Your hot tub pump is designed to operate continuously when your hot tub is switched on, circulating water to keep it at a warm temperature, as well as keeping it clean. But if your hot tub pump unexpectedly stops functioning, it could be down to a number of issues.

While the pumps are usually built to last 5-10 years, frequent use can lead to occasional problems, and much like anything, more use increases the chances of wear and tear. Don’t worry, though, we’ve provided all the information you need to diagnose and resolve your pump’s issue below.

Common hot tub pump problems

Ready to diagnose you’re the cause of your hot tub pump not working? Take a look at our list of common problems and fixes below:

1. Hot tub leaks

Leaks are one of the most common reasons why your hot tub might not be working, often caused by damage to the pump, failures in components like O-rings or freeze plugs, or worn seals — which become increasingly prone to leaking as the pump ages.

If you find the leak in your hot tub is at the plumbing connection, this typically points to a worn-out O-ring that will need to be changed. If the leak is coming from the freeze plug, it’s likely the plug will need to be replaced.

Smaller issues like these can usually be repaired by a professional, but more serious damage, such as a cracked pump body that is leaking, will require the replacement of the entire pump.

2. A clogged or worn filter

Low water flow from your hot tub pump can often be linked to a clogged or worn filter. Fortunately, this makes it an easy fix. Simply clean the filter and check for blockages or debris in the skimmer basket and the pump strainer to see if the water pressure improves.

However, if your pump is still not working, try replacing the filter. It’s a good idea to replace the filter regularly to prevent potential filtration problems in the future.

3. Air locks in the plumbing system

Another potential cause of low water flow from your hot tub pump is an air lock in the plumbing system. Air can sometimes become trapped when cleaning your hot tub’s pipes, restricting the flow of water and may result in your hot tub jets not working correctly.

To fix this, turn off the pump, loosen the pump union — the connector that links the pump to the plumbing system — to release trapped air, and then retighten it before restarting the pump. This simple step can often restore water flow.

4. Mineral deposit build-ups

Mineral build-up such as limescale and calcium from hard water can block your hot tub’s pump and hinder water flow, often causing a hushing sound. Over time, scale deposits can build up on the pump, pipes, and heater, causing the pump to work harder and less efficiently.

Severe build-up can clog critical components such as the impeller or filter, preventing the pump from adequately circulating water. This can cause low water pressure and potential pump failure.

To check for scale accumulation, first turn off the power and close off any valves to stop water from leaking out. If there are no valves, try clamping the hoses or blocking the pipe with an object.

Then, thoroughly inspect the hoses and impeller to see if any deposits have formed. If you find some mineral debris, clean it off with a hard brush or by using a special descaling treatment. To prevent future mineral deposit build-up, regularly maintain the tub by descaling it, or use a water softener.

5. Low water levels

Other reasons for low water flow from your pump can be down to low water levels in your hot tub, which can happen as a result of evaporation on hot days, regular use, or accidental spills from entering and exiting the tub.

This can lower water pressure and affect the pump’s performance. But to fix it, simply cover your tub when not in use to reduce water loss. Another way to prevent water loss is to make sure the water level stays at least an inch above the tallest jet and add water as needed to maintain that level.

6. Your hot tub has overheated

Hot tub pump motors naturally get hot during use, but they can overheat if there’s a blockage, clog, or electrical fault, or if they’re working harder than intended. In a similar way, the heater may trip the safety switch if it gets too hot, causing the pump to stop until the heater cools down and resets.

Repeated occurrences of this can lead to poor pump performance and potential damage. Overheating issues are often caused by factors like dirty or blocked filters, low water levels, or problems with the heater.

If you notice any signs of overheating, it’s important to contact a hot tub service provider to address the problem before it causes further damage.

Other signs your hot tub pump might not be working properly

The above are the most common reasons for your hot tub pump not working. However, should you notice anything of the following, it’s worth getting your pump looked at for problems:

1. Noisy hot tub circulation pump

A properly functioning hot tub pump should operate quietly. If you notice it starting to make a humming, gurgling or shrieking noise, something is wrong. Various sounds can indicate different problems, such as airlocks, blockages, or motor issues. You’ll likely need to contact a professional repair service to diagnose and resolve the problem.

2. A click in the control board

If you hear a clicking sound coming from the control board, this may signal a blown fuse in the circuit board. To check, first turn off the power to the hot tub to ensure safety. Next, remove the side panel to gain access to the circuit board.

Then, locate the fuses on the board — the number of fuses may vary depending on your hot tub model. Using a voltmeter, test the fuses and locate any that are not operational. If you detect a faulty fuse, it will need replacing.

3. Flashing control panel lights

Flashing lights or error codes on your hot tub’s control panel can indicate a variety of issues. It’s worth looking at the hot tub manual in the first instance to see if you can try and decode the problem yourself. If you’re still not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to call a hot tub service professional for expert help.

Should my hot tub run all the time?

Hot tub pumps are designed to run continuously – they don’t gradually lose efficiency over time, they either work properly or they don’t. If you hear the pump attempting to run, this might be caused by an air blockage, which can sometimes happen after draining the tub.

If this isn’t the issue, check that the circuit board is supplying the correct amount of power to the pump. Occasionally, a small internal component called a relay can become stuck, preventing the pump from receiving the power it requires. We explain more about potential electrical faults in our guide on reasons why your hot tub breaker keeps tripping.

Find your perfect hot tub with Platinum Spas

With all our tips covered, you should hopefully now have a much better idea of what to look out for should your hot tub pump start giving you trouble. And remember, while you can replace your hot tub pump yourself, should it break unexpectedly, it’s always a good idea to have a professional diagnose the problem to avoid any accidental damage.

Naturally, if your hot tub pump has given out, and you’re thinking of upgrading to a new model, then you can head over to the Platinum Spa’s hot tub range today to our full collection of small hot tubs, large hot tubs, and swim spas.

Don’t forget to visit our hot tub blog as well for more helpful pieces like this one!

Jamie Smith
Latest posts by Jamie Smith (see all)

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