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how long do hot tub circulation pumps last

by Colton Tromp Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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5-10 years

Full Answer

How long does a hot tub pump last?

While these pumps are known to last 5-10 years, at some point your pump is going to see problems that need some instant attention— unless you enjoy non-chemically treated spawater, which we hope you don’t! Seeing foam in your hot tub could be a sign that your pump is not working correctly.

Does your spa or hot tub circulation pump need repairing?

One thing for sure however, is that at some point in the life of a spa or hot tub, a circulation pump will develop problems. Here's how to troubleshoot a circulation pump on a spa or hot tub, to determine if the circ pump needs repair or replacement.

How do hot tub circulation pumps work?

Hot tub circulation pumps are low-flow pumps that constantly circulate in water as slowly as possible to provide your spa a continued filter, heat and chemically treated water.

What type of pump is used in a hot tub?

Circulation pumps used in spas and hot tubs, also called Circ Pumps or Hush Pumps, are low-flow pumps that constantly circulate the water (24/7) very slowly, to continuously filter, heat and chemically treat the water. Common spa/hot tub circulation pumps are made by Aqua-Flo, Grundfos, Laing and Waterway.

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How do I know if my hot tub pump is bad?

There are several signs of hot tub pump failure: 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.

How do I know if my hot tub circulation pump is 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.

How long do circulation pumps last?

How long does a circulating pump last? If your central heating system is installed correctly and maintained regularly, you can expect this pump to last for a very long time. Usually, they keep going for well over ten years, and some last for 20 years or more.

Do hot tub circulation pumps run continuously?

Most models of hot tub pumps run twice a day, a cycle of 2-4 hours each for the filtration cycles. But the pump also kicks on anytime the water temperature drops below the set point. This will vary based on the ambient air temperature and how well the hot tub is insulated.

How do you fix a hot tub circulation pump?

0:376:04HOT TUB Pump Not Working? 6 Common Problems & FixesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem first you want to clean your filter. And leaf traps. And then try priming your pump. If youMoreSystem first you want to clean your filter. And leaf traps. And then try priming your pump. If you have really poor pressure then you'll need to completely drain. And clean your hot tub.

How much does it cost to replace a hot tub pump?

$200 to $1,200How 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 much does it cost to replace circulator pump?

Replacing a bad circulator pump – $500 to $900. Fixing a broken thermostat – $200 to $400. Replacing an expansion tank – $300 to $600.

How much does a recirculating pump cost?

Griccino says a hot water recirculating pump costs about $200, and many comfort systems can be DIY installed. Better to go with professional installation if you need new plumbing.

How much is a circulation pump?

The price tag of a hot water recirculation pump is around $200 and most can be installed by the consumer but some require a plumber.

How often should your hot tub circulate?

Continuously? Most residential spa owners do not need to run their hot tub pumps all the time. Unless the spa is used multiple times per day, a filtration cycle of 2-8 hours, twice a day, should be enough to keep most hot tubs sanitary.

Should I leave my hot tub running all the time?

So, should I leave my hot tub on all the time? Yes, you should leave your hot tub on all of the time. Hot tubs are designed to always be switched on and it's more economical to keep the water hot than it is to heat it up from cold each time you want to use it.

Is it cheaper to keep hot tub on all the time?

It's much more economical to maintain your tub's temperature rather than heating it from scratch each time. If you had to heat up your hot tub from cold each time you wanted to use it, this would have a dramatic impact on your hot tub running costs.

How do you prime a hot tub circulation pump?

2:473:29How to prime a hot tub pump - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAn air lock in the first place is by filling your hot tub with the hose in the filter compartmentMoreAn air lock in the first place is by filling your hot tub with the hose in the filter compartment that can help push a lot of the air out of the pump.

How do I know if my hot tub has an airlock?

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 do I reset my hot tub pump?

1:112:01How to RESET your HOT TUB - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd don't just turn it right back on you got to give it 30 seconds. Give the software give the logicMoreAnd don't just turn it right back on you got to give it 30 seconds. Give the software give the logic. Some time to actually reset. Wait 30 seconds flip your breakers.

How do you use a prime circulation pump?

How To Prime Your Water PumpMake sure the power is turned off. Never leave a pump plugged in while you're working on it. ... Gain access to the pump system. ... Check for damage. ... Test a hose. ... Open the relief valves. ... Attach the hose. ... Turn on the water and wait for it to enter the tank. ... Turn the power on.

How to extend the life of a hot tub pump?

Overall, listening to a pump to ensure it is running smoothly and keeping water as clean as possible while performing a proper and frequent maintenance routine is a good way to extend the lifespan of a hot tub’s pump.

How long do spa pumps last?

On average, standard spa pumps last between 5 and 10 years. However, if taken care of correctly, a spa pump’s lifespan can easily be extended. Therefore, it is crucial for one to take proper care of one’s spa through regular maintenance routines. For example, keeping a proper mineral balance will allow for cleaning agents to work more efficiently ...

Why is my spa pump not working?

The most common reason for a spa pump to quit working is simply that it has died. However, there are several other reasons why a spa pump may suddenly stop working. Luckily, they are all fairly easy to troubleshoot.

Why is my hot tub pump surging?

The reason why your hot tub may start surging is a low water level or a dirty filter. Make sure you have enough water and that your filter is clean.

How do I reset my hot tub pump?

To reset a hot tub pump, one should locate the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and simply press the reset button. If this does not work to restore the spa pump’s functioning, troubleshooting can easily be done by cutting the power to the GFCI breaker off and waiting for 30 seconds before turning it back on.

How do I reset my hot tub control panel?

