Hot Tub Jets Won’t Turn Off? 2 Main Reasons

Hot tub jets add a refreshing and relaxing experience to our baths. However, there can be moments when the jets either don’t start or they just won’t shut off. This can be frustrating in some cases. But there is a way to fix it. In this article, we’ll cover why this happens and what you need to do. So, let’s start!

Why Hot Tub Jets Won’t Turn Off? If your hot tub jets keep running, they might be in their regular filtration cycle. A faulty pump or its corroded electrical connections can also cause this issue. Ensure your tub’s settings, like economy or sleep mode, aren’t extending the jet activity.

Typically, if your hot tub jets keep running all the time, it could mean there’s an issue with the pump or the control board. The pump kicks in at different times throughout the day to heat or filter the water. It’s essential to note that hot tub jets shouldn’t always be active.

We’ll explore when it’s typical for your tub’s jets to operate, when they should be turned off, and how they contribute to maintaining a comfortable bath temperature. We’ll also cover what steps to take if your tub’s jets aren’t functioning correctly or if they persistently stay on and the primary reason behind these issues.

Do Hot Tub Jets Need To Run All the Time?

Generally speaking, hot tub jets aren’t meant to work all the time. But, there’s something called a circulation pump that activates during filtration processes, making it feel as if the jets are working. Most hot tubs undergo filtration in two separate sessions daily for about 3 to 8 hours.

This filtration process ensures the tub’s water stays clean. When you look inside the tub, you’ll see small openings – these are the jets. They release warm water, helping to regulate the tub’s water movement. These jets are strategically placed where you’d typically sit in a tub, and that’s by design.

They give you a relaxing massage when you lean on them. Imagine a hot tub that doesn’t have these jets – it’d just be a large, pricey bath and wouldn’t be worth the time or resources to upkeep. During the filtration cycles, the jets play an important role in keeping the water flowing smoothly and swiftly. They discharge water rapidly, aiding the tub’s filtration system.

It’s normal for the jets to start up when the pump gets activated, either for filtration or when adjusting the temperature, and they can run for several hours. The jets come with dual modes – an intense mode and a gentle mode. The intense mode is best enjoyed when you’re in the tub, offering therapeutic benefits.

On the other hand, the jets help circulate water during filtration and when heating is required by transferring warm water around, ensuring even warmth throughout the tub.

Related Article: Can Hot Tub Be Cold? Explained

Why Hot Tub Jets Won’t Turn Off?

At times, you might find that the jets in your hot tub keep running, and this could be because the hot tub is in the middle of its filtration cycle. Often, many hot tubs don’t let you turn off the tub jets during these cleaning cycles, as they play a crucial role in the process.

Moreover, for 220 Volt tubs, it’s common for the jets to stay on while the water is warming up. This is done to blend the warm and cool water, helping the tub reach its desired temperature faster.

If you aim to turn off the jets, you may need to change the filtration cycle settings. Some modern hot tubs let you customize these filtration cycles, altering their duration and frequency. For instance, your tub might currently have two daily cycles lasting 8 hours each.

Depending on the model, you might be able to adjust this to two cycles of 2 hours each. However, this feature isn’t always available. It’s best to check your manual or contact a professional.

Most tubs usually have a control panel with a specific button to manage the jets. Try experimenting with that button, pressing it once, double-clicking, or holding it down. While you can do this test, referring to the hot tub’s manual would be the best decision. If you notice the jets operate at a mild, consistent pace, it’s typically not a sign of an issue. It’s a regular occurrence for jets to run during cleaning or warming sessions.

Yet, once this filtration cycle is finished, you should regain control over the jets and turn them off. Remember the set point I mentioned earlier? The trigger temperature prompts the jets to activate and warm the tub. You can adjust this set point on some newer tubs to reduce the jet activity. But older models might not have this feature.

Lastly, if you notice any error messages on your control panel or if something is causing electrical interruptions, you might have a technical problem. The issue could stem from the internal circuit board. In such cases, it might be better to get a replacement rather than opting for professional repairs.

Related Article: Hot Tub Filter Has No Suction? 3 Common Issues

Do Hot Tub Jets Turn Off On Their Own?

