Hurricane Harvey has many people asking – “What do I do with a hot tub that’s been through a flood?”
You may be surprised to learn that your hot tub may be salvageable.
Turn off the power.
If you haven’t already, the first thing to do is to cut all the power to the unit. If it’s a 120v unit, unplug it. Otherwise, turn off the circuit breaker and the subpanel if there is one. If you aren’t sure, contact a qualified electrician.
Check the damage.
Now that the power is off, open the electrical panel and check the connections and equipment. Do you see any signs of corrosion? Any burn marks? If you do, you’ll need to replace those parts before you can use your hot tub. The pump, blower, spa pack and ozonator are most likely to be damaged.
Dry it out.
Go ahead and wipe off everything with a clean, dry rag to help prevent any additional damage. If there’s a lot of water, vacuum it out with a wet/dry vac. Leave the door to the equipment area open so everything can thoroughly dry. You can even place a fan to blow inside to help speed the drying process.
Repair the damage.
If your spa has a wood cabinet that’s damaged but otherwise OK, you’ll want to refinish it. If you aren’t experienced in refinishing wood, you can find tips online or contact an experienced craftsman for assistance.
Clean out the interior of your hot tub – you’ll need to vacuum out the water then clean it with a recommended cleaner. Now that it’s clean you can carefully check it for cracks or other damage. Small cracks, dents and scratches can be fixed with an acrylic repair kit, but if the damage is great, you’ll need to replace the shell.
Finally, you can even repair your spa cover if the damage is minor. Cuts, small holes and tears can be fixed with waterproof patches. You’ll need to remove the cover from the foam inserts, and follow the instructions on the patching material you’ve selected. If the foam itself is broken, go ahead and replace it, too. Once the cover patching is complete, reassemble the cover.