Few things compare to relaxing in a hot tub at the end of a long and stressful day or week. However, if you find yourself dealing with the issue of your hot tub tripping the circuit breaker, it might not be the relaxing experience you hope for.
So why exactly does this happen, and what can you do about it? First things first, you need to spot and identify what the specific problem might be; only then will you be able to apply an easy fix. Read on as we break down the possible reasons and the steps you can take to keep your hot tub from tripping the circuit breaker:
1. There’s Moisture in the Breaker Box
It goes without saying that water doesn’t mix well with anything electrical. So, if even the slightest amount of moisture has seeped into your circuit breaker’s control box, the switch will turn off. This function serves as a preventative safety feature.
You can start by turning off the main electrical supply, popping open the breaker box, and carefully checking for any presence of moisture inside. If there is, you can dry it by using a towel, then run a fan or dehumidifier near the outlet. Once the breaker is dry, you can try to reset it.
To avoid encountering this issue again, you can prevent moisture from getting into the panel by ensuring the cables are sealed tight and the rubber seal is intact. If the breaker still flips after making sure it’s dry, you may need to replace the receptacle itself.
2. The GFCI Breaker is Old or Worn Out
Wear and tear is another common occurrence that can result in your hot tub’s circuit breaker tripping. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers are pretty durable and can last long, but they still age and wear out over time. In addition, other external factors such as power surges or lightning strikes can make their lifespans even shorter.
Switching the breaker on and off is a simple way to determine if the breaker isn’t working anymore. If you flip it and it suddenly trips again, you might have a bad breaker. You can double-check by disconnecting everything from the GFCI and flipping once more. If tripping still occurs, a replacement might be in order.
3. The Wiring Might Not Be Secure Enough
Circuit interruptions that cause the GFCI breaker to trip might also mean that your hot tub has a loose electrical connection. Wiring connectors can come loose when they get old or if they’re somehow moved around. If not connected securely, these loose connectors can cause the power to move in and out, which results in circuit breaker tripping.
Your best bet in this scenario would be to hire a licensed electrician to inspect your hot tub’s connectors. On the other hand, if your hot tub has plastic plug-in connectors that easily slide out of place, you can take a peek yourself. If this is the case, fixing it is as easy as pushing the connectors securely back into place.
4. There’s Corrosion or Damage in the Heater
When there’s a moist environment, rust tends to occur as well. Your hot tub’s heater could be an easy target for corrosion over time, which can then cause the circuit breaker to trip.
Take a look at the heater and watch out for obvious signs of corrosion, such as rust or white powder. If you don’t find any and want to be sure that the heating element is the one causing the problem, try to run a quick test. For example, simply disconnect the heater from the control box then flip the breaker on. If it stays on, it means that the heater was the cause, and changing it out would be the way to go.
5. A Short Circuit Might Be the Issue
Did you know that a breaker is designed to trip for safety reasons? This means that if ever there’s a short circuit in your hot tub, tripping is bound to happen.
All you need to do is make sure that all the electrical components of your hot tub are dry. Then, to check if there are loose connections, unplug all the components and try them one by one to figure out if one of them is causing the problem.
Went through our list of reasons but still having trouble with the breaker tripping? Hiring a licensed professional to look at your hot tub might be a good idea. You can also get in touch with a hot tub store near you to get support if you have more questions about your spa. To learn more about which hot tub to choose for your home, download our free buyer’s guide.