Signs Your Hot Tub Needs Servicing Soon include weak jets, fluctuating water temperature, unpleasant odours, and skin irritation. Book expert hot tub servicing today.
Weak water flow from the jets
Weak water flow from the jets is one of the clearest signs that your hot tub needs servicing. When the jets don't feel as strong as usual, it often means that the water isn't flowing through the system the way it should.
One common cause of weak water flow is a blocked or dirty filter. Hot tubs collect body oils, hair, skin products, dust, and small bits of debris, and over time, these can clog up the filter and slow down the water flow. Even if the water looks clean, the filter can still be restricting its ability to flow. A simple servicing can help you check the filter's condition and whether it needs cleaning or replacing.
Weak jet pressure can also happen when your water levels are too low. If the water drops below a certain level, the pump can struggle to pull in enough water. This can cause air to get into the system and cause odd noises, poor performance, or put extra strain on the pump.
Water temperature keeps changing
A healthy hot tub should retain a steady temperature once it has warmed up. If the water is warm one moment and cooler the next, or if it keeps drifting up and down, it usually means that something in the heating or water flow system isn't working.
Your heater relies on water moving through the system at the right speed. However, if the filter is blocked or if the circulation pump is struggling or partly closed, the heater may become unreliable.
This can make the temperature drop, especially during colder weather, since heat is lost faster from the water surface and the cabinet.
A worn-out or faulty thermostat or temperature sensor can also cause the temperature to change. These components tell the hot tub when to heat up and when to stop, and if a sensor is dirty, loose, or failing, it may send the wrong reading.
This can cause the tub to overheat, cool down too much, or keep switching between heating and resting. You may also notice the display temperature won't match how the water feels, which can also be confusing and unsafe.
Bad smells from the water or cabinet area
A well-kept hot tub should smell clean and fresh, and it should only have a mild chlorine or bromine scent if those products are being used. However, if you notice a strong musty, stagnant, or egg-like smell, it often means that something is wrong with the inside of the water system.
Unpleasant smells coming from the water can often be linked to poor water balance or low sanitiser levels. When the chlorine or bromine levels are too low, bacteria can grow and cause cloudy water, slippery surfaces, and a smell that gets worse over time. Even if you add chemicals, the smell may return if the filters are clogged, the water is old, or if the pipework has a build-up of dirt and oils.
Another common cause of bad smells is biofilm. Biofilm is a slimy layer of grime that can form inside pipes, jets, and the circulation system. It can trap bacteria and cause ongoing odours, even if the water looks clear. In these cases, a proper service and deep clean, including a system flush, can help remove the hidden build-up.
Skin irritation after use
Hot tubs should feel relaxing and soothing, so if you or your family start to notice itchy skin, redness, rashes, or sore eyes after a soak, it often means there's a problem with your water quality.
One common reason for this is poor water balance. Hot tub water needs to have the right sanitiser and pH balance in order to stay safe. If the pH level is too high or too low, the water can end up irritating your skin, even if it looks fine.
Low sanitiser levels can also allow germs to grow, while very high sanitiser levels can cause your skin and eyes to sting.
Dirty filters can also cause issues since the filters trap hair, oils, and small bits of dirt. When the filters become clogged, water won't be cleaned properly, and it won't circulate properly either. This can lead to cloudy water, hidden build-ups in the pipework, and bacterial growth. A simple maintenance service can help you keep the filters and circulation system clean.
Hot Tub Engineers Surrey handle all aspects of hot tub servicing throughout Guildford, Woking, Horsham. We can check your water flow, filters, heating, and key components, and fix any issues early on to prevent expensive breakdowns.
