If you have ever jumped into your relaxing, stress reducing spa and found low pressure or no pressure from your jets, you are not alone. This is a common problem that can have several causes. Here are a few things you can check if you find your jets aren’t as robust as they should be.
Filters can play a big part in water flow and pressure. If you are dealing with a clogged and dirty filter it can cut down the water flow considerably, and result in jets having less pressure. Removing and cleaning your filter once a week and doing a filter soak once a month will help to prolong the life of your filter and help keep water flow constant.
Another reason you could have less than zealous jets is a blocked drain cover. These are usually located in the foot well area and have very forceful suction. If something is blocking the cover it will reduce water flow and power leaving the jets.
If your skimmer is pulling in air this will significantly reduce water flow; it can also shut off your spa heater. Adding water to your spa and keeping your spa covered when not in use will help to replenish and reduce water loss from evaporation.
Though most spas stay pretty clean when using a good spa cover, if left uncovered for any length of time debris, leaves and sand can enter the spa. These particles can clog up the pumps impeller and stop it from working properly, causing water flow to drop.
Hot tub jets do become clogged sometimes, usually from debris or clumps of minerals. The small parts can lodge themselves in the jet itself and block the water flow. Many jets also have adjustable water pressure by rotating the outer ring, some can even be turned completely off which can increase the flow to surrounding jets. Ensuring that your jets are open, clean and working properly will help you maintain good water flow.
Air or water leaks can also cause water flow problems. Determining where the leak is coming from is the first step to solving the problem. A common place that leaks tend to occur is the pump union on the front of the pump. If it is loose or you have an o-ring out of alignment, this can cause a leak and therefore low water flow through the jets. If any of the parts are loose or damaged before the pump, the pump will suck air. When determining where the leak is, turn the pumps off and look for water leaking from your plumbing and pumps.
Shut off valves can also be the culprit when you are experiencing jet problems. Shut off valves can be on either side of the pump, so you can do maintenance on your spa without having to drain the entire tub. Occasionally these valves become closed, blocking the water flow. This can be caused by the vibration of the spa. Ensuring these valves are open will help to alleviate low water pressure.
Ensuring good water flow is not just important for the enjoyment of your hot tub, but also the equipment in it. Making sure your jets are in good working order, are not being affected by other components of your tub, and trying to solve the problem if you find one should let you enjoy your hot tub, with the full power of your relaxing jets, for many years to come.