Part 2– My Spa Pump Is Not Working

A modern spa consist of a least one pump, and in many cases up to 5 different pumps. Most spas today have 2-3 pumps.

The spa pump performs the following functions:

· It circulates the water over the heater in order to heat the water

· It circulates the water over the filter in order to keep the water safe and clean

· It provides the hydro therapy functions

· It provides mist (if a mister is installed)

· It distributes ozone throughout the spa water

· It distributes the spa chemicals in the water


The pumps, being mechanical pieces of equipment, are likely to be one of the first spa components that you will have to address as your spa gets older. Most of the pump troubles and failures are due to the following reasons

1. Poor water chemistry maintenance

2. Failure to early detect signs that the pump is on its way “out”.

What do I mean with that? Well, inside the pump between the “dry end” of the pump, the motor, and the “wet end” of the pump, the wet end, is a small ceramic seal. That seal is in constant contact with the water in the spa. And it is therefore susceptible to the condition of the water.

If the spa water is too acidic (below 7.0 pH) the acid in the water will start to eat on the seal. And if that situation continues undetected the seal will develop a small leak. That leak will be a trickle at first and almost impossible to detect. Over time you will start to see a small steady stream of water come out from underneath the spa (=you have trouble).

If you are able to catch the leak at this stage, your repair will probable consist of simply replacing the seal. It will cost you under $200. But, if this leak keeps increasing undetected, your will most likely get into a situation where water is starting to leak in to the motor. The motor will then size up or stop working.

The moral of this story is; If you see just a little bit of water coming out from underneath you spa. Turn off the spa, turn off the circuit breaker feeding the spa and call you Spa Repair Company.

What can you as a home owner do yourself?

1. Maintain the water chemistry in the spa every week. If you cannot commit to that, then hire spa Service Company. It will safe you lots of money down the road.

2. Empty, clean and refill the spa at least twice per year

3. Hire a spa service company to come to your house once per year and to a preventative maintenance checkup. This will cost you around $100, but it is well worth money.

Warning signals to pay attention to;

1. Small trickle of water coming out from under the spa.
2. The pump sounds “funny”
3. The jet’s are sluggish