Repairing Guides

how to repair a spa pump

by Dr. Landen Kub DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Spa Pump Repair Instructions and Tips

  1. Diagnose the Problem. If your spa pump is leaking or or not flowing, examine it to find out what the problem may be. ...
  2. Disconnect the Power. Do not perform any repairs on a hot tub pump until after the power has been disconnected. ...
  3. Remove the Pump. Remove the spa circulation pump. ...
  4. Clean Connectors. ...
  5. Remount the Pump. ...
  6. Restore Power and Test. ...
  7. Motor Problems. ...

Part of a video titled How to replace a spa pump - Fix your jacuzzi! - YouTube
0:10
11:05
And if you haven't done it already usually somewhere on here on the top. Or on the back it'll have aMoreAnd if you haven't done it already usually somewhere on here on the top. Or on the back it'll have a model number and you can look that up look it up online and order yourself a replacement pump.

Full Answer

Can you replace a spa pump in a hot tub?

Bring your old pump (any brand) to an Arctic Spas retail store and get a free estimate to repair or replace it. Spa pumps are usually compatible between different hot tub brands. Arctic Spas has the best pump available and it probably works in your hot tub even if it is not an Arctic.

How do I replace the pump in my Arctic spa?

Bring your old pump (any brand) to an Arctic Spas retail store and get a free estimate to repair or replace it. Spa pumps are usually compatible between different hot tub brands. Arctic Spas has the best pump available and it probably works in your hot tub even if it is not an Arctic. Typical hot tub pumps have a high failure rate.

What should I do if my hot tub pump is stuck?

If the problem is pumps getting stuck on, call the support number in your manual. The most important first step is to never turn on the power when your hot tub is empty. If the pumps engage severe damage can happen instantly, damaging your pump beyond repair. Other tips for pump preservation include:

Why is one of my spa pumps not working?

So, if you’ve recently drained and refilled your spa and one of your pumps is not working, it’s most likely an air lock. And here’s a couple of steps we can do just to check and see if it is an air lock and fix it if it is. What you’re going to do is find out which pump it is that’s not running.

image

Why is my spa pump not working?

Check that your power is on, the breaker or GFCI test button are not tripped, all valves are in the open position. Follow the circ pump plumbing, and look for any kinks in the hose. Pull out the cartridge filter to see if flow improves and the circulation pump is doing better.

Can a hot tub pump be rebuilt?

Hot tub pump problems can usually be repaired: you probably don't need a new pump! The two most common problems with hot tub pumps are the seals and the motor. The seals can be replaced usually for under $100 and the motor can be rebuilt for under $250, often less!

How do you separate a spa pump from a motor?

0:285:36Removing a Stuck Impeller on a Hot Tub Pump How To Spa GuyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut what you do is take a flat screwdriver. It's got a flat screwdriver fitting in there turn. It upMoreBut what you do is take a flat screwdriver. It's got a flat screwdriver fitting in there turn. It up so you can see it. And you hold the flat screwdriver side. And grab the impeller.

Can I change a spa pump without draining it?

You can drain the spa to make the repair, if you need to drain anyway, but it's not necessary.

Can a spa pump be repaired?

If your system is more than 2-3 years old, replace the entire pump, not just the motor or wet end. You'll have fewer headaches in the long run. Caution: Electrical repairs can be dangerous, especially around water. Repairs must be made by a qualified electrician or spa technician.

How much does it cost to fix a pump on a hot tub?

Cost to Repair a Hot Tub Pump You can also just replace the entire jet pump for $200-$300. Circulation pumps, aka Circ Pumps, which run low speed most of the time, are replaced for $150-$200. Other spa pump parts such as impellers, seals and o-rings are fairly inexpensive.

How long do hot tub pumps last?

7-10 yearsMost hot tub pumps and heaters will be able to last for a minimum of 7-10 years in well-maintained, well-balanced water. In poorly balanced water, however, their lifespan can be drastically reduced as key components break down. In hot tub pumps this is commonly the seal that protects the motor from water.

Are hot tub pumps interchangeable?

Most spas will be the same size for both the intake and outtake pipe, but double check just in case. Most spa pumps use 1.5” or 2” plumbing fittings. With all this information in hand, you should be able to select a new hot tub pump as a replacement.

How do you free a stuck pool pump impeller?

0:201:44How To Remove Stubborn Hayward Pump Impellers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA pry bar here not the craftsman has endorsed me or anything but we're just kind of tight crime aMoreA pry bar here not the craftsman has endorsed me or anything but we're just kind of tight crime a pry bar. And then we'll stick it right in here okay.

How much does a spa pump cost?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hot Tub Pump? Hot tub pump and motor replacement cost ranges from $200 to $1,200, depending on the type. Circulation models run $200 to $500, not including installation. The cost to replace hot tub pump with two speeds is $750 to $1,200.

How do you test a spa pump?

3:436:04HOT TUB Pump Not Working? 6 Common Problems & FixesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipItself three flip it off and then back on again four try to start up your pump if the breaker flipsMoreItself three flip it off and then back on again four try to start up your pump if the breaker flips when you start up your pump disconnect the pump and reset the breaker.

Can you run a hot tub pump without water?

A hot tub will run without any water if the power is turned on. There are some protections, but this could be damaging to the hot tub's internal components and should be avoided by turning off the power to the hot tub before draining the hot tub completely.

How do you rebuild a hot tub pump motor?

