If your hot tub is not heating up, especially during cold weather, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. This is one of the most common issues spa owners face in mountain towns like Park City, Heber, and Deer Valley. It’s also something we hear often from Salt Lake City homeowners with backyard spas.
The good news is most heating problems have a clear cause. Whether you’re in a vacation home in Deer Valley or managing a rental property in Heber, knowing what to check can help you solve the issue quickly or avoid a costly breakdown.
1. Check the Power Source First
If your hot tub isn’t heating at all, the first step is checking for power. Many heating issues in homes across Park City and Salt Lake City turn out to be simple electrical problems like a tripped breaker or a triggered safety switch.
What to do:
Go to your breaker panel and make sure the hot tub breaker is on. Also check the GFCI outlet near your spa. If it has tripped, reset it. If it keeps shutting off, call a technician to inspect the system.
2. Dirty or Clogged Filter Can Block Heating
Spa filters are often the reason heaters shut off unexpectedly. We frequently see this in spas located in second homes around Heber and Deer Valley, where routine cleaning can get overlooked.
What to do:
Turn off the power, remove the filter, and run the spa. If the heater starts working again, it’s time to clean or replace your filter. Filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced every one to two years.
3. Heating Element May Have Failed
The heating element is what warms your spa water. These components wear out over time, especially in colder areas like Park City and Salt Lake City where spas work harder in winter.
What to do:
If your tub is getting power but still won’t heat, the element may need to be tested and replaced. This is a common repair and typically costs between $300 and $600 including labor. If you own a brand like Bullfrog Spas, which are popular in Utah, it’s important to use original parts to maintain performance and avoid long-term damage.
4. Air Lock After Refilling the Spa
Air locks can happen when water is drained and refilled, especially at high elevations like Deer Valley or Heber. If water isn’t circulating, the heater won’t run.
What to do:
Shut off power, release air from pump unions if accessible, then restart the system. Run jets on high to help clear trapped air. If the issue continues, schedule a service call.
5. Sensor or Thermostat May Be Malfunctioning
Inaccurate temperature readings will stop your spa from heating. This is especially common in spas exposed to large temperature swings, which happens often in outdoor installations across Park City and Salt Lake Valley.
What to do:
Increase the temperature on your panel. If the water doesn’t warm up after a few minutes, the thermostat or sensor may need replacement. A spa technician can quickly diagnose this.
What to Do if Nothing Is Working
If you’ve checked power, water flow, filters, and settings but your hot tub still isn’t heating, it’s time to call a pro. Many of our clients from Salt Lake City to Heber contact us after trying basic fixes with no success.
At Spa Tender, we work with homeowners and vacation rental managers in Park City, Deer Valley, Heber, and beyond. We know how to troubleshoot fast and get your spa working again before cold weather causes more damage.
Check out our customer reviews or read real testimonials from others across northern Utah.
Freezing Temperatures Make Heating Issues Urgent
In colder regions like Park City and Heber, an unheated spa in winter can freeze overnight. This can lead to cracked pipes, broken pumps, and expensive repairs.
If your hot tub isn’t heating and temperatures are below freezing, shut off the spa and cover it with an insulated cover until we can get there. In some cases, keeping circulation running helps—but only if water is still moving.
Need Fast Spa Repair in Park City or Nearby
If your spa isn’t heating and you’re located in Park City, Deer Valley, Heber, or Salt Lake City, Spa Tender is ready to help. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain what’s wrong, and make the fix right the first time.
Call or Text Spa Tender at (435) 901-9912
Or request service online at https://spatender.com
Looking for a Replacement Spa
If your hot tub has ongoing heating problems or repair costs are adding up, you might be better off with a more reliable unit. We offer a range of pre-owned hot tubs for sale that are fully tested and ready for year-round use in Utah’s mountain towns.
