A hot tub is a soothing, rejuvenating escape. Operating properly requires a few key components and delivering a great soaking experience.
Each part performs an important function from the durable shell to energy-efficient insulation. Let’s explore how each part works together to create an indulgent journey of wellness and relaxation.
Hot Tub Parts
Pump
Your hot tub’s pump is the heart of the filtration system and is responsible for pulling water from your tub into the filtration and heating systems and then pushing clean, heated water back out. It also supplies the power for your jets to create a soothing hydro-massage action that relaxes your body and mind.
The pump has two sides; the suction side (which sucks water in) and the return side that pushes clean, filtered water back into your hot tub. The pump is powered by electricity which comes in through the electrical wires that go to your wet end. The pump’s wet end houses the impeller that drives the motor to generate the pressure and flow. It also contains a venturi that mixes air into the pressurized water stream and increases the flow.
Keeping your hot tub water moving is the first thing to do to help keep your water sanitary and clean. It’s much harder for dirt, debris, and contaminants to take over when the water is moving versus standing still. This is why it’s important to run your hot tub frequently.
If you hear buzzing or grinding noises, your pump will likely go out and need to be replaced. Leaks under the pump are another sign that your pump is not working properly.
At Wild West, we carry a large selection of replacement parts for your hot tub that include a variety of spa pumps from Balboa and Sundance, along with a variety of circuit boards and spa controls. Our parts experts can answer any questions you may have or assist in finding the part that works best for your tub.
Heater
The heater is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any hot tub. Without it, the filtration system and other components don’t work. The heater is the heart of your filtration system and is responsible for pulling water from two points in the spa: the skimmer and the floor drain. From here, it converges into a single line that goes to the pump. Once the pump has moved the water through the filtration system, it’s sent back to the heater and, from there, out through the manifolds to the jets and nozzles in your tub.
The electrical resistance heater in your hot tub uses an element coil to produce heat and then exchanges that heat with the water through the heater assembly housing. The heater also contains a thermostat and a high-limit switch to prevent overheating.
Ensure that the T-stats and the hi-limit switches are working properly to keep your heater working at full strength. They are vital in ensuring the water is being heated correctly and that it doesn’t exceed safe limits.
A hot tub is a complex piece of equipment, and every part has a specific purpose. Over time, these parts will wear and need to be replaced or repaired. We’ve got you covered at Dimension One Spa with all the replacement and repair parts you need to keep your hot tub running like new.
Our selection of replacement parts includes everything from the smallest PVC part to large relays and contactors. Each of these has a defined set of specifications that will help you find the right fit for your particular hot tub model. Every D1 replacement part meets and exceeds industry standards for quality and performance.
Controls
A hot tub is a relaxing retreat with the potential to soothe sore muscles, revitalize the mind and body, and rejuvenate the spirit. It’s a spa-like experience that creates a tranquil escape within the comfort of your own home. Its system consists of many different parts, each with its own function that works together to provide a relaxing and therapeutic hydro-massage in a warm, clean, and safe environment. These crucial components include the equipment area, the durable shell cradling the water, energy-efficient insulation to retain warmth, the pump, the filtration system, jets, and lights.
Your control panel is where everything happens. This is where you set up the parameters that govern your hot tub and can access all of your settings from a single location. You’ll also be able to monitor your temperature, receive alerts for important functions such as GFCI or OA, and view helpful maintenance reminders.
Each hot tub has one or more pumps. These pumps are on two separate speed settings, low for filtering and high for operating the jets. These are controlled by a switch on the spa pack, which is often in two different modes based on the setting of the thermostat and timeclock (if present).
A blower button controls the influx of air into your hot tub, creating bubbles that aerate the water and can be an additional massage element. Some hot tubs may have up to three jet buttons for controlling the different sections of the jets and their respective speeds/strengths.
Most hot tubs also have lighting options, including a variety of color changes and the ability to run a show. A dedicated light button controls these.
Jets
During a hot tub soak, your body relaxes as the warm water opens up blood vessels and relieves tight muscles. This is called hydrotherapy, and it provides a number of health benefits for the entire body. Hot tub jets are the calling card of a good hot tub, and the right ones can greatly enhance your hydrotherapy experience.
Depending on your needs, different hot tubs feature a variety of jet types. Some are adjustable, so you can position the jets at the precise spot to target your back, neck, arms, or legs. Others are more directional, like a volcano jet that pumps out water toward your feet for a gentle massage. And some, like a spinner jet, deliver a kneading effect to your muscles.
In addition, some jets combine air with recycled water for a bubbly feel. They’re also known as ozonators. The ozone combines with bacteria in the water, eliminating them and improving overall water quality. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria, so keeping your jets on helps keep the water moving.
While some brands try to sell their hot tubs based on jet count, more is not always better. For example, a hot tub with hundreds of jets will require more and larger pump(s) to power them, which leads to higher energy and operating costs.
When looking at jets, make sure the size of the intake and orifice match the flow rate. Then, check the jet inserts and nozzles to see how they work together. The size of the jets will determine how much pressure they exert and whether they can reach your specific muscle group.
Cover
The cover might seem like a minor component, but it plays an important role in protecting and preserving your hot tub. The best covers are designed to be strong and durable with high-quality materials. These materials have a higher resistance to mold, mildew, and UV rays to ensure they last longer and offer maximum protection. They also feature quality stitching and seams to ensure the cover is as strong as possible. A good-quality cover is highly insulated to prevent heat loss, which will help you save energy and money.
In addition, the cover helps keep out debris and contaminants that might otherwise pollute your hot tub water. While a well-fitting cover won’t eliminate the need for routine service, water changes, and chemical balancing, it does make the process much simpler.
If you are looking for a new cover, look for one that has a lockable latch and straps to keep it in place during harsh weather conditions. You should also consider getting a cover lift to make adding and removing the cover much easier.
As a final note, keeping your cover clean and dry is important. You should regularly sanitize it with your regular spa sanitizers and chemicals and use an antifungal spray to help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and algae growth. These are available at your local hardware store and will help keep your hot tub in top condition.
Keeping the cover in top condition can be difficult and time-consuming, but it’s important to do so to ensure the best performance of your inflatable hot tub or permanent hot tub. You may notice that your cover starts to feel heavier over time due to moisture soaking into the insulation and making it wet and heavy. If your cover develops cracks or rips, you should patch them right away to avoid further damage.
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