Is my spa air locked and how to fix it?

Posted On 25 November 2019

So you’ve recently drained your spa for its quarterly spring clean, refilled it and it’s ready for you to jump in but the pump/pumps aren’t working? Every so often after a spa is drained and refilled you may experience what is called an “air lock”. An air lock is caused by bubbles of air that are trapped in the pump wet end. You will hear the pump running but there will be no water movement from the jets operated by this pump.

Fortunately, the signs of an air lock are quite noticeable and the steps to remove it are quick and simple. However the signs of an air lock should not be ignored as it could damage your hot tub.

To fix an air lock, firstly you will need to determine which pump is air locked. Turn the pumps on and off one at a time to determine which one is the culprit. Once you have identified the air locked pump, follow the below steps to fix it.

1. Turn the power off at the isolator switch or socket.

2. Remove the cabinet panel below the topside control, this is where most pumps are normally located.

2. Locate and loosen the top union of the pump by turning it anticlockwise.

3. Allow the air to escape. When a steady stream of water flows from the pump union, close it by turning it clockwise until tight. Do not over tighten the union or the union could split.

4. Turn the power back on.

5. Perform one additional check to make sure water is flowing from the jets. If no water flow is coming from the spa jets, please call our technical team. Remember to have your serial number handy so we can find which hot tub you have.

Top tip: Next time you drain and refill your hot tub place the hose down the filter housing/hole. This will fill the pipes first and push any air out that is trapped.