A hot tub control panel can easily be reset by turning it off, waiting between 10 and 20 seconds, and switching it on once again. If the control panel is not working after doing this, the connections should be checked to ensure that everything is plugged in correctly.

How do you get rid of an airlock in a water pump?

In order to get rid of an airlock, one should first bleed the hot tub’s pump. Additionally, hot tubs automatically use priming modes when their ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are turned on in order to get rid of any air that may be present.

How long does a hot tub pump last?

Hot tub circulation pump not working? Naturally, a circulation pump can last for 10 to 15 years but just like other components of a hot tub, the circulation pump can stop working at any time. Three scenarios can make your circulation pump to stop working. Here is an analysis of each of these situations.

How do you prime a hot tub circulation pump?

Priming helps to remove any air trapped in the circulation pump. If a pump isn’t primed, the motor works fine but no water flows through the jets. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prime your hot tub circulation pump .

How do you troubleshoot a hot tub pump?

Otherwise, you could have the shell and water but they don’t heat or the heat doesn’t circulate evenly throughout the spa. Here is how to troubleshoot the hot tub pump in different scenarios.

Why is there no power to my hot tub?

In some cases, you may get to your hot tub only to find there’s no power and it won’t turn on. Well, these are common problems you can fix quickly. Here are some of the reasons why the power on your hot tub can go off and what you need to do.

How do I know if my hot tub fuse is blown?

You’ll know if your fuse is blown if your power is still on but the water doesn’t heat. Fuses are meant to blow in the event of power spikes. By blowing, fuses protect other components of the spa such as pumps and jets from excess amperage.

Why won't my hot tub work?

Faulty wiring can cause circuit breakers to trip, fuses to blow , and your hot tub won’t function. Rodents and power spikes can make wires faulty. We recommend hiring a professional electrician to inspect and repair faulty wires.

Why is my hot tub overheating?

Overheating of a hot tub can happen because the pump has been running for some time due to extended filtration cycles settings or faults within...

How to check if a circulation pump is working?

Check that power is on, and the breaker or GFCI test button are not tripped. Check that all valves are in the open position. For slice valves, the handle should be Up, and for ball valves, the handle should be parallel to the pipe. Follow the circ pump plumbing, and look for any possible kinks in the hose. Pull out the cartridge filter, to see if flow improves and the circulation pump is doing better.

Why is my hot tub pump low flow?

Secondary causes of extra low flow on a low flow hot tub circulation pump include the items mentioned above; either there is air in the line, or something is blocking flow before the pump on the suction side, or after the pump on the pressure side.

How to tell if spa pump is a jet pump or a pump?

The way to tell if a spa pump is a Circ Pump, and not a Therapy Pump, is by the Amps listed on the motor label. Anything under 1.5 Amps would be a Circ pump. Therapy or Jet pumps have much higher Amp usage, ...

What is a circulatory pump?

Circulation pumps used in spas and hot tubs, also called Circ Pumps or Hush Pumps, are low-flow pumps that constantly circulate the water (24/7) very slowly, to continuously filter, heat and chemically treat the water. Common spa/hot tub circulation pumps are made by Aqua-Flo, Grundfos, Laing and Waterway. Not all spas have a circulation pump ...

Why does my hot tub pump make a noise?

One of the best things about a hot tub circulation pump is quiet operation; they make almost no noise. Gurgling, humming or grinding noises on a spa circulation pump are good indicators of a problem. It could be Air, Scale or a Clogged Impeller. Maybe a dirty spa filter. Or, it could be the bearings in the motor going bad.

What causes a circulation pump to clog?

CLOGGED IMPELLER: Circulation pumps usually pull water from the skimmer/cartridge filter, and it's not uncommon that bits of debris, or even parts of the filter itself get sucked into the pump, clogging the impeller. Open up the circulation pump as described above to check this possibility. Other possible clogs include downstream obstructions, in an ozone injection manifold, or specifically the Mazzei injector, or if a return fitting or drain cover is used, where the water returns to the spa, it could be clogged on the inside.

How many amps does a circulator pump use?

Anything under 1.5 Amps would be a Circ pump. Therapy or Jet pumps have much higher Amp usage, and you would see at least 6 Amps listed on the motor label. Circulation pumps tend to last 5-10 years, although your mileage may vary.

What is a hot tub pump?

Hot tub circulation pumps are low-flow pumps that constantly circulate in water as slowly as possible to provide your spa a continued filter, heat and chemically treated water.

How to check if a circulation pump is doing better?

Pull out the cartridge filter to see if flow improves and the circulation pump is doing better.

When to replace filter?

If the problem still arises, it’s time to replace the filter.

Do circulatory pumps wear out?

Circulation pumps don’t simply wear out die. So if yours is struggling, don’t assume it’s just wearing out. It’s likely your filter needs to be looked at:

What happens if a rotor gets hot?

If a circ gets hot to the touch, much hotter then the fluid passing through it, the rotor is stuck. Open it up and get it spinning and they can usually be saved. Eventually they will get hot enough to boil in the volute and pump housing.

What are the factors that kill a pump?

bad water and high temperatures are the key factors that will kill a pump.

Is a pump warmer than a circulator?

Really the pump should not be much warmer than the fluid going through it with a wet rotor circulator. Unless it is running way off it's curve, against a closed down system. That, for sure, will be a factor in it's life expectancy.

Can I get a new pump on eBay?

I think you can get a new pump on Ebay cheaper than you can get a replacement cartridge. I believe the cartridges are for situations where you forgot to put isolation valves in around the flanges, and don't want to drain the system to replace the pump. Cheaper in that case to pay more for a replacement cartridge than a brand new pump.

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