Is It Worth Repairing A Hot Tub?
Like any other piece of equipment, whether or not one should consider repairing it is up to various factors. Before you settle on a final decision, consider asking yourself critical questions.
How Long Have you Had the Hot Tub?
This question will give you a clearer insight into how much longer you expect the tub to last. If you have had it for well over 15 years, then all the technical hitches could be a sign that you need a new hot tub. Otherwise, repairing it might cost more than you could have used by buying a new one.
How Prevalent are the Damages?
Secondly, one needs to consider how much damage has already been made by the dysfunctional hot tub. This beats the first question as it doesn’t matter how long you’ve had the tub if repairing it would be as good as getting a new one, maybe even a better option. Again, if you have had to repair the same damages before, it could be a sign that moving on is the best direction to take.
What Will be the Effects of the Repairs?
Consider what it means to have the damages fixed in the long run. If it prolongs your hot tub’s lifespan, then go ahead and get the repairs done. Otherwise, there would be no need for a costly temporary fix.
The shape of your hot tub will ultimately determine if it is worth repairing. At this crossroad, you ought to count all your costs before making a final decision. Consider every possible option and make a decision based on long-term benefits and cost-efficiency.
Can you Repair a Hot Tub?
Depending on what the issue might be, it is possible to repair a hot tub yourself. Else, you will need the help of an experienced technician to get you the results you want.
You can personally repair a hot tub if:
- The spa pump seal is leaking
- It needs a new topside control panel
- You have a leaking hot tub plumbing issue
The Spa Pump Seal is Leaking
There are two possible causes of a pump seal leak on many occasions. It could be that the pipes screws are loose, or it’s a problem with the shaft seal. This seal is a 2-piece motor shaft that connects the impeller to the wet end. The easiest way to get the repairs done is by replacing the wet end entirely. Since most spa pumps use #200 or #201 seals, you can easily repair it yourself.
It Needs a New Topside Control Panel
A topside control panel lasts at least ten years, so it is not something you will need to replace constantly. However, when you need to get the correct replacement panel and glue or screw it in, connect the cables or cords.
You Have a Leaking Hot Tub Plumbing Issue
Hot tubs can have leaking problems in different areas, including union leaks, skimmers, filters, and jet leaks. Whenever you notice a leak, locate the area affected to understand what you need to do to stop the leakage. It may be a loose lock ring or valves and fittings. Sometimes you will only need to tighten some joints, while other times, you might need to replace a valve entirely.
If you face either of these problems, you will not always need professional help to get things back on track. However, if the issue persists, you should consider reaching out for a more experienced hand.
Hot Tub Repair Cost
Depending on the damages made, fixing a hot tub costs $322 on average.
The typical range often lands between $161 to $497, and from low to high end, one could spend between $100 and $800.
It would help if you also kept in mind that such costs might not include repair parts meaning the cost could easily get to $1000 and more.
On average, most parts will cost as follows:
| Item | Cost |
| Pump | $200 to $1000 |
| Spa Controller | $200 to $500 |
| Heater | $150 to $500 |
| Blower | $100 to $300 |
| Jets | $75 to $100 |
To replace a pump and its motor, you should have the capacity to invest $200 to $1200 and get the work successfully done. The circulation model will cost $500 at most, and if your hot tub is a piece of two-speed equipment, your average could be between $750 and $1200.
Any hot tub experiencing inadequate water from the jets, noisy pump, shaft leakage, or no hot water needs a thorough technical check-in. Your jets might have a problem if you experience uneven water pressure, erratic functions, and the air around water lines. Getting a new jet will need at least $75 to $100, and getting a technician for that will cost you another $50 to $200.
Spa issues don’t occur often, but you should be ready with at least $275 for the repair parts and $200 for replacing it when they do. One might need as much as $650 for the parts and $500 for the technician on the high end.
Dysfunctional blowers also need a significant investment from $175 to $450 for the parts and $100 to $300 per unit in replacements. Most of the adamant issues with blowers include broken units, wrong voltage, low speeds, and a faulty air switch.
Some of the damaged parts will only need a bit of fixing, and getting someone for that is often cheaper. However, if the damage is too much, you have no option but to replace affected areas.
What is the Average Life of a Hot Tub?
How long a hot tub lasts depends on the brand’s quality and the owner’s maintenance.
On average, a hot tub lasts between 5 to 20 years. If the quality is excellent, and one pays attention when it comes to constant maintenance processes, a good tub should last over 20 years without frequent repairs.
Cheap is often expensive in the long run, so make sure you invest in quality and not just make sure you are within your budget. Since most manufacturers provide a step-to-step guide on maintaining their products, one should use the manual to help keep a hot tub functioning rightly for the longest time possible.
