How to Replace a Hot Tub Pump

Spa owners should accept the fact that there hot tub pump will fail. The damage of this failure can be much larger than a new pump. Routine inspection of your hot tub pump will help prevent damages. A good spa pump will last 6-8 years so be prepared to replace your older pumps.

A good rule to follow is to inspect your hot tub pump every time you clean your spa filter. You should be checking for water leakage, loud noises and hot pump motors. If you find any of these symptoms then it is time to repair or replace your pump before the pump fails and damages other parts such as the heater.

If you see any water around the pump, carefully look to see where it is coming from, it may simply be that the threaded port fittings need tightening or need new o-rings. However it may be that the sealed pump shaft bearing is leaking. This requires more work and may be a sign of more failures to come. Also check the pump housing for cracks. A small crack will eventually become a large crack and must be fixed or replaced immediately

Do you hear loud noise, or metallic sounds? Listen closely as it may be your pump bearings are seized. This means you are wasting money as the pump is not turning freely. If the noise is coming from the spa motor then it could be internal and require repair or replacement. Any loud noises should be addressed before they become bigger problems.

Lack of water pressure is usually not the pumps fault. Most people assume they need to replace the hot tub pump. However, a spa pump either works or does not work. I would suggest you check other areas first such as a clogged spa filter or a plugged suction port. You can also check the internal pump housing by removing the couplers and visually inspecting the inside to ensure nothing is lodged.

A spa pump motor does run hot. However, it should not be excessively hot when only running on circulating mode. If you touch the motor and find it nearly burns your hand then this is a sign of something wrong internally. You are wasting energy as a significant portion of power is being utilized as heat instead of driving the pump. If a motor fails, it is generally advisable to replace the entire pump as it is usually the same price.

A spa pump has a starting capacitor that gives it extra juice when starting. If you pump hums and or the main breaker trips then the capacitor may be shot. However, there are a couple other things to check first. Make sure the impeller is free to move and that nothing is lodged. Also make sure no ice has formed inside the pump housing causing the impeller to stick.

If you decide for a new pump, make sure you choose a quality pump. You need to match port sizes usually 1.5" or 2". Also you need to determine whether you need a 1 speed or 2 speed pump (check the label). Also you should match the voltage, is your pump 110-120 VAC or 220-240 VAC? Finally, ensure you match the amps listed on your pump with similar amps. Never assume HP listed on the pump is accurate (often used as marketing gimmick by manufacturers), use the Amps rating as a proper guide.

Finally, I would recommend you shop around. Do not replace your pump with a cheaper model and if your pump has failed pre-maturely then look for another manufacturer. All pumps manufacturers make similar pumps; you don't have to buy the original pump. I would suggest you step up to the plate and spend some extra money as a pump failure can be very costly! Quality pumps cost less to operate, make less noise and will last longer.