3:3628:25How to Rebuild a Hot Tub Pump Motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'll pull these clips off. And then I'll close the gate valve by pushing it like that. If that'sMoreSo I'll pull these clips off. And then I'll close the gate valve by pushing it like that. If that's closed this one first because it's kind of in the way. There we go that one's closed.

How long should a hot tub pump last?

7-10 yearsMost hot tub pumps and heaters will be able to last for a minimum of 7-10 years in well-maintained, well-balanced water. In poorly balanced water, however, their lifespan can be drastically reduced as key components break down. In hot tub pumps this is commonly the seal that protects the motor from water.

Is it worth rebuilding a hot tub?

A hot tub is still worth fixing unless the shell or frame is cracked. Replacing a heater element, control pack, pump or blower is relatively easy and significantly less expensive than buying a new hot tub.

Are hot tub pumps interchangeable?

Most spas will be the same size for both the intake and outtake pipe, but double check just in case. Most spa pumps use 1.5” or 2” plumbing fittings. With all this information in hand, you should be able to select a new hot tub pump as a replacement.

Why does my spa pump fail?

Think carefully before you put the same kind back in your spa! Typical hot tub pumps fail more often because they are internally cooled, allowing moist or dusty air to contaminate the interior components of the pump. The spa pump from Arctic Spas is completely sealed and externally cooled to prevent premature failure.

Why is my hot tub pump not working?

This is one potential site of failure in a hot tub motor/pump. If debris gets into the pump it is also possible for the impeller to get jammed or damaged, which is another possible cause of pump failure. The motor component can also become damaged, often due to moisture or dust getting into the internal parts of the motor.

What is the pump in a hot tub?

The pump is the part containing the impeller and includes the water input and outputs. The motor is the electrical component that turns the impeller, connected to the pump by a shaft. The pump end contains water and therefore must be sealed around the shaft that connects it to the motor. This is one potential site of failure in a hot tub motor/pump.

Why does my hot tub have an air lock?

They occur when the water level drops too low or after a water change , and air gets trapped in the lines or equipment. There are sensors in the hot tub that detect water flow or water line pressure to protect the hot tub heater from coming on when the water is not flowing past the heater element fast enough. When an air lock occurs, it is common for these sensors to detect low flow or low pressure, which results in the heater being disabled until the problem is fixed.

How long does it take for a water pump to run?

So water’s going to come out, some air’s going to come out. And then that pump is going to surge and it will start running again. It might take up to 3-4 minutes. Then once it’s running again, you will have more water, because it’s going to be able to pressure will be coming out.

Why change pump bearings?

Pretty much the only two reasons you ought to be changing the pump is if the pump is tripping the breaker or if the bearings are shot and you need to take it back to the shop and change the bearings over, just replace it because the bearings are shot .

Can you use a spa pump in a hot tub?

Spa pumps are usually compatible between different hot tub brands. Arctic Spas has the best pump available and it probably works in your hot tub even if it is not an Arctic. Typical hot tub pumps have a high failure rate. Think carefully before you put the same kind back in your spa!

What size is a spa pump?

Spa main pumps have a size of either 48 frame (approx. 5.5" diameter), or 56 frame (approx. 6.5" diameter). Check the old motor's ID plate for frame size. If in doubt, you can easily determine a motor's frame size by measuring the spacing between the through-bolts.

What is spa pump form factor?

The two spa pump form factors refer to the outflow or discharge fitting on the Wet End. Your old pump will be either Center Discharge or Side Discharge.

What is the wire color of a spa pump?

Most spa pumps are two speed units, with the low speed used for filtration and heating cycles. Two speed 240V pumps have 4 wires: red, black, white, and green. Red is normally low speed, and black high speed. The white wire is common and the green is ground.

What is the difference between a 56 and 48 spa pump?

Larger 56 frame motors are a little more expensive and somewhat stronger. They tend to operate a bit cooler than 48 frame units , which can mean longer service life.

How to pick a replacement pump?

The best way to pick the right replacement pump is to remove the old pump first. You will be able to make inspections and measurements for a correct match.

Why does my pump make a humming noise?

Humming noise from motor not turning, frozen shaft, bearings or impeller, or defective starting capacitor. Whining noise from worn bearings . Leaks under the pump from a failure of the pump seals. You could replace these components by themselves if you can find the proper parts.

How many lines are needed for a 2 speed pump?

A two-speed pump requires 3 line connections, plus a ground wire. The typical color coding is as follows:

image

Pump(S) Run Hot

  • If your pump is running hot, check for the following: 1. Pump running dry – call the technical support number in your manual. 2. Flow is restricted – remove debris from the filter basket and suction valves.
See more on aqualivingstores.com

Pump(S) Surging

  • Surging pumps can indicate the following: 1. Water level is too low – add water according to instructions in your manual. 2. A blockage or restriction – empty the filter basket and clean suction drain covers.
See more on aqualivingstores.com

Pump(S) Not Priming

  • Priming is an important process that purges air from the plumbing lines of your hot tub. The spa will go into priming mode every time it is filled with water then turned on. The initial priming will last about six minutes. Sometimes the topside controls indicate that you need to run pumps to purge air after the tub is full and in use. This priming should take no more than two minutes, by which ti…
See more on aqualivingstores.com

Pump(S) Stuck on

  • You may see a code on your topside control indicating that pumps are stuck on. This can mean that your water is overheating. You may also see an indication that a pump was stuck on when the spa was last powered on. In either case, do not get into the hot tub for safety reasons. Leave the coveroff for cooling. Follow the instructions in you manual for overheating if that is the proble…
See more on aqualivingstores.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9