QA

Quick Answer: How Does A Hot Tub Heater Work

An electric resistance spa heater creates heat by applying an electrical current to a heating element, which is a metal resistor. The resistor heats when a current is applied to it. The spa water enters the assembly housing, washes over the resistor, heats, and exits the assembly housing warm.

How does a hot tub get heated?

Hot tubs are warmed by electrical resistance heaters. Water courses through the assembly housing, where it comes into contact with an element coil that generates heat. The outside two layers of the assembly housing are the outer sheath (which is often gray) and the compacted filler and insulator.

Do you leave hot tub heater on all the time?

One question we sometimes get asked is should I leave my hot tub on all the time? The answer is yes! Hot tubs are designed to be left on permanently and this is how they work best. Of course, they’ll need to be drained regularly but for the most part, they are left on 24/7.

How do I know if my hot tub heater is working?

To test hot tub heating elements for integrity, use an ohm meter on its lowest setting. With the meter’s test leads, measure the resistance between the two element terminals. The acceptable resistance range for most heaters is between 9-12Ω (ohms), some may be as high as 20Ω.

Is it cheaper to leave hot tub heater on all the time?

You’ll still use less electricity if you keep it running, but you’ll also save money by not keeping it constantly hot. If you use your hot tub only once a week, you may want to consider turning it off between uses, so long as it’s not freezing outside.

Should I turn my hot tub down at night?

Hot tub temperature when not in use Turning off your hot tub isn’t necessary as this can use more energy when reheating it and will be less cost efficient. You will still need to check the chemical balance during this time.

Do hot tubs use a lot of electricity?

Yes! Hot tubs run on an electrical supply. They usually need between 13 and 40 AMPS of power to run. It’s usually recommended that hot tubs run 24/7.

Can I turn my lazy spa off at night?

Can I leave the spa on all the time? The spa can be left on, if the heater function is left on, the pump unit will maintain the temperature of the water for you. Please note that if the pump unit is not touched for a period of 72 hours the heater will switch off.

Why is hot tub not heating up?

The problem could be due to a dirty spa filter. Remove the spa cartridge, clean the filters, and check the flow rate or pressure. Other causes could be a broken valve, clogged spa jets or pipes, or a broken pump impeller. You will notice this from an obvious reduced flow into your spa or hot tub.

Why is my hot tub not warming up?

If your spa heater won’t heat, remove and clean the filter(s) to rule out a pressure or flow rate problem in your hot tub heater. Low water level, a clogged pump impeller, closed valves, clogged pipes, or blocked spa drain covers can also cause flow issues.

Should Jets be on when heating hot tub?

Before covering your hot tub, make sure to turn on the jets as this will accelerate the pace of your hot tub’s heating. By running the jets, you’re allowing the heated water to be circulated and evenly distributed to all areas of the hot tub.

How often should you change the water in a hot tub?

We recommend customers to change their hot tub water every 3 to 4 months. The reason we recommend this is that as your continue to add more chlorine, it will start to dissolve slower and slower until the chlorine doesn’t dissolve in your hot tub anymore.

What is the lowest temp for a hot tub?

You may think this is obvious, but we’re surprised by the number of people who don’t know their hot tub goes below 100 degrees! HotSpring ® Spas and most other major brands will typically go as low as 80 degrees, which essentially turns the heater off. First step – set your hot tub to the lowest temperature possible.

Can you turn off hot tub in winter?

Shutting It Down If you decide that you’d rather have your hot tub shut down during the winter, that’s OK too. But make sure this is done properly to avoid expensive damage to the spa’s internal components.

How long does it take for a hot tub to heat up for the first time?

If it’s the first time turning your unit on it can take upwards of 24 to 48 hours before your hot tub reaches an optimal temperature.

How long does it take to heat a hot tub from cold?

If your hot tub is located inside, and the air temp is around 76 degrees, it will take about 4 hours to heat up your spa to 100 degrees. The lower the outside temps the longer you will have to wait before your spa is ready. Therefore, by leaving the cover on while it’s heating up you can help it warm up faster.

Why does hot tub take so long to heat up?

As we all know, heat rises. This scientific principle comes into play as your hot tub water begins to increase in temperature. Without a cover to trap the warmth, the warming water begins to evaporate into the air, and it will take much longer to reach the desired temperature.

Why is my hot tub cold?

My Water Gets Hot, Cold, Hot Again Start by cleaning your filter, checking for circulation blockages, and topping off your water if necessary. Check whether your pump turns on. Your pump has to be running in order for the spa to heat up. If the pump isn’t working, you may need to replace it.

How many degrees does a hot tub go up in an hour?

This varies depending on heater size, flow, size of the hot tub, ambient temperature and quality of insulation. Generally speaking, a hot tub will warm up 1 degree per hour.

What temperature should I keep my hot tub when not using it?

While it may sound like common sense to turn your hot tub down every time it is not in use, it’s actually better to maintain a constant soaking temperature, which is typically around 100° Fahrenheit for many people.

What is a good temperature for a hot tub in the summer?

Setting Hot Tub Water Temperature in the Summer As a rule of thumb, many users keep their hot tub set at temperatures ranging between 97-99 degrees.