Hot Tub Filter Has No Suction? 3 Common Issues

Anyone with a hot tub can expect problems after a while. It’s common for hot tub owners to overlook the care of their filters. When this happens, the filters get really dirty and sometimes can’t even be used again. There are reasons why this happens and how to react. In this article, we’ll talk about that. So, let’s start!

Why Hot Tub Filter Has No Suction? A hot tub filter might have no suction because it is clogged with debris, preventing proper water flow. Another reason could be a malfunctioning pump or circulation system. Lastly, if the filter is improperly installed or is loose, it might not create adequate suction.

A blocked filter is a key reason for murky and dirty water in your tub. If your filter is packed with dirt and unwanted stuff, it prevents water from flowing properly. This can cause the water to become too warm and might even cause the hot tub to stop working.

Therefore, regular maintenance is important. That’s the only way to avoid a problem with a hot tub filter that has no suction. If it’s dirty, it can’t effectively get rid of the bad stuff in the water. This dirt and debris can then move on to the hot tub’s pump and, over time, cause harm. Repairing or replacing the pump, which should ideally last for years, can be a lot more costly than just getting a new filter.

Another thing to watch out for is how well the filter is fitted. Ever noticed your filter spinning around? That’s not right! If it’s turning, it’s not fixed properly, and you need to secure it. A filter that’s not tight can allow water to skip past it and head directly to the pump.

This can result in pump issues and dirty water. But remember a part of the filter, known as the weir door, should move a bit. It drops down when your hot tub jets are on to trap any debris in the filter area, but it should lift back up when the tub jets are turned off.

Additionally, if you feel like your filter isn’t doing its job, check its folds for any small rips or holes. These might be hard to spot at first, but when water pushes against them, they can become bigger and let water slip past the filter. Regular check-ups and good care can help avoid filter problems. Also, keep in mind that over time, filters wear out. Getting a new one every year or two is a good idea.

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What Can Go Wrong With Hot Tub Filters?

The majority of issues with hot tub filters, whether they’re dirty, old, or broken, can be traced back to a lack of regular upkeep. Here are 3 main reasons why this happens:

Problem With Clogged Filter

If you don’t clean your filter often, it can get filled up with things like dirt, oils, and other leftover stuff. This can damage the pump and even cause your hot tub to stop working. A blocked filter also means that water can’t move easily through the system, leaving you with unclean, unsafe water.

This can harm parts of the tub, like the pump, heater, and sensors. If the water jets seem weak or the water isn’t warming up as it should, it might be because of a blocked filter. Sometimes, if the filter is too blocked, your hot tub’s control panel might show an error, and the tub might stop working.

Filter Is Old And Worn Out

It’s important to change filters about every year or two. Otherwise, they won’t clean the water as they should. Over time, the tiny strands in the filter wore out. This means they can’t catch all the small particles in the water. These strands can also get covered with sticky stuff that’s hard to wash off, making the filter fill up faster.

Also, as time goes on, the folds in the filter can get rough, which affects its ability to catch dirt and other things. The rough surface can also make the water move weirdly inside the tub.

Filter Is Probably Damaged

If you think your filter isn’t working right, look for any visible damage, like cracks or rips. Filters play a huge role in keeping the water clean, so if there’s a problem with them, it can cause bigger issues. Sometimes, a broken filter can happen if it’s too small for the pump or the size of your hot tub. Always make sure to use a filter that fits well with your tub’s setup. Also, there might be small rips in the filter folds that you can only see when the water’s pushing against them.

No Suction Can Indicate Bad Pump

When your hot tub’s water looks clean, is well-balanced with chemicals, the heater is working, and the jets are giving out a good flow without any weird loud noises, it’s a sign that your circulator pump is in good shape. The primary role of this pump is to keep the water moving all the time so it can be cleaned, warmed up, and mixed with the right chemicals.

