Tommy Tubs - Spa & Hot Tub Repair

Question 1

My hot tub won't heat up. What should I check first?

Accepted Answer

Heating problems are very common and are usually caused by restricted water flow. Start with these steps: 1. Clean or replace your filters. Filters can look clean but still restrict flow. Wash them with a proper filter cleaner — not just a hose rinse. Having a spare set of filters on hand is a great idea so you can swap them while one set soaks. 2. Test without the filters. Remove the filters and run the spa briefly. If the heater kicks in, your filters are the culprit even if they appear clean. 3. Top up the water level. Make sure the water is above the filter housing. Low water means low flow. 4. Open all jets and air controls. Closed valves restrict flow to the heater. 5. Check the display for error codes such as FLO, DR, DRY, or OH. These point to specific flow or overheat issues. If the spa still won't heat after these checks, turn it off. Running a tub with no flow or a faulty heater can cause further damage. Time to call a professional.

Question 2

The heater isn't working and I'm getting a low flow fault, but I can hear the pump running.

Accepted Answer

This is usually an airlock — air trapped inside the pump or plumbing that prevents proper water flow even though the pump motor is running. Has the water been changed recently? If you didn't fill the spa through the filter standpipe, air can get trapped in the lines and create a bubble in the pump. Always fill through the standpipe to push air out of the system from the bottom up. You can try gently loosening the pump union slightly to let trapped air bleed out (you'll hear a hiss), then retighten. If the fault persists after this, call a technician to diagnose the issue.

Question 3

My heating element keeps tripping the GFCI breaker. What's going on?

Accepted Answer

If your spa trips the power specifically when the heater kicks in, the heating element is likely failing. This is one of the most common hot tub service calls. Turn off the isolator immediately and do not keep resetting the breaker — repeated resets can damage other components like the control board. Make a note of exactly when it trips (during the heating cycle, when jets start, etc.) and share that with your technician. It helps speed up the diagnosis. Don't keep resetting the breaker. This is one of the quickest ways to turn a simple heater replacement into an expensive repair.

Question 4

My heater seals are leaking. Is that a big deal?

Accepted Answer

Yes — leaking heater seals often start as a tiny drip but can quickly lead to water damage, swollen cabinet floors, and even electrical faults. Switch the spa off at the isolator and don't keep topping up the water to compensate — that just hides the problem. Check near the heater housing for puddles or moisture. A technician can drain below the heater, replace the seals or unions, and pressure test the system to confirm the fix.

Question 5

I have no power to my spa — nothing is coming on. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Start by resetting your breakers and GFCI plug — this resolves more problems than you'd expect. Breakers: Turn them all the way off (not just to the middle 'tripped' position), wait a few seconds, then flip them fully back on. GFCI plug: Unplug the spa from the socket, wait about 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Press the reset button on the plug if it has one. Also check that the isolator switch near your spa is in the on position. If the spa comes on briefly but trips again, stop resetting. Repeated trips usually indicate moisture inside the heater or a failing electrical component that needs professional attention.

Question 6

Why does my hot tub keep tripping the GFCI breaker?

Accepted Answer

A GFCI that trips repeatedly usually means there's a fault in the heater element, moisture inside the equipment compartment, or a failing electrical component like a pump or ozone generator. Power the spa down fully for 60 seconds and restart once. If it trips again, don't force it — call a qualified hot tub repair technician. Don't keep resetting the breaker. Power issues can be dangerous if not handled properly, and repeated resets can damage your control board and other components.

Question 7

My spa is leaking water. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Small leaks become big problems fast — especially if water starts rotting the cabinet or reaching electrical components. Drain caps: Make sure all drain plugs are tight (you may have more than one). Check that the rubber gaskets inside them are still in place — these loosen over time. Common leak points: Heater unions, pump fittings, jet bodies, and pipe joins. Look underneath the spa for drips or water pooling near the equipment pack. Heater unions: Check for weeping seals around the heater connections. If you can see water pooling near electrical components, don't run the spa. Turn off the power at the isolator and call for service.

Question 8

Can I keep running my hot tub if it's leaking?

Accepted Answer

No. Leaks can cause structural and electrical damage quickly. Even a small drip can lead to a swollen base, corroded fittings, and expensive secondary repairs. Turn the spa off, stop topping up the water, and book a pressure test or seal replacement. Catching it early is always cheaper than dealing with the consequences.

Question 9

My spa water is cloudy and smells like a pond. What's wrong?

Accepted Answer

Cloudy, smelly water is almost always a water chemistry problem. The sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine) has likely dropped too low, allowing bacteria and algae to grow. Test your water with test strips or take a sample to a local pool and spa supply store. Check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Poor water chemistry can also cause foaming, skin irritation, and damage to your equipment over time. If the water is beyond rescue, a full drain, clean, and refill is the best solution.

Question 10

My jets aren't working but the pump is running. What's happening?

Accepted Answer

Before you worry, check the jet faces themselves. Most hot tub jets rotate clockwise and counterclockwise to adjust pressure — they may simply be turned to the closed position. Give each one a twist and see if flow returns. Also check the diverter valve and air control levers on the bar top of your spa. These control which jets receive water and how much air is mixed in. Rotating them to different positions can restore flow to jets that seem inactive.

Question 11

Some of my jets are stronger than others. Is something broken?

Accepted Answer

Usually not — this is by design. Your spa's diverter valve and air levers on the bar top control how water flow is distributed between different jet groups. Try rotating the diverter valve and air levers to different positions. This should balance or redirect jet pressure where you want it. If one zone has no flow at all regardless of valve position, there may be a blockage or broken valve that needs a technician.

Question 12

The pump hums but no water comes out. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

If the pump is running but no water is flowing, the most likely cause is a cracked or broken impeller — the spinning part inside the pump that moves water. This is a very common issue and can lead to heater problems if left unaddressed. Turn the tub off and leave it off. Don't run the pump dry, and don't try to dismantle the wet end without the proper tools and seal kits. A technician can replace the impeller (or the pump if needed) fairly quickly. Make a note of whether the pump hums loudly, runs normally, or is completely silent — this helps your technician diagnose the problem faster.

Question 13

My air controllers aren't blowing properly. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

When air controllers fail or block up, the jets lose their power and the spa feels flat. This can happen gradually or suddenly, especially after years of use. Check that the controller knob isn't stuck or cracked. Try turning the tub off and restarting to see if airflow returns. Avoid pulling parts apart yourself — venturi fittings can be fragile, and improper disassembly can cause hidden plumbing issues.

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