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Hot Tub ServiceAs with your car, a hot tub service is just as important if you want to extend the lifespan of your system. Many parts will need changing over time including the pumps, filters and of course the water but the results are well worth it.
Your Questions About Hot Tub ServiceCharles asks… What wire size should I use for my hot tub? Trying to figure out which size wire and what size circuit breaker for a 240V hot tub we're trying to wire. From service panel to disconnect box will be approximately 90'. The heater element for the system shows following specs: VOLTS: 120 - 240 From the Heater element is where a 230v motor and a 115v motor get their supply as
well as a 120v ozoanator.
The Sage answers: I'll agree that you really should have a pro look at this. But, If you are destined to DIY anyway.... The 6-3 UF-B to the disconnect sub-panel will be fine. Feed it with a 60amp breaker from the main panel (still within NEC specs for a 6-3 UF-B). Put a 50 amp, 2-pole, GFI breaker into the disconnect sub-panel (Double check the manufacturers installation instructions. 50amp is kind of the 'normal'. But I have seen 40 and 60 amps too.) By feeding the sub-panel with 60 amps, you now have the ability to use the spare breaker space and sub-panel capacity to feed a circuit for the service receptacle that is also required.
Ruth asks… Hot tub breaker size on main board inside house? My father in law has gone to school for a lot of electrical work, but I don't feel confortable with his work this time. We have bought a hot tub that requires 60 amp to the tub. We installed a GFCI box outside with a 60 amp breaker on it, but then put a 100 amp breaker on our main panel inside. We have a 200 amp service. He seems to think that the tub takes more than 60 amp to start up each time and will flip the breaker at each startup if we have a 60 amp on the main panel. Can someone put my mind at ease and let me know if he's correct. We also installed 8
gauge wire for the wiring part. Thanks!!! Just worried that a fire won't happen due to too much feeding either..
The Sage answers: I agree with Peter W here except he missed one thing. You said there is a 100 A breaker inside feeding the 60 A GFCI breaker outside. The main breaker in the box inside is 200 A. For a 100 A breaker the wire must be 2 awg (from his chart) to the 60A and from the 60A it should be 6 awg. Easiest fix would be to change the inside breaker to a 60, but you could pull new 2 awg wire to the outside.
James asks… Should I fix my hot tub? I bought a house that came with a hot tub "as is" (the price of the house did not include the hot tub, so it was free). It is outside. If I want to use it I need to call for service. I also read online that you have to keep it on all the time to keep it functioning. Those two things that I mention would cost me money which I wouldn't mind if I was going to use the hot tub constantly. Since I have two jobs (a full time job and I am also an artist) I don't have much time to just sit in the hot tub (I'd rather be painting). At the same time I feel I should use it since I already own it. What would you recommend? Is it too expensive to call for service and will it consume a lot of electricity even if I don't use it much? How much is it to have somebody check it? How much on average does it cost to maintain it? Is it time consuming to keep up with the maintenance? (I don't even water my poor plants!) What would you recommend?
The Sage answers: Hot tubs must be maintained, just like a swimming pool would be. If you can't or won't
keep it up then get rid of it. You maybe able to sell it (ebay, craigslist, some hot tub companies buy used
ones), if you wait to long it will just get worse and it will be harder to get rid of.
Lisa asks… hot tub problem..lost heat and jets,now i lost all the water? my hot tub was making a humming sound,the jets would not kick on and the display message showed"sn" (cal spa) i set up an appointment for wed. the 24th. since then a pipe came loose,busted whatever and i lost all the water and it is cold outside..any ideas on what i can do until i get it serviced or am i screwed...the high is only suppose to 17 today? thanks
The Sage answers: Take hot showers. Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Hot Tub Service
Why is my hot tub losing water? Both my pool and my hot tub were losing water (about 4-8 inches per day). A service tech was able to fix the pool, but the hot tub continues to lose water. There are no apparant leaks anywhere. The hot tub has done this before, so I'm pretty sure there's something wrong with the settings on the equipment. Please help! The Sage answers: 4-6" of evaporation that's funny...Is there a point were it dos not leak, like 1/2 full or 1/4 full? There is no way of knowing with out looking at it.
Jenny asks… Looking for a great getaway this weekend with hot tub room in West Michigan? Anyone know of a nice place to stay with a hot tub room possibly with massage service? Wife and I want to get away......
The Sage answers: Comfort Suite, Benton Harbor, check link below.
Mary asks… Can I use an extension cord to run power to my hot tub? Or do I need to run new service to it?
The Sage answers: Most hot tubs are hardwired and 240V because electric heat demands a lot of power. If this is the case, you cannot use an extension cord, and it should really be installed by an electrician, because there are many safety rules to follow. An outdoor hot tub has to follow all the rules of a pool. If it plugs in, you can use an extension cord. These are not the best hot tubs, because with the limited power of a 15A 120V circuit it will take forever to heat the water. To gilchristelectric, you asked me in another question that isn't open to editing answers: Romex needs the 60 degree column by 334.80 (2005 NEC). If you wire houses with NM and don't know that, it is downright scary.
