Hot Tub Pump Loud

crwdns2935079:0crwdne2935079:0 Jacob Mehnert

Identify and understand the type of noise: Try your best to identify the type of noise you're hearing from your pump. Use the list of potential sounds to jump to the section on your specific issue.
Check for loose bolts/other components: If you had to take apart your hot tub for any reason, then it is likely that something didn't get tightened down all the way. Double check for any loose parts, or bolts and make sure that everything is screwed down all the way.
Check for Error Messages: Most modern hot tubs can give error codes if something is wrong. Before continuing, look for error codes, or any blink codes that might explain the issue.
Power Cycle your Hot Tub at the GFCI Breaker: A simple restart can resolve temporary issues with just about any device, and hot tubs are no different. Now, every spa is different, and you might want to refer back to your hot tub's owner's manual for specific instructions, but most hot tubs will need to be powered off at the GFCI Breaker. Switch the breaker off for 10 minutes, switch it back on, and see if the temperature increases.
Attempt a Hard Reset: Like other electronics, sometimes a hard reset is all that is needed to fix an issue. Check your hot tub's user manual for instructions on restarting it correctly, but generally, you can reset it at the GFCI breaker.

A hot tub uses the pump to circulate water through a heater and back into the tub, allowing the tub to maintain a consistent temperature. If there's no flow or the flow becomes blocked, the water can't cycle through your system, which can cause your pump to run harder and louder. Typically, if the flow is obstructed it shows itself as the error code FLO.

Fill your Hot Tub all the way: If the water level in your hot tub is too low, water won't circulate through your system, causing your heater to become overloaded and switch off. This will also prevent the jets from being able to function. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper water level.
Clean or Replace your Filters: If your hot tub's filters become blocked with dirt and debris, water will not be able to flow through your system. Properly clean your hot tub's filters, or replace them if you notice any damage.
Remove Air from the Pipes: If you've had to drain and refill your hot tub, Air can become trapped inside your system, leading to an airlock. Remove your hot tub filter and turn the jets on for a few seconds to clear out any airlock.
Unclog your Pipes: Clogged water pipes can also prevent your hot tub from heating up properly. You can clean your pipes using System Flush or another hot tub flush product. You may also want to ensure that limescale hasn't built up in your system.

The impeller is the part of the pump that is spun to move the water. If that part becomes damaged, then your pump might sound louder than usual.

Open the pump and inspect the Impeller: Check for any damage including loose/warped impeller blades, or broken blades.
Ensure the impeller can spin feely in the pump: The impeller should move unobstructed in the pumps housing. If their is a buildup of debris in the pump, then this can prevent the impeller from spinning properly.

Loud grinding or screeching is a typical indication that the bearings in your hot tub's pump have gone bad. This happens over time due to normal wear and tear, and water intrusion.

Replace the bearings: Try replaceing the berings and see if their is any improvement to the sound quality to your hot tub. Normally the bearings should last anywhere from 4 to 10 years with regular maintenance.

If your pump is making a steady, or high pitched buzzing/humming, this can indicate that the motor to your hot tub has seized. Normally this is observed with the following symptoms...

Hot tub not heating.
Error codes OH, DR, FLO, or DRY. You can see a detailed list of these error codes on our Hot Tub Error Code Wiki.
Water not circulating in the system.

If the motor is seizing, then you will need to replace the motor.