However, if you start hearing strange sounds, like a loud gurgle or a grinding noise, it could mean there’s a problem. One common reason for these sounds can be hard water deposits, also known as limescale, or something like a clogged spinning part inside the pump. But sometimes, a dirty filter in the hot tub can be the culprit.

These hard water build-ups can make the pump work harder and sound louder. But there’s good news! You can eliminate these deposits using a classic brush and a special cleaning product like lime, CLR calcium, and rust remover. I’ve used it before, and it’s safe for pipes and effective.

Another reason your pump might be making noise is because of bad bearings inside it. The pump has these small parts called bearings that help it turn smoothly. But over time, they can wear out and cause the squealing or grinding noises.

Besides weird noises, if you notice the water flow from the jets isn’t as strong as it should be, leading to the water not being cleaned, warmed, or mixed with chemicals properly, it’s another hint that indicates there might be something wrong with your circulator pump system.

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Can a Hot Tub Work Without Filters?

Technically, you can run a hot tub without a filter for a short period, but it’s not recommended. Remember, the filter’s main job is to keep the water clean by capturing dirt and stopping any junk from ending up in the pump. Without a filter, anything in the water can easily go straight into the plumbing system, risking damage to the pump.

Keeping the hot tub running without its filter for too long might clog parts inside the pump and impact the water’s quality. If you find yourself in a situation where the filter needs to be removed, like when it’s time for regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to turn off the hot tub.

This way, you avoid harming any of the machine’s inner workings. To avoid this situation, having an extra filter around is handy. This way, you can simply swap them out when one needs cleaning.

If you choose to enjoy your hot tub without a filter, it’s smart to shower first. This washes off things like body creams, sprays, and other stuff that could end up in the water. But, even after showering, things like hair might still float around and get stuck in the hot tub system.

Lastly, if you’ve just changed the water in your hot tub, you might run it without the filter for a very short time to avoid trapping air in the pipes. However, this should only be done for 5 minutes maximum to be safe.

Hot Tub Pump Makes Clicking Noise But Won’t Turn On

It’s not uncommon for hot tub owners to face an issue where their tub’s pump clicks on; the jets might even turn on for a moment, but then everything goes quiet. If this happens, there are several things you might need to look into.  Start by checking the power source. Ensure that the GFCI button is reset or connect the pump to a different outlet to see if the issue remains.

It’s also a good idea to inspect any visible wiring for signs of damage, like burns or fraying, which might affect the pump’s operation. Next, take a look at the plumbing connected to the pump. Any broken or compromised pipes could disrupt the pump’s functionality and may even force your hot tub to turn off.

If everything seems alright with the power and plumbing, the circuit board might be broken. Depending on your tub’s specifications, this board sends voltage to the pump, which should typically be around 120 V or 220 V. Using a voltmeter can help you determine if the right amount of voltage is being delivered. If the voltage isn’t accurate, the board could be the problem, but if it’s correct, you might need to delve deeper into the pump.

Other potential issues could be a malfunctioning fuse or the pump’s motor capacitor. Using a multimeter, check the fuse’s resistance – if it is zero, it’s time to get a new fuse. A faulty start-up capacitor is a frequent issue with pumps that click but don’t start.

You might even notice that this capacitor looks bloated or deformed. Use a multimeter to measure the capacitor’s performance for a precise assessment. If its readings are lower than what’s expected, you’ve likely found your problem.

Lastly, remember that sometimes, the simplest explanations are the right ones. If your hot tub’s water level is too low, some tubs are designed to prevent the pump from running to protect it. Ensure the water level is above the jet lines before getting too concerned.

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Final Thoughts

Hot tub pumps are essential for maintaining water clarity and ensuring an enjoyable soaking experience. If your pump is clicking but not starting, it could be due to several factors, from power issues to malfunctioning components. Regular checks on the wiring, circuit board, and capacitors can help pinpoint and resolve problems before they escalate. Always ensure the water level is adequate; sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Maintenance and timely troubleshooting can extend your hot tub’s life and keep it running smoothly