Betty asks… RE: Why won't the solar-powered hot tub come on? We have a solar-powered hot tub that seats four people. We have not used it as often lately as we did during the winter, more because of time constraints than anything else. We have had the water tested regularly, adjusted chemicals as needed, etc., but all of a sudden the motor that filters the water will not turn on. The jets will not work either. We have flipped the breaker, unplugged it and plugged it back in, and pressed the reset button on the power cord. Any suggestions? The previous homeowners put the hot tub in and are not available to ask anything right now. I'd love to avoid a service call.
The Sage answers: If you have a volt meter, check to see if you have power going to the motor. Sounds like it may be froze up. If you don't have a voltage meter, go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a "Non-Contact Voltage Detector". It costs about 10 bucks, looks like an ink pen, and all you have to do it hold it next to where the wires go into the pump and it will let you know if you have voltage there. If you do, then the motor is bad. If not, then check for voltage at the outlet the same way. If you don't have voltage there, then go to the breaker, turn it on, and put the voltage detector on the breaker. By doing this, you'll be able to figure out what is bad and then you'll know rather or not you can fix it yourself. Good Luck!!!
Linda asks… Can you return a hot tub? I just had a hot tub delivered less than 5 days ago and the service dept has already been out twice and its still not fixed? Can I return it? I mean if I bought a Lawnmower that didn't work, you can return that, but if you bought a car, you can't return that - so what does Hot tub fall under -Lawnmower? or Car? there is no title to a hottub, I would think I can demand to return it. Any idea?
The Sage answers: Depends on the return policy of the place you bought it from and the laws in your state. Since you didn't tell us where you live, we can not give you specifics. Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Hot Tub Service Steven asks… I want to install a 220 volt hot tub out in my yard But i have 100 amp service what do I need to upgrade to.? Im in putnam New york what do you all think it would cost. The Sage answers: Your best solution is to call an electrician and upgrade the 100 amp
service to a new panel at least 200 amp, possibly a 300 amp, depending on the current code in your area. A 100
amp service is probably from the early 50's and is not adequate for a home in this day and age. Also the the
electrical panel may be one of several brands that went out of business because of fire hazards, or possibly
aluminum wire used in many older homes.
Betty asks… Wiring a 240v 50a GFCI for a hot tub? When I built my house, I had my screen porch wired with 240 service for a hot tub. I've finally gotten the tub and now I need to complete the wiring. The builder terminated the 240 service with a pull-out type disconnect, and now I need to install a GFCI. Would you suggest running from the pull-out disconnect to a new box with a GFCI in it, or replacing the pull-out with the GFCI? Also, I'm not sure the builder ran 4 wire (2 hot/1 neutral/1 ground). If that's the case and he only ran 3 wire, am I screwed if my tub requires a four wire install? Thanks in advance for any insight/advice - I know this is a popular and touchy topic!
The Sage answers: If you don't know the answer to your own question, it means you are not
an electrician, and you should not be doing it in the first place.
James asks… need to know how to run 220 to my hot tub 110 feet from my service box?
The Sage answers: First, you need to check the local electrical code. You may be required to install a separate shutoff for the circuit. If the hot tub is outdoors, there are probably rules about how deep to bury the line, and what type of conduit is required. The actual connections would be the same as adding a circuit for a dryer. If ANYTHING I said is unclear, PLEASE have a professional do the electrical work.
Nancy asks… I have 100 amp service and would like to add a hot tub? I have 100 amp electrical service coming to my house . I am
adding a hot tub . I would like to know if i can convert some of my appliances to gas to
avoid increasing the service . I have heard the electricity was going to increase substantially as
well .
The Sage answers: You can't convert them , but buy replacements as well as needing to have
gas installed in your house (if not already there). If you do replace them you should have plenty of power for
the hot tub. Retired electrical contractor.
Sharon asks… How much does it cost to install a hot tub,bought used?is the elec hookup cheaper if put inside porch? I recently bought a Amish Country hottub from a private owner.It needs a
thermostat and I need to have the electric hooked up for it.I do have
The Sage answers: Between 200 and 400 dollars. Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Have a hot tub, but can’t afford to upgrade my electrical box to 200 amp service. Can I use the dryer plug? I bought a hot tub, but my electrical box is 150amp service and I can’t afford to upgrade to 200 amp service. Can I simply unplug the dryer and plug the hot tub into the dryer socket?
The Sage answers: No. It needs to be GFCI protected. Also some hot tubs are 50 amps dryers are only 30 amp.
George asks… how to install electric service for a hot-tub? what size wire do I use? do I need a disconnect box located close to the hot-tud?
