Hot tub pumps keep the massage jets powered and also help keep the water clean by circulating the water. Another function of the primary spa pump is to help heat the spa by pumping water through the heater manifold. Spa electronics monitor the hot tub’s functions, call for heat or circulation when needed, and more advanced control systems also provide error messages to help with troubleshooting a problem in case something goes wrong.
When diagnosing any hot tub problem, only persons qualified to work on electrical components should attempt to fix them. Whoever is doing the work, the spa should be shut off and power should be turned off at the breaker as well as any disconnect available to assure there is no electrical danger. To be safe, the repair person may measure the incoming electrical line to make sure there is no voltage or current present before beginning any repair.
The main parts of a hot tub pump are the wet end and the motor end. These two sections are bolted together with 4 through bolts and a gasket keeps any water from the wet end out of the motor area.
The wet end of the pump contains the impeller, a little wheel that spins around on a shaft driven by the spa motor. This spinning wheel has indentations that move water through the pump and create the pressure in the pipes needed to keep water circulating and moving through the spa plumbing. This impeller is sized to match the pump motor. Stronger motors can have larger impellers to move more water.
The motor end of the pump is where the actual electrical connection is. As the motor is energized, it spins the impeller shaft which in turn spins the impeller inside the wet end to move water through the pump from the input or suction side of the pump to the output or discharge side of the pump.
The suction and discharge usually have a threaded connection that fits into a pump union in order to attach the pump to the spa’s plumbing. Inside each of the two unions is also a little rubber o-ring which prevents the pump unions from leaking. These unions are usually hand tightened to the point where no water comes out, but sometimes a quarter turn with a wrench will assure they are snug without overtightening which can cause them to crack.
Hot tub pump replacements, parts, impellers, wet ends and seals can be ordered online with quick shipping in order to complete a repair and get the spa working properly again.
The pump impeller may become damaged or jammed and cause a pump to hum but not produce any water flow. The impeller must spin freely on the shaft without any obstructions for the pump to properly transport water. Pump impellers are a replaceable part.
A common source of leaking from the hot tub pump would be the pump seals located around the impeller. The seals prevent water from escaping the wet end near the impeller as it spins around the pump shaft. These seals can be damaged by improper water chemistry or other issues with the spa. If the pump is not too old, the leak can be fixed by replacing the seals. A seal kit is available for each brand and type of pump.
If your hot tub pump seal is leaking, you will need to find the correct seal kit. Some are ceramic pump seals while others are Viton or other material. Jacuzzi pump parts and most any type of seals are available online, but be sure to get the right kit for your particular pump type and brand.
The Viton seal material is said to be more impervious to chemical wear from chlorine, bromine, ozone and other hot tub water treatments. Be sure when ordering an Aqua Flow Viton seal kit that it will match the pump used in your Cal Spa, Marquis, Clearwater, Coleman or other spa brand that from time to time has used Aqua Flo pumps in their spas.
When replacing or repairing a hot tub pump, it is always a good idea to make sure the existing pump cord is free from nicks or even shorts and that the ends are not corroded. It is also important to replace any damaged or worn orings, seals or gaskets to avoid leaks after reassembly.
If a pump will need to be replaced, the information needed to get the right replacement pump is usually found on the label affixed to the pump. Details such as if the replacement unit needs to be a 48 frame or a 56 frame pump, the operating voltage, amperage on high speed and amp draw on low speed, horsepower rating and other details can be found on the old pump’s label.
If sourcing a pump from overseas, also be sure to order the correct line frequency as in North America, the pumps operate at 60hz. For North American residents ordering pumps in North America, it is usually assumed you will need the 60hz pump unless otherwise specified.
When troubleshooting a pump problem, first be sure to do it safely and then to make sure the problem is really with the pump and not with another spa component. Popular pump brands include Waterway pumps, Ultra Jet, Vico, Master Series and Hayward.
Some pump problems may not require replacing the pump at all such as when a pump shuts down by itself during a thermal overload condition. Proper troubleshooting will help to properly isolate the problem. If the pump is really the problem, then the next question would be should it be repaired or replaced.
Older pumps should most likely be replaced, but if the pump is relatively new and just needs a new impeller, wet end, pump seal kit or motor, the part is available online to get it fixed and back in service.
Spend less time worrying about problems and just get the right parts to get your spa up and running in no time. After all spas are for relaxing!