Why Is My Spa Making a Grinding Noise? Troubleshooting & Fixes

Have you noticed an unusual grinding noise coming from your Spa during its heating or circulation cycle? While your spa is designed to operate quietly, these types of noises often indicate an underlying issue.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of grinding noises in Spa Pools and provide guidance on how to resolve the issue effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Grinding noises during the heating or circulation cycle often point to an issue with the circulation pump.
• The primary causes include a failing pump bearing, pump shaft seal or a damaged pump impeller.
• Ignoring the problem can lead to more extensive damage to your spa’s system.
• Replacement parts, such as pump bearings, shaft seal, impeller or complete pump replacement, are usually needed to fix the issue.
• If you're unsure, contacting a spa repair professional is highly recommended.

Important: A licensed electrician must carry out all electrical work on your spa. Any electrical information included here, whether it is troubleshooting or other instructions, is provided for use by a licensed electrician only. Local electrical codes supersede any information found here.

Why Is My Spa Making a Grinding Noise?

Hearing a grinding noise in your spa is not just an annoyance—it’s often a sign that a component in your circulation system is failing.

Let’s break down the potential reasons.

1. Circulation Pump Bearings Are Failing

Circulation pumps rely on bearings to operate smoothly. Over time, these bearings can wear out due to age, improper lubrication, or water and debris entering the system. When bearings fail, they create a grinding or screeching sound, especially during the heating or circulating cycles.

Symptoms:

• Persistent grinding noise that increases in volume over time.
• Reduced water flow or uneven circulation.
• Potential tripping of the breaker during the circulation cycle
• The Circulation pump does not turn freely when turned off.

Solution:

• Motor bearings can be replaced, but it's a big job and is not always successful for non-technical people as it involves completely disassembling the pump and motor.
• We recommend replacing the entire pump.
• On Vortex™ and Fisher™spas this is a plug-and-play operation and does not require an electrician.

2. Damaged or Worn Impeller

The impeller inside your circulation pump is responsible for pushing water through the system. If the impeller becomes damaged, cracked, or clogged with debris, it can cause a grinding noise.

Symptoms:

• Grinding noise that occurs sporadically during the circulation cycle
• Reduced heating efficiency or water circulation.
• Potential error 3 or error 4 on SpaNet^® controllers.

Solution:

• Disconnect power to the spa pool and use lock-out safety procedures. Then, remove the plumbing from the pump and remove the face of the pump to access the impeller.
• Inspect the impeller for visible damage or obstructions.
• If the impeller is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Ensure you purchase the correct part for your pump model.
• We recommend replacing the pump because impeller replacements are only sometimes straightforward and can be unsuccessful.

3. Faulty Shaft Seal

The shaft seal is a mechanical seal that fits onto the shaft of the motor and spins around onto the static face of the pump part of the seal. The seal is spring-loaded and the friction between the two faces of the seal creates a barrier that contains the water inside of the pump body.

Symptoms:

• A failing shaft seal can make a grinding sound
• As a shaft seal starts to fail, it will often begin to leak. The water can travel down the spinning motor shaft where it makes contact with the motor bearings. Over several cycles, the water and any minerals start to rust the motor bearings, leading to a motor bearing failure, as mentioned above.

Solution:

• You can purchase replacement shaft seals but as with replacing bearings, this is a big job and can result in leaks even after spending a great deal of time repairing. We always recommend purchasing a completely new pump.

4. Debris or Foreign Objects in the Pump

Sometimes, debris like leaves, dirt, or small particles can enter the circulation system and become lodged in the pump. This can cause grinding or rattling noises and lead to long-term damage.

Symptoms:

• Grinding or rattling sounds that occur intermittently.
• Visible debris in the filter basket or pump housing.

Solution:

• Turn off the spa and disconnect the pump plumbing as described in the impeller inspection section. Remove any debris or clogs, and clean the filter to prevent further issues. Always disconnect the power to the spa before doing this and use lock-out safety procedures.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re unable to diagnose or resolve the grinding noise, it’s time to contact a spa repair expert. Grinding noises can sometimes indicate deeper issues within the spa’s circulation system that require specialised tools or expertise to fix.

Spa professionals can:

• Accurately diagnose the problem.
• Source and install the correct replacement parts.
• Ensure the entire system is functioning optimally.

Need professional spa assistance? Book a service appointment with our expert technicians!

In Summary

Grinding noises in your spa pool or swim spa are often caused by issues with the circulation pump, such as failing bearings or a damaged impeller.

These components are essential for proper water circulation and heating, so addressing the problem promptly is crucial to avoid further damage.

Got more questions? We’re here to help!