There is nothing more frustrating than preparing to take a nice soak and discovering that your hot tub jets are just not Working. Jet problems can be the express lane to a fancy spa tub turned worthless due to weak water pressure, jets that fail to turn on, or simply stopped air bubbles.
This guide will go over the most common problems with hot tub jets, their causes, and their solutions. There are also some tips of preventative maintenance to keep those jets running all year.
How Hot Tub Jets Work
Jets before we debug them, first understand how jets work. The jets of a hot tub are the ones through which the mixture of water pressure and air escapes to massage the users of the spa, something that they find so relieving.
That is How it Works:
- The water is pumped by the hot tub pump through the filtration system.
- A jet pump is used to force the water through jet nozzles.
- It is pressurized by air being added through an air blower or venturi system.
- A diverter valve diverts water to particular jet areas.
When one of these processes breaks down you are left with nonfunctioning spa jets or ones that just don’t work right.
Similar Reading: Troubleshooting Hot Tub Pump Problems: Diagnosis & Repair Solutions
The 7 Common Reasons Your Hot Tub Jets Aren’t Working
What are the most frequent spa jet issues and their solutions? Let us discuss it.
1. The Hot Tub Water Level is Low
A basic yet very frequently neglected problem. A lack of water in the plumbing may result in an air being sucked into the plumbing, halting flow and jets going off.
How to Fix?
- Fill your water to a level of 1 2 inches above the highest jet.
- Fill it up and run the jets to blow out of the lines.
2. Airlock in Jet System
Airlock occurs when the air becomes trapped in the plumbing during a drainage or refill of your hot tub. This seals off water circulation and the jets cannot be turned on.
Fix:
- Switch off the power.
- Slacken the pump union a little to get rid of air.
- Tighten the union again and switch on the hot tub again.
- Turn up the jets to a high setting and leave it running at a high setting of 30 seconds.
3. Dirty or Clogged Filters
The debris or oils clogged filters will decrease the water pressure and inhibit the complete activation of the jets. In extreme cases, this makes the spa pump run yet the jets fail.
Fix:
- Take the filter out and wash it.
- Every 4-6 weeks soak in a filter cleaning solution.
- Change at 12-18 month intervals.
4. Faulty Jet Pump or Air Blower
In case the hot tub pump appears to be working yet the jets still fail to function, there can be an issue with the pump motor, capacitor or air blower.
Fix:
- Listen: you may hear a humming noise or vibration (it is a sign of a bad motor).
- Inspect the blower fuse/breaker.
- Change the blower or pump capacitor should it fail to power up.
5. Improper Diverter Valve / Jet Adjustments
When your hot tub jets are not functioning properly, it could be because the diverter valve is sending the flow to another place.
Fix:
- Use the diverter knob to circulate water in various zones.
- Check the diverter and remove any type of blockage or crack.
- Readjust or change defective parts.
6. The Button/Control Panel Malfunctions
It is your spa electronic controls that sometimes may be the problem. When the jet button fails to react or goes off at random the issue could be in the control panel, board, or wires.
Fix:
- View error messages at the control panel.
- Restart the system at the GFCI breaker.
- In case buttons are a failure, then refer to a technician who will test the relay or control board.
7. Blockage of the Plumbing or Jet Housing Damage
Leaking or cracked jet housings and blocked internal plumbing may stop water and air reaching the jets.
Fix:
- Check jet housings to see whether they are cracked or have mineral build up.
- Calcium deposits should be cleared with a pipe cleaner or vinegar.
- In case of jet leaks, there is a chance that the housing can be replaced.
DIY Troubleshooting Guide: Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Jets
These are the steps you should follow to diagnose and repair your hot tub jets:
- Water level check, top up water level when it is low
- Drain system bleed air-Unscrew pump union
- Clean the filter-Rinse or change
- Turn diverter valve -Make sure that water is directed to jets
- Test pump, and blower- Listen to any hums or not functioning
- Check control panel – Reset or check error code
- Inspect jets -Disconnect and wash nozzles
When nothing works, then it is time to summon a professional to repair the hot tub pump or control system.
Weak Jets or no Flow? This is What to Check
Your spa jets are weakly pressured or bubble less, and here are some of the most common causes:
- The accumulation of minerals in the jets or the plumbing.
- Blower failure/air line blockage
- Flow restricting filter
- Ineffective water chemistry on jet performance
Fix Tips:
- Clean each jet by removing it and treating it with a descaling solution
- Make sure the air Venturi dials are open
- Maintain pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels in balance
How to Know When to Change Hot Tub Jets
Supposing a Jet:
- Spins loosely
- Broken or leaking
- Does not respond on cleaning up
- Possibly it is time to change the jet altogether. It is easy to twist out and replace most jets with matching jets.
Preventive Maintenance to Stop Jet Problems
Caring properly about your hot tub will help you avoid problems with jets in the future:
Weekly:
- Start the jets at least 15 20 minutes
- Clean water and jet debris Clean tidy water debris
Monthly:
- Wash and turn the filters
- Water chemistry and pH balance Check
Each 3-4 Months:
- Clean the system deep
- Wet and wash filters
- Check jet nozzle and diverters
When to Take Professional Help
In case your spa jets remain non-functional even after carrying out all the above troubleshooting procedures, it can be time to have a technician brought in-especially in cases where:
- The pump or the blower is producing strange sounds
- Your control board is having repeat errors
- There are leaking plumbing or blocked plumbing
- You have replaced parts to no avail
FAQs
Why have my Hot Tub Jets Stopped Blowing Air?
It may be a bad air blower, blocked air lines, or vents closed off at the Venturi.
Why do Jets in a Hot Tub Become Clogged Following a Refill?
In most cases airlocks due to incorrect refilling.
My Spa Jets are Weak Why?
Pressure can be reduced by clogged filters, dirty jets, low water levels or air leaks.
How to Reset my Spa Jets?
Reset the GFCI circuit breaker, check the control panel and manually turn the jets on.
How Frequently do I Clean Hot Tub Jets?
Clean on a weekly basis and thoroughly clean every 3-4 months.
Conclusion
One of the most popular spa problems is when the hot tub jets are not functioning, and fortunately, it is an issue that could be diagnosed and solved by an individual on his/her own. Whether it is basic water level checks or filter cleaning and bleeding airlocks, a regular maintenance routine can save you time wasted by annoying hiccups.
Are your jets low, not working at all, or is the air flow dead? Then this guide will provide you with everything you need to be enjoying a powerful, smooth soak again.
