Free Hot Tub
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Whether you find this funny or depressingly relatable, if you are a hot tub owner this article might soon be for you! And if you ever need a hand with your hot tub removal just give us a call.
Back in the honeymoon phase of hot tub ownership, life seems perfect. You picture yourself lounging under the stars, steam rising like a cozy blanket. Then, reality kicks in. The bubbles stop bubbling, the water smells off, or the jets sputter like an old lawnmower. Suddenly, you’re not in a relaxing oasis—you’re in a 400-gallon money pit.
Here’s the thing about hot tubs and spas: they’re like puppies. They need constant care, a good chunk of your attention, and—let’s be honest—money. Most of us dive into ownership thinking, “How hard could it be?” The answer: harder than you’d expect. Over the years, I’ve learned that even the most well-maintained tubs develop issues. And once something goes wrong, fixing it is rarely as simple as flipping a switch.
This article breaks down the five most common things that go wrong with hot tubs or spas—so when disaster strikes (and trust me, it will), you’ll know what to do.
1. Pump Problems: The Heart Stops Beating
Your pump is the heart of your hot tub. When it works, life is good. When it doesn’t, the whole thing turns into a glorified kiddie pool. A failing pump is one of the most common issues, and it can happen for a few reasons:
- Airlocks: After draining and refilling your tub, air bubbles get trapped in the plumbing, preventing the pump from priming. It sounds small, but it’s the bane of every owner’s existence.
- Clogs: Filters and pipes get blocked by debris, causing the pump to struggle. It’s like trying to suck a milkshake through a straw filled with sand.
- Burnout: Pumps work hard, and eventually, they give out—especially if you leave them running 24/7. If the motor starts making grinding noises or overheating, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement.
Fix or Replace?
If it’s just an airlock or clog, you can handle it with some troubleshooting. But if the motor’s fried, you’re looking at a replacement, which can run anywhere from $200 to $600.
2. Heater Issues: No Heat, No Fun
What’s the point of a hot tub without hot water? The heater is what makes the magic happen, and when it goes out, the party’s over.
Here’s the rub: heaters are delicate. They can malfunction due to:
- Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses: A power surge can knock your heater offline.
- Scale Build-Up: If you’ve got hard water, calcium deposits form on the heating element over time, blocking heat transfer.
- Faulty Sensors: The tub’s temperature sensors are like your hot tub’s brain—when they malfunction, the heater doesn’t know whether to turn on or off.
Fix or Replace?
If it’s a tripped breaker, just reset it. But if the element’s coated in calcium or the sensors are on the fritz, you may need to replace parts, which could set you back $150 to $400.
3. Leaks: The Silent Saboteur
You’d think a leak would be obvious—after all, water has a way of making itself known. But hot tub leaks are sneaky. They often develop in places you can’t see, like underneath the shell or deep within the plumbing. And if left unchecked, they’ll wreak havoc on your wallet and your sanity.
The most common culprits?
- Seals and Gaskets: These rubber parts wear out over time. It’s not a matter of if they’ll fail, but when.
- Plumbing Connections: Vibrations from the pump can loosen pipes and fittings.
- Cracks in the Shell: If the tub’s shell develops even a hairline crack, it can lead to slow leaks that are hard to detect.
Fix or Replace?
Small leaks around fittings can be patched with sealant. But cracks in the shell? That’s a whole different ballgame—fixing them can be time-consuming and pricey.
4. Jet Failure: When the Bubbles Die
The jets are the rock stars of the hot tub, and when they stop working, it’s like the concert ended before it began. Jets can malfunction for a few reasons:
- Clogs: Hair, debris, and oils accumulate over time and block the jets.
- Airlock: Just like the pump, the jets can suffer from trapped air.
- Valve Problems: Diverter valves control the water flow to specific jets, and when they get stuck, you end up with half the tub working—and half feeling like a dead zone.
Fix or Replace?
In most cases, unclogging the jets or fixing an airlock solves the problem. But if the valves or jet inserts are worn out, replacement costs range from $50 to $100 per jet.
5. Water Chemistry Gone Haywire
Here’s the dirty little secret of hot tubs: maintaining perfect water chemistry is a dark art. Too much chlorine, and you feel like you’re soaking in a bleach bath. Too little, and your tub turns into a bacteria breeding ground. Common water issues include:
- Cloudy Water: Usually caused by poor filtration or imbalanced pH levels.
- Algae Growth: If you slack on sanitizing, green invaders will move in.
- Foamy Water: Caused by oils, lotions, or leftover laundry detergent on your bathing suits.
Fix or Replace?
The fix usually involves testing the water and adding the right chemicals. But if your filtration system isn’t up to snuff, you may need to replace the filters—which can cost $30 to $50 each.
How to Keep These Problems From Happening in the First Place
The best way to avoid these headaches? Stay on top of maintenance. Here’s a quick checklist to keep your tub in top shape:
- Check water chemistry weekly: pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels matter.
- Rinse the filters regularly: It’s easy to forget, but dirty filters lead to pump issues.
- Inspect seals and jets monthly: Catch small problems before they become big ones.
- Drain and refill the tub every 3-4 months: Fresh water keeps things running smoothly.
Hot tub ownership isn’t all roses and bubbles—it’s more like a part-time job with occasional rewards. But if you stay on top of these common issues, you’ll spend more time soaking and less time Googling “how to fix a broken jet.”
Final Thoughts: Owning a Hot Tub Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Look, hot tubs are fantastic… when they work. But even the best tubs have a tendency to act up. Pumps fail, heaters stop heating, and water chemistry goes sideways. The key is knowing what to expect and staying ahead of problems before they spiral out of control.
Hot tubs will always need attention. They’ll never be “set it and forget it.” But if you can stay on top of the basics—and not panic when things go wrong—you’ll find that the good moments far outweigh the bad. After all, nothing beats soaking in 104-degree water after a long day… even if it took a small army of chemicals and repairs to get it that way.
