Hot tub guide

Hot tub jets not working — simple flow fix guide

Plain-English troubleshooting Start with the easy checks Last updated:

If your hot tub jets are weak or not working at all, it’s usually a water flow issue — not a dead pump. Before you assume the worst, work through the quick, low-risk checks below.

This guide assumes you’re standing at the tub right now, wondering if you really need a technician. We’ll start with simple things that fix most jet problems.
Check my hot tub issue (coming soon)

Why hot tub jets usually stop working

Nine times out of ten, “no jets” is really “no flow.” Common causes:

  • Dirty or clogged filter choking flow.
  • Low water level — air being sucked into the system.
  • Jets turned down or fully closed at the face.
  • Air lock in the pump after draining/refilling.
  • Partially blocked suction fitting or skimmer.
The pump itself is usually the last thing to blame. Always rule out water level, filter, and air lock first.

1. Quick safety & water scan (30 seconds)

Before you start twisting things and cycling power, take a quick look and listen.

  • Any strong burning or electrical smell?
  • Breaker tripped recently or won’t stay on?
  • Pump running but making loud grinding or screeching noises?
  • Water level clearly below the skimmer or filter housing?
If the breaker keeps tripping, you smell burning, or see smoke or melted plastic, turn the tub off at the breaker and stop troubleshooting. That’s technician territory.

2. Easy checks that fix most jet issues

These are the “low-hanging fruit” that often bring your jets back to life in minutes.

  1. Top up the water level.
    Jets can suck air if the water line is too low. Fill to the manufacturer’s recommended level (usually just above the skimmer opening or marked line).
  2. Open the jets fully.
    Most jet faces twist to control flow. Turn each jet counter-clockwise (or as marked) until it feels fully open. Many “broken jets” are just turned off.
  3. Clean or swap the filter.
    A clogged filter is the #1 cause of weak jets:
    • Turn off power as your manual recommends.
    • Remove the filter and rinse it from top to bottom with a hose.
    • If it’s old, grey, or the pleats look mashed together, replace it.
    • Many tubs will instantly feel stronger with a clean filter.
  4. Cycle the pump through low and high speeds.
    With water at the correct level and jets open, run the pump on low for 30–60 seconds, then high. Listen for gurgling (air) vs. smooth water flow.

Helpful tools for jet problems

  • Replacement spa filters for your exact model.
  • Filter cleaner spray and a simple garden hose nozzle.
  • Oil-absorbing sponge (to reduce body oils and foam).
  • Line purge cleaner for deep cleaning at drain time.

Once this page starts getting search traffic, FixifyHome will add carefully chosen affiliate options here — no spam, just things that actually help.

3. Jets not working after a refill (air lock)

If your jets stopped working right after you drained and refilled the hot tub, you almost certainly have an air lock in the pump or plumbing.

Typical signs of air lock:

  • Pump runs but you don’t see much water movement.
  • You hear slurping or “gurgling” instead of a smooth whoosh.
  • Jets sputter or push mostly air.

Basic air lock clearing (check your manual first):

  • Ensure water is filled to the correct level.
  • With power OFF, remove the filter and pour some water directly into the filter area to help prime.
  • Turn power ON and run pump on low, then high, for short bursts.
  • Some models have a small bleed screw or union on the pump — if your manual shows one, carefully crack it open until water, not air, comes out, then retighten.
Only loosen pump fittings if your manual clearly shows how. If you’re not comfortable, stop here and call a technician rather than risk a leak.

4. If jets are still weak after cleaning the filter

If your filter is clean, water level is good, jets are open, and you’ve tried basic air lock steps, but the jets are still weak or dead, you may be dealing with:

  • A failing circulation or jet pump.
  • Internal blockage in plumbing.
  • A stuck diverter valve (if your tub uses them).
  • Bad relay or control board not sending full power to the pump.

At this point, it’s more efficient (and safer) to get a spa technician involved rather than guess at electrical or internal problems.

5. When to call a spa technician

Stop DIY and book a tech if:

  • The breaker trips when you try to run the pump.
  • Pump hums but doesn’t turn, or is extremely loud.
  • You see leaks around pump unions or plumbing joints.
  • Jets remain weak or dead after water level, filter, jet faces, and air lock steps.

Information to note before calling:

  • Hot tub brand and model.
  • What you were doing when the problem started (refill, party, storm, etc.).
  • Whether the pump runs at all, and what it sounds like.
  • Exactly which troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

In the future, FixifyHome will include a “Check my jets issue” tool to walk you through these questions and generate a clean summary to send to your spa tech.

6. Hot tub jets not working – FAQ

Why are my hot tub jets not working but the tub has power?

Most of the time, it’s a clogged filter, low water level, jets that are turned off at the face, or air trapped in the pump after a refill.

Can air in the lines stop my jets from working?

Yes. A trapped air pocket (air lock) is a very common cause of jets not pushing water even though the pump is running. Proper priming or bleeding restores flow.

When should I call a spa technician?

If cleaning the filter, topping up water, opening the jets, and basic air-lock steps don’t restore normal flow — or the breaker keeps tripping — it’s time to call a professional.

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