Hot Tub Buying Guide

How to prime a hot tub pump

The pump in your hot tub is the hardest worker there. Working to pump that water through the heater, through the filter and the jets to provide you with the relaxing hydrotherapy you need - the reason you purchased a hot tub in the first place.

The pump in the hot tub works only when it has water running through it. Air can become trapped in the pump. It will run, but no water circulates. The hot tub might not even know anything is wrong as the heater is working, the pump is running. . . but no water is flowing. Obviously, you don't want a pump that is designed to pump water running without water. If when you turn your hot tub on, you notice no water flowing but can hear the pump working, immediately turn off the tub.

Then check your manufacturer's instructions. Your hot tub will come with guidelines to help you through this problem. Be sure to follow the owner's manual.

Your tub may display a prime error and you will be guided by the manual how to proceed usually instructed to push some buttons in a proper order for a certain amount of time to tell the pump to prime. If that isn't the case, disconnect the hot tub from power and let air out of the pump. This can be done using the bleeder valve releasing it slowly until you hear the air bleed out. Once the air is released, close the valve and supply power to the tub. Turn the tub on and the pump will prime itself. Be sure that the water level is at the appropriate height.

Most hot tubs have a self-priming pump and will never need to be primed. Be sure to properly maintain your filter and your hot tub. If you keep your filter and the housing in good shape you will help to prolong the life of your pump and tub.