Hot tubs are meant for relaxation, but when they overheat, it’s more like a boiling pot of trouble! Today, I’m going to guide you through why your hot tub overheats and how to fix it.
I’ll share common reasons behind overheating, like faulty thermostats, faults with the control system, and poor water pumps. Then, I’ll explore easy-to-follow steps to keep your hot tub from becoming a scorching nightmare.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a cool, comfortable hot tub that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day. So grab your swimsuits and let’s get started!
Top 6 Hot Tub Overheating Symptoms/Reasons with Solutions
1. Extended filtration cycle settings
Sometimes extended filtration cycles can make your hot tub hotter than it should be. When water circulates for a long time, it creates friction, which can cause the temperature to rise. It’s like when you rub your hands together really fast and they get warm. The same thing happens in your hot tub!
Now, you’re wondering how to prevent this overheating situation. Well, the secret is in the filtration settings! You should choose the right duration for your hot tub’s filtration cycle. If it’s too long, your hot tub will turn into a boiling cauldron!
So, make sure to check your hot tub’s manual for the recommended settings, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find the perfect balance.
But wait, one super cool trick to keep your hot tub from overheating is to keep it covered when it’s not in use. This helps to maintain a steady temperature and saves energy too. Also, a hot tub cover helps to get rid of leaves and other debris, making your hot tub clean, including crystal-clear water, and more enjoyable to use.
2. Faults within the control system
Do you know why and how your hot tub can overheat due to a fault in the control system?
Say you’re chilling in your hot tub, ready to soak up the warmth and relax. But suddenly, it gets way too hot! Yikes! This can happen because the control system, which is like the hot tub’s brain, can sometimes go haywire. This little brain helps maintain the perfect water temperature, but if there’s a glitch, it could turn your soak into a steamy mess.
Why does this happen, you ask? Maybe the sensors that measure the water temperature aren’t working right, or perhaps the thermostat, which is like a little temperature cop, isn’t doing its job properly.
Read Related: Hot hot water temperature dropping reasons and fixing guide.
Now let’s talk about the solution. If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry! First, turn off the tub and let the water cool down. Then, check the control system to see if there are any visible issues.
If you can’t spot anything, it’s time to call in a professional hot tub technician! They’ll examine your tub’s control system, find the problem, and fix it in a jiffy.
3. High outside(weather) temperature
When the sun is out and blazing, it’s not just humans who feel the heat. In this case, our hot tubs can feel it too! As the temperature outside rises, the water inside your hot tub can heat up faster than you’d think. This might sound great for a toasty soak, but overheating can actually be a big problem for our bubbly buddies.

But don’t worry! You can solve unconditional weather outside the hot tub; simply add one or more shades! You can use an umbrella or sunshade, which can shield your tub from the sun’s rays. You can also use a hot tub cover during the day, so the water gets fresh air and has a chance to cool down.
Moreover, you can invest in a thermometer that’s made for hot tubs only. This handy gadget will let you keep a close eye on the water temperature so you can take action before your hot tub overheats.
If all else fails, you can always add some cool water to your tub to help bring the temperature down.
4. Low water level
For example, you’re getting ready for a soothing soak in your hot tub, but as you step in, you notice the water level seems a bit low. When the water level drops too low, your hot tub’s heater and pump have to work extra hard to keep the water warm and circulating. This added stress can lead to overheating, which is not good for you or your hot tub.
Now, you might be wondering how this happens. Knowing about this fact is pretty simple. As you use your hot tub, water evaporates and splashes out, causing the water level to decrease over time. If you don’t pay attention to this, your hot tub could be in for a meltdown.

For an easy-peasy solution. All you need to do is make sure your hot tub is regularly topped up with water. Keep an eye on the water level and add more whenever it starts to look low. This way, your hot tub’s heater and pump can relax and do their job without breaking a sweat, and you can continue to enjoy your steamy oasis worry-free.
5. Pump and filter problem
Sometimes, due to hot tub pump and filter problems, you can face overheating issues. Don’t worry; I’ve got the perfect solution for this!
Let’s talk about the pump. It’s a nifty little gadget that keeps water swirling. When it doesn’t work right, it can be a major headache. The problem starts when the water flow slows down, causing the heater to work overtime.
Now, let’s jump to the clogged filter. We all know how important it’s to keep our hot tubs squeaky clean. But sometimes, dirt and debris can build up in the filter, blocking the flow of water. This means your pump has to work harder to push the water through the filter, and that can lead to overheating!
To solve this issue, clean your filter with a good scrub brush and make sure to clean it regularly. Trust me; your pump will work fine.
So, the next time you’re faced with a piping hot tub, don’t let pump and filter problems rain on your parade. With a little elbow grease and some tender loving care, you can keep your hot tub running smoothly without overheating.
6. Heat Sensor Hiccups
Enjoying a warm (standard temperature) and bubbly soak in a hot tub is one of the most relaxing ways to end a long day. But did you know a sneaky little thing called a “Heat Sensor Hiccup” could be because of some trouble? Let me explain!
Say you’re chilling in your hot tub and ready to unwind, but suddenly the water temperature starts rising way too fast. This unexpected hot tub heat wave could be due to a heat sensor hiccup. If your hot tub’s heat sensor gets a bit confused, it’ll send the wrong message to the heater, telling it to crank up the heat even more.
Don’t worry; to fix this fiery problem, you have to quickly check up on your hot tub heat sensor. Somehow, if it’s dirty or faulty, cleaning it or replacing it with a new one would be the trick.
Remember, in a hot tub, you should keep a close eye on the temperature to make sure you’re always soaking in comfort. So, next time your hot tub starts feeling like a boiling pot, you’ll know that a heat sensor hiccup might be the culprit.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to experts’ advice, your hot tub’s temperature should be lower than 95°F in the summer season. It’s a comfortable temperature range for most people. Also, applying this range won’t put you at risk of overheating or dehydration.
If you soak in a hot tub that is overheating, you’re putting yourself at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke.
Most modern hot tubs have a built-in temperature display that you can use to adjust the temperature to your liking. If your hot tub doesn’t have a display, you can purchase a digital thermometer to measure the water’s temperature.
Conclusion
If your hot tub is overheating, you should take action immediately to prevent damage or safety hazards. You can contact a professional to diagnose and fix the issue and consider implementing regular maintenance checks to prevent future problems.
Also, you can contact your hot tub customer support to get any technical help if you have a product warranty.