Hot tubs are meant to be enjoyed and not to be a source of frustration because it is overheated. When your hot tub is set above what is reasonable or simply constantly heating up more than whatever it is set up to, it is time to look into it further. Keep reading because we are going to dive deeper into the reasons why your hot tub may have been overheating, what are some of the indicators of the problem, and how you best troubleshoot the issue and avoid it in the future.
What Causes My Hot Tub to Become Hot?
A bad thermostat that does not read correctly, sensors going wrong, or even a part inside the machine breaking- such as the relay to the heater catching, can cause a hot tub track a hot tub track. There are times when it is due to mere things around it such as the warmth of the air or failure to adjust some energy saving options.
Common Causes:
- Relay of the heater stuck
- Defective or uncalibrated thermostat
- Bad high-limit switch
- Spa control panel faults
- Overheated hot tub plugs
- Hot water kept pumping around
- Summer heat in the form of temperature spikes due to ambiance heat
How Hot Should a Hot Tub Be?
It is imperative to know the safe range of temperature of your spa. The suggested hot tub temperature ranges between 100 o F and 104 o F. Anything more than this may be hazardous particularly to children or old users.
Temperature Guidelines:
There is a guide for temperature to all the members.
| User Type | Safe Temperature Range |
| Grown-ups (short soaks) | 102–104 °F |
| Children | 98–100 °F |
| Elderly | 98–101 °F |
Consult doctor:
Tip: 95 100 good range in summer months to have it set at so it doesn’t get too hot, and in summer mode, should there be one.
Overheating in a Hot Tub
Watch out to these indicators that your spa is overheating or the temperature may be rising:
- Water is very hot
- Steam blowing up even with the cover off
- There are error codes on the spa panel
- Constant running circulation pump
- Abnormally large electric bills
- Even when setting is changed, the spa will not cool down
- Heater stays on after the temperature has been attained
Troubleshooting: Hot Tub Overheating Problems
When your hot tub refuses to stop heating one way or another, use these steps to determine what the problem is and rectify it.
1. Set the Temperature Check
- Avoid the accidental setting of the temperature to a high level.
- Restart at reduced temp (98F-100F) and leave it an hour to see what happens.
2. Check the Thermostat & Sensors
- An improperly set spa thermostat is not sensitive to temperature.
- Compare actual vs. read temperature with floating thermometer.
- When readings are faulty, replace defective temperature probes.
3. Test High-Limit Switch
- This safety mechanism turns off the heater when water becomes hot.
- Otherwise, a faulty one would not shut off the heater in a timely manner.
- Reset it or replace it with a new one when it trips regularly.
4. Test the Heater Relay Board
- One possible cause of this is a stuck heater relay which may leave the heater on permanently.
- Look at the circuit board to check burn marks or corrosion.
- Change the relay or call the technician.
5. Look at Spa Error Codes Panel
- Seek temperature sensor, flow or relay errors.
- Look in the manual of your hot tub to determine the meaning of error codes.
6. Inspect Hot Tub Cover & Insulation
- Ineffective protection or a broken cover can result in excess heat being trapped or overheating.
- Use a thermo jacket or change the cover in case of damage.
7. Explore Circulation Pump Functioning
- A pump that fails to switch off will push hot water on a continuous basis.
- Ensure your hot tub has not gotten into “clean mode” or “circulation mode.
Does Your Hot Tub Fail to Heat up?
Worse still is the case when you have a hot tub and there is no heat at all. This may ironically be true, as many of the components are in fact identical.
Possible Causes:
- Small water level
- Restriction of flow due to dirty filters
- Bad pressure switch
- Circulation system airlock
- Broken heater or thermostat
- Use that troubleshooting technique but focus more on flow and electrical supply and whether the pump is working.
Summer and Winter Hot Tub Temperature
Summer:
- Temperature: 95 o F -98 o F
- Put in summer mode or economy mode to minimize use of heater
- Sometimes leave the cover off to ensure that the excessive heat can escape.
Winter:
- Temp 100 F -104 F
- Keep at a constant temperature to avoid freeze damage
- Insulated covers should be used to save heat and save energy consumption
Preventing Hot Tubs Overheating
It is better to prevent than to cure. These are some tips to prevent your spa getting hot:
Maintenance Tips:
- Wash filters once a week or when necessary so that the water flows well
- Annually perform calibration of thermostat or annually service it
- Examining high-limit switch behaviour
- Make sure that the spa is not located directly in the sunlight
- Automatically shut down with a programmable spa controller
- Inspect heater relay board wear at 2-3 year interval
How to Deal With Hot Tub Temperature Being Too Hot?
In the event that your hot tub water is above 104 0 F, do the following straight away:
- Shut off the heater and jets
- Take the cover off so that heat would escape
- Dilute with cold water progressively to lower temperature
- Once the safe temperature is regained, reset the control panel.
Do not go into water that is more than 104F in temperature-this may cause you to become dizzy, nauseous, dehydrated, or faint.
Show Me When to Call a Hot Tub Professional
When you make the DIY checks and the problem remains, contact a licensed spa technician. Help of an expert may be needed in:
- Replacement of electrical components (heater, control board, relay)
- Restructuring spa controller
- Chronic error codes
- Not cooling down of water even off the power
When you disregard overheating of your spa, it may result in damage to the pump, heater and electronic system- all of which are costly to replace.
Hot Tub Overheating Troubleshooting Quick Checklist:
- Setting of temperature is right
- Calibrated thermostat
- Heater relay operation
- High-limit switch functioning
- Pump is not pumping 24/7
- Good spa cover
- No panel error codes on spa
- Season setting is modified
FAQs Regarding Hot Tub Temperature Problems
What is too hot in a hot tub?
Most spa manufactures and health organizations believe that it is unsafe when temperature exceeds 104 o F (40 o C).
Why is my hot tub heating up when it is turned off?
Most likely, it is due to the stuck heater relay or non-functioning thermostat.
Does ambient temperature lead my hot tub to overheat?
Yes, especially in the summer season or under the direct sunshine. One should shade, lower the temperature set, and ventilate.
How hot is safe in a hot tub for children?
No more than 98 o F -100 o F and soaks should not exceed 10 minutes.
What is the duration of cooling down an overheated hot tub?
It could be between 1 to 3 hours. It is up to the conditions around and whether you abandon the cover or not
Conclusion
Overheating of the hot tub may be as simple as the thermostat is not set right or as serious as the heater relay being broken. This is how to fully learn the symptoms, causes and solutions to safe and comfortable soaking all year long.
You take common precautions and get the bed warmed properly at the proper temperature, in the proper season, and you take care of it, and neither get too hot, nor too cold, and miss all your relaxation through having to have it all to yourself.
