What to Do and Who to Call in Cornwall
Hot tubs are great when everything’s working as it should — but when something goes wrong, it can cause headaches fast.
Whether it’s a weak jet, a leak, or a tripping electrics issue, knowing what to do next can save a lot of time, money and stress.
Here are some of the most common hot tub problems I see in Cornwall — and what action to take if they happen to you.
Urgent fault? Call 01209 808 617 for fast attendance, or use our contact form.
If it’s tripping electrics, turn the isolator off first.
💨 1. Air Controllers Not Blowing Properly
When the air controllers fail or block up, the jets lose their power and the spa feels “flat.”
This can happen gradually or suddenly — often after years of use.
✅ What to do:
- Check the controller knob isn’t stuck or cracked.
- Turn off the tub and restart to see if airflow returns.
- Avoid pulling parts apart yourself — venturi fittings can be fragile.
📞 Who to call: A hot tub technician can replace or clean the air valves and check for hidden plumbing issues.
🔥 2. Heating Element Tripping the Electrics
If your spa trips the power as soon as the heater kicks in, the heating element is probably failing.
This is one of the most common call-outs I get.
✅ What to do:
- Turn off the isolator immediately.
- Don’t keep resetting the breaker — this can damage other components.
- Make a note of when it trips (heating cycle, jets on, etc.).
📞 Who to call: An experienced hot tub repair engineer can test the element properly and replace it safely.
💧 3. Leaking Heater Seals
Leaking heater seals often start as a tiny drip and quickly turn into water damage, swollen floors, or even electrical faults.
✅ What to do:
- Switch the spa off at the isolator.
- Don’t keep topping up the water — that just hides the problem.
- Check for a small puddle near the heater housing.
📞 Who to call: A professional can drain below the heater, replace seals or unions, and pressure test the system.
🌀 4. Broken LX Impellers
If your LX pump is running but no water is flowing, chances are the impeller has cracked or sheared off.
This is very common and can lead to heater issues if ignored.
✅ What to do:
- Turn the tub off and leave it off — don’t run the pump dry.
- Don’t try to dismantle the wet end without tools and seal kits.
- Note if the pump hums, runs loudly, or is silent.
📞 Who to call: A repair engineer can replace the impeller (or pump) quickly and get you back up and running.
Find the Right Error Code Guide for Your Spa
Before trying to fix anything, it’s important to know what control system your hot tub uses — error codes can vary between brands.
Look at the top or underside of your topside control panel or inside the spa cabinet near the main control box. You’ll usually see a label with one of the following brands:
- Balboa – most common on many modern spas
- Gecko – often found on Canadian and European models
- Spaquip – common on some imported or newer systems
- LX / Other OEM panels – often on entry-level tubs
Once you’ve found the brand, click the matching guide below for error code help:
⚠️ Don’t keep resetting the spa if the code keeps coming back — it’s there to protect the system.
If in doubt, switch off at the isolator and book an emergency repair.
Why act early
mall faults become expensive fast. A drip turns into swollen bases and electrics; weak flow can overheat heaters; repeated breaker resets can damage control gear. If in doubt: switch off at the isolator and call an engineer.
Trying to fix these without the right tools often makes them worse. Note what happened, take a photo of any error code, and call.
Then add a single line:
Urgent? Book an Emergency Repair.
Not urgent? See our Servicing & Maintenance options.
Trying to fix these issues without the right tools often makes them worse — or more expensive.
Turn it off. Make a note of what happened. Call a professional.
