Indeed, after all the anticipation and expense, a hot tub that does not work can be pretty upsetting. There can be many reasons why this can happen. Don’t panic; it’s only a hot tub. It is a problem that can be solved. I have listed the most common problems and how to resolve them.

Factory

Today’s hot tubs are built the same way the average car is, only without robots. Real people build these. When they build a hot tub, it goes from station to station, from the frame to the shell, plumbing, electrical departments, and so on. Most hot tub companies fill and run the hot tub before it leaves the factory. 

Not very common, but sometimes the factory messes up and misses something before calling your dealer. Power down the hot tub, open the service compartment door, and look around. Are all the wires connected securely? Beware, some wires may be for accessories you may not have installed. Any water in the compartment? Sometimes a clamp may come loose during transport. If nothing is obvious, call your dealer for help. All the major brands will take responsibility and expedite a solution, whether a replacement part or a whole new tub.

Shipping

The odds are that your local dealer is not located close to the factory your hot tub is coming from. Hot tubs are oversized, heavy items shipped by tractor-trailer or train over uneven and bumpy roadways. If someone did not tighten down that one little connection, it could ruin your long-awaited delivery day. Same as above, open the service compartment and look around. If you are not sure what’s wrong and working with a reputable dealer should address your issue quickly.

Electric

Believe it or not, even some professional electricians get this wrong. Not all manufacturers use the same system. Most big hot tubs are regular 220v systems and don’t require anything out of the ordinary. Some more sophisticated hot tubs will work at multiple amperages or require more than one breaker. If your hot tub does not turn on or trips the breaker as soon as it is on, then I would have your electrician review the directions from the manufacturer and review his work. Call the store you purchased your hot tub from if all else fails for additional help.

Pump Prime

This is the one that stumps most new hot tub owners. The power is on, and you hear the pumps making noise, but no jets. Chances are there is no water inside the pump. What has happened? When you filled your hot tub, did you put your garden hose inside the filter opening? This is the best practice when you fill your hot tub. This will help get water inside the pump and push out the air. If you are experiencing what we call an airlock, it will take patience to resolve.

Try using your garden hose to force water into the pump. Remove your filter/filters. You see an open hole where the filter goes. This is where your hose should go. If you don’t see the hole, check if the standpipe where the filter goes over will unthread. Try your spa again.

If that is unsuccessful, then a more direct approach is needed. I have a video below from Master Spas that explains the best way to fix this problem. I found this method is the most effective. You could also try and remove the hose from the bleeder line. However, it is made of plastic and can break easily. I have also seen plungers used over the jets. This method can be hit or miss depending on whether you can find the correct jet closest to the pump.