Yes, hot tub jets are designed to turn off on their own. This automatic feature in hot tubs ensures you aren’t using up unnecessary power and prevents excessive strain on the tub’s piping and the entire system. As I pointed out earlier, most hot tubs have two distinct jet settings: intense and mild.

The intense jet mode is set to turn off by itself after about 15 min. You may wonder, why is this so? This is because sitting in your tub for extended periods is not recommended– it could leave your skin feeling parched. Additionally, this setting consumes more power, so it’s programmed to turn off faster.

On the other hand, the mild jet mode can run anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours, based on its purpose. It might only last under an hour if it’s simply warming up the tub. But if the tub is undergoing filtration, the jets could be active longer. Regardless, these jets will, after some time, shut down by themselves.

Why Do Jets In Hot Tub Activate On Their Own?

Your hot tub’s jets might turn on without manual prompting during cleaning or when the water’s temperature drops beneath a specific preset point. The hot tub has frequent cleaning phases, which are essential for maintaining water purity. A bonus of these phases is that they also allow the water to move around, ensuring a clean environment inside the tub.

This movement avoids any unwanted dirt accumulation and ensures no air gets trapped in the plumbing system. The jets play a crucial role during these phases, aiding in circulating the water effectively.

Given a hot tub’s vast amount of water, reheating it from scratch every time would be cost-prohibitive. Hence, most tubs are designed to function around the clock, with settings to guarantee the water doesn’t cool below a predetermined threshold.

This temperature threshold often called the setpoint, determines when the jets should turn on to warm the tub. Maintaining the tub’s temperature is generally more economical than reheating it frequently. When the jets spring into action, they assist in evenly distributing the cooler and warmer waters, ensuring the tub’s overall temperature rises swiftly and in an energy-conserving manner.

Jets Don’t Work During The Heating Process

Generally, hot tub jets aren’t working during the heating process. However, the circulation created by the pump as it draws water can give the illusion that jets are working. If you’ve recently filled your tub with fresh water, activating the jets manually can make heating faster.

It’s essential to note that some hot tub models, especially inflatable ones, operate on 110 Volts and might not allow the jets to function normally with the heating system. But, for those using a 220 Volt system, the jets typically operate while the water heats.

The primary role of your hot tub’s pump during this time is to move water around, guiding it through the heater, which helps reach the desired temperature efficiently.

Always ensure your hot tub is full before switching on the jets for safety reasons. You don’t want hot water splashed around the room because the tub isn’t adequately filled. Some modern tubs have features that prevent jet activation until the tub is fully filled. However, keeping a safe distance from the jet controls on your hot tub’s panel is best until you’re sure it’s filled.

Jets Are Turned On Even During The Filtration Cycle

Typically, the pump gets activated during filtration, drawing water that goes through the heater and connecting pipes. This movement might give the impression that the jets are functioning, especially at a lower speed. Most hot tubs have these cleaning processes lasting between 2 to 8 hours, usually twice daily.

The milder jets in your tub will likely switch on during these periods. This enhances water flow within the tub, aiding in more efficient cleaning. So, if you notice your jets activating on their own regularly, there’s no cause for alarm. It’s merely your hot tub’s way of self-maintenance, ensuring you can have a worry-free relaxation session. Just sit back and enjoy!

Related Article: What Is the Right Temperature For a Hot Tub?

Broken Pump Might Cause Jets Not To Turn Off

If you’re experiencing issues with hot tub jets that run all the time, a broken pump might be the issue. The pump plays a crucial role in propelling the jets and circulating water through the hot tub heater. The pump communicates with specific electrical parts instructing it when to operate based on the hot tub’s needs.

Now, if there’s moisture present around these electrical components of the hot tub pump, it can lead to corrosion. When this happens, although the pump is turned on, it can’t discern when it should work and when it should stop working.

Final Thoughts

What we concluded is that it’s completely normal for hot tub jets to turn on during filtration cycles and while heating up. While your hot tub’s jets shouldn’t be working all the time, they can operate in a milder mode for as much as 16 hours daily (considering you have two filtration sessions lasting 8 hours each).

The jets are designed to stop once the filtration cycle is finished, or the water hits its desired temperature. However, if there’s a buildup of corrosion on your hot tub pump, it suggests the electrical links might not be functional, hindering the communication between the tub and the pump. I hope this article has helped you, and for any other questions, feel free to comment below.