Identify the signs your hot tub needs servicing - from cloudy water to strange noises. Keep your hot tub in good condition and extend its lifespan with our expert guide.
Cloudy or Discoloured Water
Cloudy or discoloured water is one of the clearest signs that your hot tub needs servicing. While it may seem like a minor issue at first, changes in your water's clarity or colour often point to an underlying problem with the water's chemistry, filtration or circulation.
Cloudy water is usually a sign that the water's chemical balance is off or that the filtration system is struggling. When the sanitiser levels are too low, bacteria and other microorganisms can grow, which can make the water appear dull or murky.
Similarly, if the pH or alkalinity levels aren't properly maintained, minerals can form out of the water and give it a hazy appearance. Regular servicing and maintenance ensure that the hot tub's water chemistry is tested and corrected so that it's safe to use again.
Unusual Smells from the Water
Unusual smells coming from your hot tub are a clear sign that it needs servicing. A properly maintained hot tub should have clean, fresh-smelling water, and if you notice any unpleasant odours, whether they're musty, chemical-like, or sulphuric, it often points to an imbalance in the water's chemistry, poor filtration or the presence of contaminants.
One common cause of unusual smells is insufficient sanitiser levels. Chlorine or bromine are used to sanitise the water and prevent bacterial growth, but if their levels fall too low, these contaminants can quickly grow in the water and plumbing system.
This growth can create unpleasant odours, and it also makes the hot tub unsafe to use.
Another reason for foul-smelling water is dirty or clogged filters. When the filters aren't cleaned or replaced regularly, they can become clogged with oils, dirt and debris.
This build-up can cause musty smells and put extra strain on your tub's pumps and heaters. During a routine service, the filters are inspected, cleaned, or replaced to ensure your hot tub can properly filter and circulate clean water.
Strange Noises from the Pump or Heater
Strange noises coming from your hot tub’s pump or heater are early warning signs that your tub needs servicing. While hot tubs normally produce a gentle hum during operation, unusual sounds such as grinding, banging, whining or rattling usually indicate that something is wrong within the system.
A pump that makes loud or irregular noises may be struggling to function due to blockages, worn-out bearings or trapped air. When the filters are clogged or debris enters the circulation system, the pump has to work harder, which creates extra strain and noise.
The heater can also produce strange sounds when it's not functioning properly either. Popping or knocking sounds are often signs that there's scale build-up on the heating system. When minerals and debris build up, they form hot spots that make the water boil unevenly, which can cause the tub to produce strange noises. Additionally, whining or high-pitched noises suggest that there are mechanical or electrical problems.
Leaks or Water Around the Base
Leaks or water that pools around the base of your hot tub are clear signs that it needs servicing. While it might be tempting to ignore a small puddle as a harmless splash, consistent water around the hot tub often points to an underlying issue that shouldn't be ignored. Even a minor leak can put strain on the pump and heater, and over time, this strain can cause the pump to fail.
Water around the base of your hot tub can also cause external issues since the continuous pooling can damage your decking, flooring, or the ground beneath the hot tub, which can lead to rot, mould, or instability. Ignoring leaks can also put extra strain on the pumps and heaters and make it harder to maintain balanced water chemistry.
It also increases your water bills since you have to refill the tub more frequently due to the water loss. Regular servicing can prevent and resolve these ongoing issues and help you keep your hot tub running efficiently.
Constant leaks or pooling water around your hot tub should never be ignored, since they are clear signs that your hot tub needs repairing. Even small leaks can damage the seals, weaken the plumbing, and put unnecessary strain on the pumps and heaters.
At The Hot Tub Engineer, we can keep your hot tub running smoothly, cleanly, and efficiently. From balancing the water and filtration systems to servicing the pumps, heaters, and jets, we can help extend your hot tub’s lifespan.
