Problems of Outdoor Jacuzzis

Basic Construction

• A jacuzzi or hot tub is essentially a fiberglass shell that is treated to be waterproof and sunproof for up to a certain number of years. All the conduits or connections that flow water are linked by plastic tubing and hose. This, in turn, is insulated with expanding foam that hardens to provide thick temperature-retaining body. Connected to all the hoses, the pump engines are on one side are and drive the water flow. Timing and settings are controlled by a basic computer board attached to the engines. The only remaining parts are electrical wiring to power the entire system.

Plan for Electrical Hookup

• Jacuzzis and hot tubs run on electrical power. Unfortunately, unlike many appliances, they don't come with a plug that goes into an external wall socket. A jacuzzi owner will either need a house already prewired for a hot tub hookup or will need to hire a certified electrician to finish the hookup. This will also require a separate shutoff switch along the circuit. Jacuzzis and hot tubs are not allowed to be hooked up without a safety shutoff.

Problems/Solutions

• Sometimes the main water shell of the jacuzzi is not formed exactly right. This will result in cracking. A severe case can cause a leak. These can be patched with an epoxy.

  On initial start, some tubs won't bubble right or won't seem to push water through. More than likely an air bubble has plugged a pipe going to the tub. Restarting and changing the water pressure from the engines should shake the bubble loose.

  Another common issue is failure of the water temperature gauge. Bad readings will send the wrong signal to the brain board and tell it to shut off. This can be annoying and is best fixed by just replacing the gauge.

Maintenance

• Water pH balance and cleaning is essential to a properly running Jacuzzi or hot tub.

  Typical water cleaning can be achieved with chlorine tablets/powder or bromine tablets. Both sanitize the water well, but don't mix them together. Also make sure to let the cleaning agent run its course. The fumes can be toxic.

  The pH balance or lack of it can affect the water pump engine and hosing. The wrong pH can cause deposits or corrosion, which can cause failure of the gaskets and jacuzzi features. Additionally, it will also cause unsightly buildup in the tub area, which can be downright unappealing.

  Test and regularly monitor the tub pH balance with a simple water testing kit that costs maybe $10. If you need more ingredients, they are often available at most hardware stores or pool supply vendors.

Replacements

• The top covers that come with jacuzzis and hot tubs are designed to fend off the damage of the sun and elements, but eventually the faux leather or vinyl breaks down. When this happens, the cover will retain water from rain and will let out the heat. This increases the cost of ownership because it takes more energy to keep a tub heated. Replacement is usually required every five years. A basic cover will likely cost $300.

  The stairs provided to get into the tub are usually sold in two formats: wood and plastic. Wood is usually constructed in redwood and lasts for about three years. You can oil the wood but eventually it splinters and breaks down. Plastic stairs are not as appealing but they withstand the elements better. A good set of stairs will cost about $50.