The Sage answers: Really you should leave this to a pro, but i will try to answer as best i can with the little infomation given. The size of the wire depends on a number of factors, the current, whether it is 110 or 220, the rate of draw at full use, and so forth. Yes, a disconnect convienent to the tub should be used, but far enough away so you are NOT in the water or its splashes when turning it off or on. I would imagine that you will need at the least number 8 gauge wire. Always use stranded wire rather than solid, it heats up less can can handle more current than solid wire. The wire should be encased in schedule 80 plastic conduit if inside, schedule 40 if outside. You might have to use 4 gauge or even larger, without knowing the max amps it will draw i cannot say for sure. Use a GFI breaker on the circuit please. If in doubt go with a larger gauge wire than you think, rather than smaller (they smaller the number the larger the actual wire…why, i dont know for sure.) there should be some kind of instructions or a manual or something with it, that tells you what you need if you got it new. If there is any doubt at all, call a pro, or at least check with the manufacturer of it for their reccomendations. As anyone knows, electricity and water are never a good mix, so be very careful how you do this. Keep the breaker removed from the breaker panel until the very last thing. If you have to go back and make repairs, remove it again. Better safe than sorry.
Sandra asks… Can i hook up a 220v/50amp hot tub to my 100amp service? Not sure how to tell
that. I do know that the power comp. box is a murray type 3r enclosure, and my service panel is a square D load
center, and main is 100 amp.
The Sage answers: If you have a 50 amp hot tub, a 30 amp dryer, a 50 amp stove and a 50 amp water heater, you will need a new breaker box. You would be better off getting a 250 amp box.
William asks… The service code on my hot tub says too many buttons were pushed at once & that I need to call a service tech.? Does anyone know of a
way to get around this? I would love to have the hot tub working again. Thank you
The Sage answers: Not sure if this will work, but you might want to try shutting of the circuit breaker to it and seeing if it will “reset”. If that doesn’t work, you may have to call for service. How old is it and what is the make and model?
Maria asks… How many people from yahoo can fit in to a hot tub together for a church service?
The Sage answers: That sounds like great fun, except for the church part. I’m willing. LOL Powered by Yahoo! Answers
A Hot Tub Service Can Save You A Fortune: A modern hot tub comprises of no less than one water pump, and in many instances up to 5 various pumps. The majority of spas or hot tubs nowadays have two to three pumps. This particular report will cover several of the basics of a Hot Tub Service and Pump Repair. Your hot tub pump performs the following tasks: It moves the water over the heater in order to heat it. It moves the water through the filtration system which will keep the water safer and cleaner. It provides the hydro therapy functions. It delivers mist (in cases where a mister is actually installed). It distributes ozone all the way through the hot tub water. It distributes the actual spa chemicals in the water. The pump is therefore one of the key spa parts that should be looked after to avoid the need for a hot tub spa repair. The actual pumps, essentially mechanical forms of equipment, are most likely to become one of the first spa components which you may have to address as your hot tub becomes older. Nearly all of the actual pump complications and problems tend to be due to the following factors: Poor water chemistry upkeep and failing to identify the first signs that the pump might slowly be breaking down. If the problem is allowed to persist, the bill for using hot tubs repair companies could be a lot more than a hot tub service. What do I mean by this? Okay, inside of the actual pump in between the "dry end" of the pump, the motor unit, and the "wet end" of the pump, there's a small ceramic seal. That seal is in continuous contact with the water found in the hot tub, and it is therefore susceptible to the state of the water. If the spa water is too acidic (below 7.0 ph) the acidity inside the water may start to eat away the actual seal and if that situation remains undiscovered, the seal may produce a minor leak. This leak will be a drip initially and practically impossible to identify. Over time you'll start to notice a small continuous flow of water emerge from underneath the hot tub. At this point you've got a big problem. If you are able to catch the leak at this point, your repair will most likely comprise of simply changing the seal. It should set you back less than $200. However, if this kind of leak continues increasing undetected, you'll most likely end up with water leaking directly into the motor. The motor will then seize up or stop operating. The moral of this particular story is; If you see just a little bit of water coming out from underneath the hot tub, switch off the spa, shut off the circuit breaker supplying the spa and phone your Spa or Hot Tub Service Company. THE ANSWER: Just what can you as a house owner DO yourself? * Maintain the water chemistry in the hot tub every week. In the event that you cannot commit to that, then you should use a hot tub Service Organization. It will help save you a great deal of cash in the future. * Drain, clean and fill up the hot tub at least twice per year. * Hire a spa service company to come to your home at least once per year and also conduct a preventative maintenance check-up. This will cost around $100, but it really is money well spent. Alarm bells to pay attention to; * Tiny drips of water being discharged from underneath the hot tub. * Your pump motor sounds a little bit strange * The jet's are struggling I hope you found this material helpful and would ask you to also watch this short video footage below to help you visualize how a hot tub service can save you a fortune in the long run, just like a car.
Bud has been called out for a service on a hot tub where the pump is running but not getting any heat. First thing is to remove the cover to inspect the inside. He takes off the plate to check the sensors which are hard to get out sometimes. There should be 75000 ohms resistance and straight away they find the problem. The sensors need replacing at a total cost of $175. Job done.
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