is interrupted |
Move the remote closer to the spa Press the ‘Jets’ button on the dock unit; if it's necessary to reset the panel, press and hold the touchscreen in any blank area until it turns black |
Contact your dealer to learn more about the possibilities of customising your hot tub soak through the intuitive control panel |
|
Control touchscreen is off and black |
Power to the spa is off Battery needs to be recharged Battery is in shut-down mode Battery is not recharging |
Turn the power on Put the remote control back in the docking tray to recharge Press the touchscreen and wait 40 seconds |
Call an electrician if your power to the spa will not turn on Call for spa service if your battery is not recharging |
|
Remote responds intermittently within the 9m range |
An outside source is interfering with the signal |
Change the channel on the remote by pressing the ‘Lights’ button on the dock unit until the buttons flash and you see a change channel screen on the remote; press UP or DOWN to adjust the channel, and OK to set it |
Reach out to your dealer with further questions about operating your control panel and remote |
|
Touchscreen continues to read “Searching for spa” on a black screen |
Remote is not paired with the control panel |
Press the ‘Jets’ button on the dock unit until the buttons flash; press and hold on the screen until ‘Pairing Yes/No’ displays; press Yes to pair |
Contact your dealer for technical support if problems with your control panel or remote continue |
Fix your hot tub’s water quality problems
|
The problem |
The likely cause/s |
Troubleshooting solutions |
Do you need to call a professional technician? |
|
Cloudy water |
Filters are dirty Excessive buildup of oils and organic matter Improper sanitation Suspended particles or organic matter Overused or old water |
Clean the filters Shock the spa water with sanitiser Add sanitiser as your owner's manual recommends; adjust the pH and/or the alkalinity to the recommended range Run the jet pumps and clean the filters Drain and refill the spa |
Contact your dealer with any questions about proper water sanitation and maintenance for your spa model, or to purchase new filters as needed |
|
Water odour |
Excessive buildup of organic matter Improper sanitation Low pH |
Shock the spa water with sanitiser Add sanitiser in the appropriate quantity Adjust the pH to the recommended range |
Contact your dealer with any questions about proper water sanitation and maintenance of your spa model |
|
Chlorine odour |
Chloramine level is too high Low pH |
Shock the spa water with sanitiser Adjust pH to the recommended range |
Contact your dealer if you're unsure about proper water sanitation and maintenance practices for your spa model |
|
Musty odour |
Bacteria or algae growth in the spa |
Shock the spa with sanitiser; if the problem persists, drain, clean, and refill the spa |
Contact your local dealer for tips on keeping this problem in check in your climate |
|
A ring of scum around the spa |
Organic buildup of oils and dirt |
Wipe the scum off with a clean rag; if the layer of scum is heavy, drain the spa and use a spa surface and tile cleaner to remove the scum before refilling the spa |
Contact your dealer for cleaning recommendations and tips to prevent future buildup |
|
Algae growth |
High pH Low sanitiser level |
Shock the water with sanitiser and adjust the pH to recommended levels Shock the water with sanitiser and maintain the sanitiser level |
Contact your dealer for advice on how to avoid buildup of algae, mould, and mildew |
|
Eye irritation |
Low pH Low sanitiser level |
Adjust the pH Shock the water with sanitiser and maintain the sanitiser level |
Ask your dealer about system options for reliably clear and gentle spa water, such as the FreshWater® Salt Water System |
|
Skin irritation or rash |
Unsanitary water Free chlorine level is above 5 ppm |
Shock the water with sanitiser and maintain the sanitiser level Allow the free chlorine level to drop below 5 ppm before using the spa |
Contact your dealer for advice on managing your chlorine level or for alternatives to chlorine water care |
|
Stains |
Total alkalinity and/or pH are too low High iron or copper content in the water source |
Adjust the total alkalinity and/or pH Use a metal deposit inhibitor |
Contact your dealer for advice on keeping your home spa looking like new |
|
Scale |
Water has high calcium content, and total alkalinity and pH are too high |
Adjust the total alkalinity and pH. To remove the scale, drain the spa water, scrub off the scale, refill the spa, and balance the water |
Contact your dealer for tips on how to prevent future scale buildup |
You should exercise caution around your hot tub's mechanical and electrical parts. Not only can they be dangerous, undertaking repairs that require professional attention can void your warranty.
Your Hot Spring hot tub offers incredible health, wellness, social and lifestyle benefits. Proper spa maintenance ensures you can keep enjoying these perks for years to come while saving time and money on potentially costly repairs.
While many of the most common hot tub issues can be relatively easy to solve, your best bet is to avoid them in the first place. Some helpful preventative maintenance tips include:
- Use a garden hose to regularly rinse the underside of your hot tub cover to keep algae, mould, and mildew at bay.
- Rinse your filters every month to keep clear water flowing. (TRI-X® filters are dishwasher-safe.)
- Keep your hot tub covered when not in use to keep debris out and efficiently maintain water temperature.
- Keep detergents and soaps out of your spa by having a quick rinse in the shower before jumping in.
- Drain and refill the hot tub as recommended in your owner's manual to keep your water fresh.
- Only use recommended chemicals and cleaners. Certain pool chemicals and other products can affect your water quality and even do damage to your spa.
- Purchase authorised Hot Spring parts from your dealer to ensure that you're fitting your spa with quality, lasting components.
- Keep your spa's serial number on hand in case you need to reference it for more troubleshooting advice or official parts and repairs.
When trouble does strike, this guide can help guide you on possible problems and solutions, and whether or not you need help from the experts, so you can get soaking sooner.
And when you buy a hot tub from a Hot Spring dealer, you’ll gain access to all the knowledge, advice, support and help you need to set your spa up and keep it running for the long haul.
If you can’t see your problem here, check out our Ownership & Care page or get in touch today!
