How you go about repairing hot tubs depends on the problem. Repair a Hot Tub
The following are some of the most common issues with hot tubs and how you can fix them.
Removing Fiberglass Cracks
Required Tools and Materials
Cleaning rags
Fiberglass resin
Fiberglass hardener
Fiberglass cloth
Gel coat
Paint brush
Gloves
Marine plastic filler
Plastic wrap
Coarse sandpaper (grit 80)
Wet/dry sandpaper (grit 320, 220 and 400)
Colorant
Step 1
Begin by sanding the damaged area with the rough sandpaper. Commence sanding from the crack’s edge. Keep sanding up to a couple of inches away from the affected area.
Step 2
Slice the fiberglass cloth into 3 parts. The first should be a bit smaller than the crack; the second and third should be progressively smaller than the first patch.
Step 3
Before you start repairing hot tubs, mix the fiberglass resin with the hardener. Follow the instructions for the needed amounts. Put the smallest patch in the mixture.
After the resin saturates the cloth, place the cloth on the crack. Repeat the process for the other two patches, from the smallest to the biggest. Let them dry overnight.
Step 4
Get the hardened patch and sand it with the rough sandpaper. Remove any residues but do not sand the fiberglass tub surface around it. Now apply the marine plastic filler on the sanded part. Allow it to dry for at least half an hour.
Step 5
Sand the marine filler.
Step 6
Color the gel coat so it will match your tub. Put the gel coat on the affected area. Use a paint brush to do it. When repairing hot tubs put enough gel so it is 1/8” thick.
Step 7
Put the plastic wrap on the entire area. Give it time to dry (overnight should be enough).
Step 8
Use the 220 sandpaper on the gel coated area. Keep sanding until everything blends in.
No Power and GFCI Problems
Start by looking at the circuit breaker. You can check the breaker status by flipping it. Next, check the fuse. In particular look at the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) if it is set. If the fuse is defective, get another one. A continuously blowing fuse is indicative of wiring issues.
Anyone repairing hot tubs should never fail to look at the heater.
If there are still problems with the GFCI, check out the heater. Corrosion could lead to GFCI problems as will burns. A busted heater will short out. This in turn will affect the GFCI. Get a new heater if the old is defective.
Tips and Warnings
Take all the necessary precautions when fixing electrical problems. Ensure the power is turned off before making any repairs. Do not replace the fuse, heater or any other component unless you know how to. Improper installation could make things worse. Double check all the wirings before you turn on the tub.
The key to remember when repairing hot tubs is that a proper assessment of the situation is necessary. This will allow you to take the right course of action.
