Replacing a Spa Pump

A failed hot tub pump can cost the owner 100's if not 1000's of dollars in extra damages. Properly inspecting your pump can reduce the risk of damages. A pump will not last forever and will eventually have to be replaced. Look for signs of wear and tear and be proactive!

I always suggest you look for signs of wear every time you replace or clean you filter system. At this time, have a good look at the spa pump. Do you see any signs of water? Is the pump motor louder than normal? Is the motor running excessively hot? If the answer is yes to any of these then it is time to look at replacing or fixing you spa pump.

If you see signs of water leakage then you need to look closely and determine where it is coming from. Check the o-rings and the couplers to insure they are tight and not leaking. If you see water dripping from the pump shaft, then this usually signals a leaky pump bearing. Replace immediately as this will lead to a larger more serious leak. Also look closely at the pump housing for any micro cracks. Vibration of pump motors will quickly cause a small crack to develop into a big crack.

A spa pump should run quietly with a slight 'hum'. If you hear metallic noises or loud vibrations then this is a sign of some internal problem. The bearings might be loose or seized. If this is the case then you need to get this fixed! If the noise is coming from the pump motor then this is a sign of internal damage and should also be fixed before the motor seizes.

While poor jet performance may be caused by a pump, it is not likely. A spa pump either works or does not work. I would look 1st to a plugged filter or a clogged intake as the first cause of week jets. If that looks good then you should inspect the inside of the pump housing. Look inside at the impeller and insure there are no obvious obstructions.

An efficient pump motor will still be warm to the touch. However, it should not be hot when running on low speed. If you find you are almost burning your hand then there may be a problem. Excessive hear means the pump is running inefficiently and costing you lots of money. It may be time to replace!

A spa pump has a starting capacitor that gives it extra juice when starting. If you pump hums and or the main breaker trips then the capacitor may be shot. However, there are a couple other things to check first. Make sure the impeller is free to move and that nothing is lodged. Also make sure no ice has formed inside the pump housing causing the impeller to stick.

If you decide to replace your hot tub pump, look closely at a few things to get a proper match. Choose the same port size, 1 1/2" or 2". Make sure the power is the same, 120 VAC or 230 VAC. Is your pump a one speed or two speed pump? Finally, match the amp rating of your pump closely to the amps of another pump. Never, never match HP ratings listed on a pump as they are never accurate and often overstated!

Quality pumps come with a premium but are worth the extra investment. Don't get trapped into buying the same pump if it has failed unexpectedly. All pump manufacturer’s make similar replacement pumps so look for quality when selecting a new pump. It is worth the investment to buy a premium pump as they run quieter, consume less energy and last longer.