When your spa stops bubbling like it used to, it’s often the spa blower that’s got a problem.
In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to diagnose, repair, or replace your spa blower, making sure you can get back to relaxing in no time.
And let me tell you, as someone who’s been elbow-deep in hot tubs more times than I can count, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Just a bit of know-how and some elbow grease, and you’ll have it sorted.
Understanding Your Spa Blower
First things first, let’s talk about what a spa blower actually does.
This little piece of equipment is responsible for pumping air into your spa’s water to create those relaxing bubbles. It’s a simple concept, but when it’s not working, you really miss it.
Signs Your Spa Blower Might Be in Trouble
- No Bubbles: This is the big giveaway. If your spa’s as still as a pond, the blower’s likely at fault.
- Weird Noises: Humming, rattling, or any unusual sounds could mean trouble inside the blower.
- Tripping Circuit Breaker: If your spa keeps tripping the electricity, the blower might be overworking or short-circuiting.
Diagnosing the Problem
Alright, so you’ve noticed something’s up. Time to play detective. Check the following:
- Power Supply: Make sure the blower’s plugged in and your home’s electrical system is working. Seems obvious, but you’d be surprised.
- Air Filter: A clogged air filter can choke your blower. Clean it out and see if that solves the problem.
- Check for Blockages: Sometimes, debris gets into the air pipes and needs to be cleared.
If everything seems fine but the blower’s still not working, it might be time for a deeper dive or a replacement.
Repair or Replace?
Here’s where I get real with you. If you’re handy and the blower’s issue seems fixable (like a loose wire or a simple blockage), go ahead and fix it.
But if the motor’s burnt out or it’s something equally fatal, you’re probably better off replacing it. Spare parts and labor can cost almost as much as a new blower, and a new one will come with a warranty.
Choosing a Replacement Blower
When picking a new blower, keep these points in mind:
- Compatibility: Make sure it fits your spa model.
- Power: Get one with the right power and voltage for your spa’s size.
- Noise Level: Some blowers are quieter than others. If your spa’s near your house, consider a quieter model.
Replacing the Spa Blower
Replacing a spa blower is straightforward. However, only proceed only if you are sure that you can do it. And take all safety precautions as you will be working with the electricity and water. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Power Off: Safety first. Turn off all power to the spa at your home’s circuit breaker.
- Access the Blower: Usually, it’s under the spa skirt. Find it and gently remove it from its position by removing bolts.
- Disconnect: Unplug the old blower from the electrical connection and the air hose.
- Connect the New Blower: Attach the new blower to the air hose and the electrical connection (earthing wire as well if it has one). Make sure it’s secure with all the bolts.
- Test It: After everything is done turn the power back on and test the new blower. You should see those beautiful bubbles once again.
Maintenance Tips
- Keep it Clean: Regularly check and clean your air filter.
- Listen: Strange noises can be the first sign of trouble. Don’t ignore them.
- Regular Checks: Even if it’s working fine, a quick check now and then can prevent future problems.
And there you have it, everything you need to know about repairing or replacing your spa blower.
At first it might seem daunting, it’s all pretty doable with a bit of patience if you have a bit of know how. And think of the reward – a perfectly bubbling spa waiting for you at the end of a long day.
