How do I stop my Spa from Over Heating during the summer?
If the spa is not malfunctioning, the major reason spas overheat is due to the sun. During the summer the spa may rarely if ever actually turn on the heater. But because the spa either filters or has a circulation pump, the water moving can add heat. That water movement plus the sun beating down on the spa during the summer can be a problem. It's not unusual for spas to overheat in the summer because the insulation holding the temperature in, water moving add temperature to the water, and the sun beating down adds temp each day. Because there is little temperature loss the spa gradually increases. Then, OH. Most spas are designed to go to OH somewhere between 112-115 degrees.
Possible Solutions:
> Change filter cycle times to times other than mid day filtering. I have found this works well. Filter early morning and later in the day often solves the problem.
> Customers have sworn just propping up the cover to let the heat escape solves this issue in the summer. Simply put a piece of 2x4 to allow heat to solve the problem and never have a problem again. This will allow more water to evaporate but just remember to top off the water level more often.
> If you have a 24/7 circulation pump and don't want to use the above method, you might have to turn power off to the unit. This would be the least desirable method because the spa is design to keep water moving and keep the water clean. Turning the spa off will leave a stagnant body of water sitting and that will encourage growth in the water.
> Fortunately the newer models have a "summer logic" that will automatically account for this problem and turn off the spa during hot periods and then back on later.
How to Drain Your Spa For Storage
Most spa are designed to drain well when you use the built-in drain. But several areas may not drain well so you need to give them attention.
First, remove the left over water inside the spa after draining. Open access panel. (spa power should be off). Techs will often suck each jet with a wet vac to pull even more water out of the spa.
Second, depending on your spa, you have 1-3 pumps to be concern about. On each pump loosen the front fitting where the pump mates with the spa plumbing. On some pumps you will see a knob drain valve below the front fitting. This is there to allow remaining water to drain. Loosen or remove.
On smaller circulation pumps you have to pull the hose off the front of the pump. Also good to remove as much water from the pipes as you can. A wet vacuum can be used to suck the remaining water out of the pump.
Third, the heater. Loosen one or both fittings to the heater to allow the water to drain. If you find no water dripping out when you loosen, shake the connection to break a possible seal to allow water to drain.
The above should drain and dry the most important parts of your spa during the summer months.
