You’ve invested a lot to create that backyard oasis where your hot tub provides a soothing, blissful escape from the day’s cares.

Just imagine one day climbing into your hot tub for a relaxing, soothing massage to discover that your jets aren’t performing properly, leaving you with nothing but a lackluster experience.

In other words, without the full stimulating action from the jets, you’re really just having a bath in your backyard!

A frequently asked question hot tub technicians get from their customers is, “Why are my hot tub jets not working?” Many times, this call is promoted by the massage not feeling as powerful as before.

The truth is that the hot tub jets have likely been declining in performance over time, but the change was so gradual that you didn’t really feel much of a difference – until now. A comparable scenario would be that you don’t really realize how far the tread on your car tires are worn down until you put new ones on!

Typically, hot tub jets are made to last between 6 and 8 years if they are properly maintained. How can you maintain them? It’s easy – read on!

Maintaining your hot tub jets
Just like with swimming pools, hot tub water needs to be regularly treated to ensure an amazing hot tub experience. However, over time your hot tub jets will wear down as moving parts normally do. You might not see the effects in the quality of your hot tub water, but a reduction in water pressure could be an indicator that your jets may need to be replaced.

Maintaining your jets is an important part of extending their life. There are many DIY jet cleaning tutorials available that recommend removing the jets and soaking them in a solution. However, frequently removing and replacing the jets to soak them causes stress on the tabs that lock your jets into place. Over time, they will wear down and break, in which case the jet will need to be replaced.

The good news is that there is a much easier and faster way to clean your hot tub jets, without risking their breakage:

1. Test and balance your hot tub water every week or 2. Having your pH or other parameters out of line accelerates the wearing of all components in your hot tub, but is especially hard on your hot tub jets.
2. Use a professional pipe cleaning product such as Swirl Away to clean the hot tub’s internal pipes and jets prior to draining. This solution will run through the jets to clean any grit or debris to keep the jets operating at peak performance. Hot tubs are typically drained 3 times per year, giving you the same number of opportunities to clean your jets at the same time.
3. Open and close jets (if applicable). Most hot tub jets rotate 90 degrees to open or close. Over time, grit can build up around the outside of the jet, causing it to lock up. By opening and closing the jets once in a while, you ensure that this build up is removed before it seizes the jet.

If your hot tub jets still aren’t working, it’s time to call in a hot tub professional as the issue could be something within the system itself.

As with most appliances, always refer to your hot tub manual first for any specific information about your particular hot tub model, as well as a list of the proper replacement parts should you need to buy new jets.

Why are my hot tub jets not working?
If your hot tub jets are less than 6 years old, and you’ve been maintaining them properly, what appears as a problem with your hot tub jets might actually be something else entirely, including:

1. Pump is off or on low speed: Some hot tubs have more than one pump. If you are sitting in a seat without all the pumps on, the pump that supplies water to your chair may be off or on slow speed. Make sure it is on high speed for maximum pressure.
2. Jets are closed: As mentioned earlier, most hot tub jets can open and close. Check by turning the jets counter clockwise so they are in the open position.
3. Divertor valve position: The number of jets often exceeds the pump’s water flow capacity, so the flow is divided by a diverter valve that channels the water to one series of jets or another. Even after everything in the first two steps seems fine, the water could still be diverting to the jets you are not using. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a reasonable understanding if you have a diverter valve and what function it serves.
4. Air dials are in the off position: Hot tub jets move a combination of water plus air which provides the maximum amount of turbulence for the massage function. If the air dials are off, not enough air is being supplied to provide you with the most intense massage experience.

In any case, it’s always a great idea to contact your local hot tub professional for advice, especially if you’re unsure about how to diagnose and fix problems with your hot tub yourself.

3 signs your hot tub jets need replacing

Just like any mechanical part, hot tub jets will eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, your hot tub will send you some clear signs that it’s time to visit your local hot tub professional to pick up one or more new jets:

1. Visual breakage: If the jet isn’t spinning, its internal components (the nozzle) have separated, or you’re finding little ball bearings that have fallen from the jet onto the floor or seats of the hot tub, the jet is faulty and needs to be replaced.
2. Jets are popping out: With the pump on, you should be able to open and close the jets to control the water pressure. If the jets pop out while you are adjusting them, they likely need to be replaced.
3. Lack of air coming from the jet: If your jets aren’t “exhaling” air, even with the air dials on, it’s a clear sign that the jets are not performing as expected and have worn down.

Remember, not all jets are created equal! You need the proper configuration and fit for your particular hot tub in order for the jet to function properly. Be sure to ask a hot tub professional for help if you’re not sure.

DIY hot tub jet replacement
If you’ve been cleaning and maintaining your hot tub jets regularly, they should reach the expected lifespan of 6 – 8 years. However, replacement might be necessary if your jets are in that age range and aren’t outputting any air, or have stopped spinning altogether.

Hot tub jet replacement is easy. Simply remove the old jets as described above, and pop in the new ones with a clockwise motion until they lock.

The trickiest part is to ensure you buy the proper hot tub jet for your make and model of hot tub. If you don’t have your hot tub’s manual handy, or have a record of the type of jets you’re currently using, you’ll likely have to seek help from a hot tub expert.

If you need help, call or come see the professionals at Lakeshore Pools & Hot Tubs. We’ll be sure to match your hot tub with the proper jets so you’ll get back to enjoying your hot tub’s massage action, and stop just taking baths in the backyard!

Why are my hot tub jets not working? Find out from the award-winning hot tub experts in Mississauga, Oakville, and the Greater Toronto Area at Lakeshore Pools & Hot Tubs.

If your hot tub jets have stopped working, it ruins the experience of having a hot tub. Our team can help you with trusted advice, handy tips, and the proper replacement parts when needed so you’ll never wonder “Why are my hot tub jets not working?” ever again. Count on Lakeshore Pools & Hot Tubs to be there when you need us, every time.

Visit Lakeshore Pools & Hot Tubs at 309 Lakeshore East in Mississauga, or call (905)-891-8818 today!