Nov
2019
27
Signs of a Hot Tub Air Lock & How to Fix It
Many hot tub owners have experienced that dreaded moment: turning on your hot tub to find the jets aren’t working. Jets are an integral part of the hot tub experience, providing massage and amplifying the feeling of relaxation and recovery. Most people mistakenly believe that malfunctioning jets are due to a major issue that will require expensive repairs. Thankfully, the most common cause of jets not working is an air lock. Unlike on a spaceship, an air lock in your hot tub simply means that there is air in your plumbing lines which is affecting the function of your jets. In this blog post we will discuss the signs and symptoms associated with an air lock in your hot tub and provide advice on how to prevent and fix the problem. Next time you experience an air lock, you’ll now be prepared to deal with the problem swiftly and easily return to relaxing in your hot tub.
Signs & Symptoms of a Hot Tub Air Lock
As mentioned above, the most common sign that your hot tub has an air lock is the jets not working when powered on. This can include nothing coming out of your jets when they are turned on or even a humming sound coming from the jets or pump.
How to Prevent an Air Lock in Your Hot Tub
A hot tub pump is designed to pump water, not air. Therefore, if air is in your plumbing lines, it can cause damage overtime. In order to prevent water entering your plumbing lines, creating an air lock and damaging your hot tub system, make sure that when you are filling your tub, the hose is placed into the empty filter canister instead of the tub itself. This ensures that the water fills the pump and internal plumbing along with the tub to prevent the development of an air lock. Once the tub is filled, “bleed” the pump by turning off the ground fault circuit interrupter, use a screwdriver to open the bleed valve until water begins to trickle out, then close the valve again. This will help further reduce the risk of air entering the plumbing and creating an air lock. It will also remove any air that did manage to get trapped during the filling process. Finally, test that all your jets are functioning correctly by turning on the pump and ensuring water is coming out of each individual jet.
How to Fix an Air Lock in Your Hot Tub
There are two common ways to fix an air lock in your hot tub. The first method is very simple and involves turning your jets on and off until their function returns. Simply turn the jets on low for 10-20 seconds and then switch them to high for 10-20 seconds and repeat the cycle until the jets are working. If you repeat this cycle 3-4 times and do not notice any improvement, you will need to fix the air bubble using our second method. This involves “bleeding: the pump as described above using a screwdriver. After “bleeding” the pump, you should be able to turn the jets back on and have them return to full function.
If you try both methods and your jets are still not working, it is possible that an air lock is not affecting their function. Clogs or leaks can also impact jet function, and this can sometimes be fixed by simply cleaning the filter of any gunk or debris. As well, if the water level is below the skimmer, the jets will not be able to function. If you notice that the water level in your tub is below the skimmer, fill-up the tub using your garden hose and the jets should return to their full functionality.
If you try all the above methods and the jets are still not working, it may be time to seek professional help. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we provide a wide range of hot tub models, parts, supplies and accessories. Our friendly team has years of experience working with hot tubs and can help determine what is affecting the function of your jets. Whether you require a simple fix or a more complicated solution, we can help with every step of the way. We have two convenient showrooms servicing the GTA in Markham and Newmarket and can be reached at 905-294-8030, or fill out our online form. Don’t let an air lock prevent you from enjoying your hot tub this winter!