Troubleshooting your outdoor hot tub: how to solve technical problems yourself

An outdoor hot tub in the garden is a place to relax and unwind. But if technical problems occur, this can spoil the enjoyment. Before you contact customer service, there are many problems that you can fix yourself. This guide will help you to identify and solve the most common technical challenges so that your hot tub is quickly up and running again.


Water flow and pressure: Weak jets or no water

Weak water flow or a complete failure of the jets is one of the most common hot tub problems.

Possible causes and solutions:

  • Clogged filter:
    A dirty filter obstructs the flow of water. Clean or replace the filter regularly.

  • Low water level:
    The water level should completely cover the nozzles. Top up with water if necessary.

  • Defective pump:
    Check the pump for blockages, defective propellers or damage. If necessary, the pump must be repaired or replaced.

  • Air lock in the system:
    Air in the circulation system can block the water flow. Bleed the system by loosening a fitting on the pump.

  • Blocked nozzles:
    Clean debris from the nozzles and check the seals.


Motor problems: Noises, breakdowns and no water flow

Problems with the motor can become noticeable through unusual noises or a complete failure.

Possible causes and solutions:

  • Motor switches on and off:
    Check the water level, wiring and control panel. A specialist can help if the cause is not obvious.

  • Motor runs but no water flow:
    Check the impeller, nozzles and circulation system for blockages. Bleed the system if necessary.

  • Pump not working:
    Check the fuse box, connections and motor for damage. The motor may need to be replaced.

  • Loud noises:
    Growling or howling noises indicate a low water level or blockages. Screeching noises indicate defective bearings that need to be replaced.

Heating problems: Whirlpool tub does not heat or gets too hot

A cold whirlpool tub is annoying, but overheating can also be problematic.

Common causes and solutions:

  • Hot tub does not stay hot:
    Check the heater, circulation system and thermostat. A defective heat sensor or a clogged circulation pump could be the cause.

  • Whirlpool tub does not heat up:
    Check the water level, the circulation system and the filter. Check whether the limit switch has tripped or replace a defective heating element.

  • Water too hot:
    The temperature sensor or limit switch could be faulty and should be replaced.

  • Temperature fluctuations:
    A broken thermostat or a defective temperature sensor can cause temperature fluctuations. Consult a specialist.

Error codes and other problems

Modern whirlpools often display error codes that give you an indication of the cause of the problem.

Common error codes:

  • LF, FLO or FLC: Problems with the water flow.

  • OH: Overheating of the water.

  • DR or DRY: Too little water in the heating system.

Other possible problems and solutions

Cracks and scratches:

You can repair small scratches yourself with a repair kit. Larger cracks should be repaired by a specialist to prevent leaks.

Leaking pump:

Check O-rings and fittings for damage. A defective shaft seal must be replaced by a specialist.

Nozzles do not rotate:

Clean any deposits from the nozzles. Also check the pH value, as too high a value can promote deposits.

Air blower: No air bubbles? How to replace the blower

If the air blower is no longer producing bubbles, it is probably defective and needs to be replaced.

Replacing the blower:

  1. Switch off the power supply to the whirlpool tub.

  2. Locate the air blower and disconnect the air hose and power cable.

  3. Disconnect the earthing cable (if present).

  4. Loosen the fastening screws and remove the old blower.

  5. Fit the new fan and connect the pipes.

  6. Connect the fan to the power supply and test.

Note: For safety reasons, have the replacement carried out by an electrician.


Circuit breaker trips: Causes and solutions

The RCD protects against electric shocks. If it trips, the following causes could be present:

  • Corrosion: Clean or replace corroded components.

  • Damaged wiring: Replace defective wiring.

  • Loose wiring: Tighten all electrical connections in the junction box.

  • Defective breaker: Replace the worn breaker.

  • Problems with the heating element: Clean the filter system and test the heating element with a multimeter.

  • Flooded components: Replace affected components and the motor if necessary.

Important: Work on electrical systems should only be carried out by qualified specialists.

Self-help for technical problems

With this guide, you can fix many technical problems on your outdoor hot tub yourself. However, for more complex challenges or if you are unsure, it is advisable to call in a professional. This will ensure that your hot tub is quickly ready for use again and that you can enjoy relaxing hours in the warm water.

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