Looking after your spa pool properly means you’ll get more enjoyment from it and save money on maintenance in the long run!
In this article focusing on your spa jets, we discuss what causes reduced jet efficiency and how to fix or replace them to get your system running smoothly again.
Spa or hot tub jets are essential for a relaxing soak, but over time, they can become clogged with debris, resulting in weak water flow. In this guide, we'll guide you through the process of removing, cleaning, and replacing spa jets. You'll learn the tools you'll need, the steps to take, and some tips to keep your spa or hot tub running smoothly.
We'll cover:
If your spa jets aren’t working, try to determine what the cause of the problem is. You may find that they simply need to be removed and cleaned, or worst-case scenario, replaced.
Start off by removing your jet inserts, looking out for signs of dirt or calcium build-up inside or around the nozzle of each jet. If the spa jets are too clogged up to be cleaned effectively or have deteriorated with age, replacing them with new jets is a better option for an optimally functioning spa pool.
Spa jets are built with two main parts, the jet body and the jet insert.
The jet body is the part of the jet creating the seal against the back-end of the acrylic, connected to the water and air supply.
The jet insert consists of the jet infuser, the nozzle, and the outer ring of the jet. Removing your spa pool jets is simple and can be done in a few easy steps from home.
Start by finding the power supply and switching off your spa pool.
To avoid any accidental damage to your spa or its jets during the removal process, make sure to read your manufacturer’s instructions for any unique specifications your spa may have. If your manual is lost, try looking it up online or make contact with your manufacturer for another one.
With any specific instructions from your manual in mind, determine what type of jet you are working with and what its removal method is. Most jets are screw-in jets however, some types of spa jets require specific removal techniques. Here are some of the most common jet designs:
Make sure to refer back to your manufacturer’s instructions for removing specific jets as some jet types are more easily damaged during removal, like those with the catch design, and others form part of the spa shell seal which must not be broken.
The most common causes of reduced jet efficiency are the build-up of calcium inside the jet inserts and the erosion of the plastic from poor or mismanaged maintenance.
Calcium build-up is caused by old, poorly balanced spa water or the use of cheap spa chemicals. The erosion of spa jets is also linked to poor chemical use, causing chemicals to eat away at the plastic. Sand and other introduced debris may also contribute to blockages.
If you suspect calcium or other debris build-ups inside your spa jet inserts, follow these steps to clean them effectively:
Safely remove your spa jets by powering off before removing each jet according to their design.
As you remove each jet, make sure to place them face down on a flat surface to avoid damage while you move onto step 3.
Prepare a 50:50 part white vinegar and water solution for soaking and cleaning your jets. Make sure to make enough for each jet that you remove.
Place each jet face-down in a tray of the vinegar solution and allow to soak for 3-4 hours. Make sure the solution is covering the whole jet face to allow the vinegar to erode the calcium inside the joints. Swirl each jet around in the water periodically to dislodge any loosened particles.
Once the jets are done soaking and the calcium has dissolved, remove each jet from the solution and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
If you have jets that are too clogged to clean, irreversibly damaged, or worn with age, it is time to replace them with new jets. This is how to replace jets effectively:
Remove all of the damaged jets using the steps found in this article under the “How do I remove the jets from my spa or hot tub?” section.
Using a measuring tape, measure the diameter of your jet face and the length of the back to ensure you order the correct replacement part.
To give your measurements context and make sure you get the correct fitting, take a clear photo of the front and back of the jet.
Once you have the measurements and corresponding pictures, send the info for each jet to us so we can help you get the right replacement with the best features.
Once you have received your replacement jet, make sure to read the instructions and insert the new jet in the correct jet body where the old jet was removed.
Jets in an inground spa pool can be removed by simply turning the jet internal counterclockwise to either screw the jet out the body or to unlock it. You can use rubber gloves to get a better grip on the outer ring or use a wrench to loosen it.
Spa pools, or jetted tubs, are prone to producing a bad smell when the chemical levels are off or the water is old and stagnant. These tubs are warm, moist, and contain biological matter creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow when the water is not balanced right.
A faulty or failed spa circulation pump is the most common cause for spa jets not working along with a clogged filter, or water intake issues. However, if they are partially working, or only some are working while others are not, there may be an individual jet problem like calcium build-up or chemical damage to one or more jets.
The black stuff coming out of your spa jets could be mould or mildew formed from the bacteria growing and feeding off of dead skin particles, residual oils, and other biological material from previous use of the spa.
You should definitely clean your jets!
You can use a pressure hose to unblock a jet in your spa by placing the nozzle over your spa jet and spraying water directly into and around the opening to dislodge any blockages.
For more stubborn blockages remove the jet internal from the jet housing and soak it in a 50:50 part white vinegar and water solution to erode harder particles.
Talk to us or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!
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