Can I repair a hot tub myself? (Common problems, advice and more)

August 10th, 2023

Estimated read time - 3.5 minutes



Author - Fin Green, Content Creator UK, Jacuzzi Group 



Are you experiencing some issues with your hot tub, or thinking of buying one and curious about the maintenance you can handle on your own? 

‘Repair’ doesn’t always mean ‘broken’ in terms of hot tubs. Sometimes something may just need cleaning, changing or replacing in order for your hot tub to work to its full potential once again. 

It is understandable if you want to avoid engineer call outs when not necessary, so this article will run through the do’s and do nots of at-home hot tub maintenance. 

This article should give you ample knowledge in knowing what you should be tackling yourself, and what you should be calling in an expert for. 

What can I repair on my hot tub? 

Repairing a hot tub yourself is possible, to an extent. However, the ‘repairing’ you can do at home can be described more accurately as ‘maintenance that fixes or avoids problems’.

For example, you may think your hot tub is broken because of some problems you're dealing with, but it may just need a bit of extra maintenance support. 

Here are some general recommendations of what you can ‘repair’ yourself and when you should do it: 

Filter 

We recommend that you give your filters a rinse weekly, wash with a filter cleaner monthly and depending on usage, you can replace them every 12 to 18 months.

Some key signs that mean it's time for your filter to be cleaned or replaced can be: 

• Reduced water flow (creating flow error messages)
• Dirty or discoloured filter 
• Difficulty in maintaining water clarity 
• Frequent filter cleaning 

If you have some of these issues, it could be down to improper cleaning of your filter, or a filter that is beyond its use. Be sure to follow proper filter cleaning guidance and replace your filters every 12 to 18 months.

How do I change the filter in my hot tub?

Changing a hot tub filter is a straightforward maintenance task that helps ensure the cleanliness of your hot tub and proper functioning of the filtration system.

To change the filter in your hot tub, turn off the hot tub, locate and remove the filter, depending on the brand and model, you may have to lift a cap or cover to locate, then lift out or unscrew the filter.

Next, clean the filter housing using as well as the new filter using a clean cloth or a soft brush. You can then place the new filter into the housing. Ensure it's seated properly and secure it by screwing it in place or following the specific instructions for your hot tub model. Close the lid, let your hot tub run a filtration cycle and then enjoy!

* Always refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions related to your particular hot tub model.

Chemicals 

You can check the chemical balance of hot tub water yourself using test strips. This should be done as part of your weekly chemical routine. 

You can then add chemicals if and when needed, according to the test strip readings. These are some of the hot tub issues that can occur if there's a chemical imbalance:

• Bacterial growth 
• Water clarity issues 
• Limescale and corrosion 
• Skin and eye irritation 
• Damage to hot tub components 

Read this article to learn more about the common questions people ask about using chemicals in hot tubs.

How do I test the chemicals in my hot tub?

To test your hot tub's water chemistry, use test strips or a liquid kit by dipping them into the water and comparing the resulting colors to a chart. Digital testers provide a readout after inserting a sensor. Test weekly and adjust chemicals based on these results for balanced, safe water.

Service prep 

It is recommended that you have a full service done by a qualified engineer at least once a year. What a service covers will vary, depending on who you book with.

There are a couple of things you can do in between annual services that will help prevent component damage:

• Remove and clean your diverter gates 
• Rotate all jets 

Hot tubs have a lot of moving parts which may need to be repaired over time. Doing small extra things like this saves you money and can help avoid any problems that can build up over time.

Keep in mind that these are general indicators, and the specific recommendations that you should follow can vary depending on your hot tub model and manufacturer's instructions.

We recommend that you refer to your hot tub manual or consult a hot tub professional for guidance. 

What can't I repair on my hot tub? 

In a nutshell, you should only be doing basic at home maintenance yourself as listed above, anything else should be repaired by an an engineer. 

There are several situations where it's best to call in a professional for assistance with your hot tub.

Here are some common scenarios that may require the expertise of an engineer: 

• Electrical issues (tripped breakers, lights not coming on, or issues with the control panel) 
• Plumbing flow or leak issues
• Water heating problems 
• Control system malfunctions (error codes, unresponsive buttons, or programming difficulties) 
• Motor or pump failures (not functioning correctly, making unusual noises, or completely stopped working) 

Summary 

By following guidelines such as the ones in this article can ensure you that you are making the correct choices when repairing your hot tub, yourself. 

Before attempting any repair, it is important to check your specific manufacturer's manual or contact a professional for guidance.

This will help ensure that you understand the specific requirements and potential risks associated with your hot tub model. 

If you are unsure on what to do with your hot tub, it is always advisable to contact your manufacturer, or a professional engineer. They have the necessary expertise and tools to diagnose and fix the problem correctly. 

If you find yourself with the need to buy or stock up on chemicals or filters, you can head to Jacuzzi® Shop to find the key products you need.

Want to learn more about our range of Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs across our three collections? Click the button below to download a copy of our hot tub brochure.

Interested in speaking to a member of our sales teams? Click the button below to find your nearest Jacuzzi® Hot Tub showroom in the UK and arrange a visit.