What Is A Hot Tub Circulation Pump?
What is a Hot Tub Circulation Pump?
There are a few essential components in a hot tub that are largely responsible for the warm, therapeutic waters that you enjoy. Understandably, you probably haven’t put too much thought into how all the parts in a hot tub come together to work, but it can be helpful to know some basics to help you properly take care of your hot tub as well as be able to identify a problem should one arise. In the article below, we will highlight some key facts about hot tub circulation pumps.
Exactly What Is a Hot Tub Circulation Pump?
Circulation pumps are low-flow pumps which circulate the water in your hot tub non-stop in a slow, controlled motion that continuously heats, chemically treats and filters the water. Not every hot tub is equipped with a circulation pump, some have 2-speed pumps instead. To identify if your model has a circulation pump, look at the number of Amps on the label. If it is under 1.5 Amps, it is a circulation pump.
Most Hydropool models are equipped with an Aqua-Flow Gecko Circ-Master pump, designed with superior filtration capabilities and delivers the highest gallon per minute (GPM) rate in the industry. The higher GPM standard also allows the pump to produce better energy efficiency and up to four times the filtration compared to other circulation pumps.
Identifying Circulation Pump Problems
Occasionally, you may experience a problem with your hot tub circulation pump. It is helpful to know what exactly to look out for. Below are some of the most common issues.
Dead Circulation Pump - If the circulation pump is not working whatsoever, it may be dead. To be sure, first, check that your power and breaker is on and that the GFCI test button has not been accidentally tripped. If properly powered and not working, check your topside control panel to see if there is an error code being displayed. This may give an indication of what exactly the issue is. Other troubleshooting options for a dead circulation pump include checking that the valves are all in the open position, looking for kinks in the hose and checking the filter.
Not Pumping Much - If your circulation pump is only producing a low volume of water coming from the heater, there is an issue. First, remove the spa filter to see if this improves the flow rate. If not, try replacing the filter. If this does not correct, the issue could be the result of something blocking the flow or interfering with the suction.
Making Noise - If your circulation pump is making noise, this is indicative of an error. Any humming, grinding or gurgling noises are a red flag. Often, the problem is caused by a clogged propeller or a dirty filter. Other times, it could be the result of the bearings wearing down.
Now that you know what a hot tub circulation pump is and how to identify problems, learn more about other essential components by downloading a hot tub buyer’s guide.
