Circulation Pump Troubleshooting

Need to have a circulation pump fixed?

  1. Waterway Tiny Might Circulating Pump
  2. Waterway Iron Might Circ Pump
  3. Laing Circ Pumps
  4. Pentair Circulation Pumps
  5. Grundfos Circulation Pumps
  6. Jacuzzi Circ Pump
  7. Hot Springs Circulation Pump

Hot tub pump What are some of the common circulation pump problems?

  • Hot tub parts rotor
  • Hot tub parts Canada motor
  • air blower canada seals
  • submersible pump wet end

"Circ Pumps" run all of the time and can last for five years or longer if the spa water quality is maintained and the electrical supply is consistent and adequte.

Laing circ pumps are common in Sundance spas, Dimension One, Saratoga, LA Spa, Canadian Spa and others.

Identify The Type of Spa Pump

Main hot tub pump Waterway Executive Canada Laing circulation pump\ Air blower pump
Main Hot Tub Pumps Circ Pumps Blowers
Main hot tub pump Waterway Executive Canada Laing circulation pump\ Air blower pump
Submersible Pump Spa Vac Blowers

Some circ pump problems can include:

Noisy Circulation Pump

Circ Pump breaks after a short period of time
This could be a power supply issue or a pump sizing issue. Some circ pumps require 1/2" return line. When a 3/4" return line is used in those cases, pump failure can rapidly occur on the smaller pumps.

Rotor Failure
Since this is the only moving part, it could wear first. Rotor repair kits are available to just repair the rotor.

Poor Flow
This can be caused by a valve in the plumbing line being closed or half open. It can also be caused by a clogged or dirty filter. Is the water level in the spa adquate? Is there air in the line or maybe the pump is not properly primed.
Are the circulation settings from the spa pack set to 24 hour circulation?
Poor water flow because of a dirty or clogged filter can also affect the spa heating and cause the high limit sensor to trip.

Replacing a circulation pump means finding a similar pump, turning the power to the spa off and replacing the pump with the new one. Most new circulation pumps do not come with a power cable as plug types can vary from spa to spa, so keep the existing power cord and use it if it is in serviceable condition. All electrical repairs to the spa should be made with the power off and breakers or disconnect shut off.

Power Breaker Trips or GFCI trips
If the breaker trips the pump may be drawing too much amperage or you could really have a bad breaker. Sometimes the problem may be with the heater and not the pump. Disconnecting components is a way to check the remainder of the spa for functionality.

If the spa has not been used for quite some time, the impeller may be jammed. The impeller needs to manually be shaken or rotated in order to unlodge this condition if that is the problem.

Replacing a Circ Pump requires some tools and equipment:
*Replacement Circ Pump
* Tools: screwdrivers, channel locks (2"), pliers
* pliers (needlenose), vice grips and maybe a nut-driver set
* crimping tool and spade lugs if servicing a type of spa that uses those

Always turn off power before servicing a hot tub pump.

Unfasten the circ pump wiring from the spa pack and pull wire through towards the circ pump. If the spa is drained then proceed to unmount the circ pump. If the spa is full, use built-in shutoff valves to isolate the pump, or cutoff the waterflow to the circ pump with vice grips and a rag in between the vice grips and the soft/flex hose that is attached to the circ pump on both sides of the pump (its easier if the spa is empty to avoid gushing water). After circ pump is unbolted from the floor, remove pump with channel locks or pliers being careful not to crack unions that attached the spa's plumbing to the circ pump.

Then install the new pump.

Electrical service work should only be performed by qualified persons.

Learn more about shopping for discount circ pumps online.

Spa pump Waterway Canada