How to Soundproof a Hot Tub Motor

Owning a hot tub is fun. Everyone would love to relax in one and that’s a sure bet.

However, no one wants to subscribe to the noise their motor comes with. It takes the joy out of sessions that are meant to be tranquil.

Unfortunately, most tubs operate loudly and it would be nice if you can prepare yourself to deal with them.

Luckily, there is plenty of information on how to soundproof a hot tub motor.

Why are hot tubs noisy?

Hot tubs are equipped with a motor that runs both the pump and heater. It usually takes a lot of power to get both heat and water to circulate in the tub.

As a result, most motors will roar loudly due to the burden they are going through.

The larger the motor, the noisier it gets. That’s why most people prefer to have them underground or outside to keep disturbing vibrations to minimal levels.

Reliable ways to soundproof a hot tub motor

Here are a few golden ways to get your tub’s motor silent:

1. Enclose the hot tub

Surrounding a hot tub with a barrier is an effective way of reducing the noise decibels from the motor.

Barriers will either spread the noise elsewhere or absorb it. It all depends on the nature of the materials used.

There are multiple approaches to getting an enclosure around your hot tub.

Some folks consider digging a hole in the ground to put the tub in. Others prefer to surround the tub with a brick or wooden enclosure.

Throwing in MLV (mass-loaded vinyl) sheets can dampen noise levels considerably.

Does this feel like an extensive and expensive affair? No biggie. Check out the next tactic.

2. Put sound-deadening materials under the tub

Putting sound-absorbing material under your hot tub can be a quick and inexpensive temporary solution to noise problems.

You can start with sound deadening mats made from butyl rubber. They are excellent insulators and it’s one of the reasons they are used in vehicle cabins to minimize noise.

Besides laying a mat under the tub, you could also consider using the same material to line it up.

However, do not enclose the motor as that will lead to heat built up that can impair the tub’s normal functioning.

Note that the kind of surface your tub sits on will determine how noisy or silent it will be.

Hard surfaces, in particular, will make the tub’s vibrations extremely annoying. Unsteady wood flooring and loose metal slats are a bad idea as well.

3. Build a soundproof box for the motor

If your tub comes with the motor as a separate unit, you can build housing for it. And guess what, you don’t need great DIY skills to build an outstanding soundproof box.

Even better, you will spend less compared to buying a new one.

To build a motor housing, you will need medium density fiberboard, acoustic caulk, sound deadening mat (or mass loaded vinyl), acoustic foam, glue, and nails.

Once you have the materials ready, take the dimensions of the motor and start assembling the housing. Use the glue to stick the sound dampening mat on the sides. 

Use the acoustic caulk to seal the edges to curb sound emission. However, you’ll still need to cut some holes on the side for proper ventilation, which unfortunately lets out some noise. 

Handy tips on dealing with hot tub motor noise

Besides soundproofing a hot tub motor, the following tips will help you silence your unit to a greater extent:

1. Cover the tub when not in use

It’s a good practice to always keep a cover on the tub. This keeps dirt from entering the tub.

On top of that, putting a cover over it retains water temperature so you don’t have to turn on the heater right away.

2. Clean the filter

Filters with a lot of dirt will make the pump work extra hard to pass water through. Now, the harder it works, the louder the motor roars.

The same problem occurs when the filter cartridge is old or damaged. So before you complain about a noisy tub, ensure the filter system is in good condition first.

3. Ensure the pumps mount is secure

If the pump is not well fastened, any mild vibrations will get compounded into loud reverberations. It’s vital that you check if all the bolts are tight and there are no wobbly connections.

If some are worn out or missing, then replace them with new ones.

4. Check the health of the motor

The motor is the hardest working part of the tub and as such, goes under extreme torture. With time, the bearings will likely get worn out resulting in screeching noises.

Like everything else, the motor can be repaired to run smoothly again. If the damage is extensive, consider acquiring a new kit. 

5. Your budget matters

Needless to say, cheaper hot tubs are likely to produce a lot of noise. This is why it would be prudent to spend a little more on something that is decently put together.

Where possible, ask for a demonstration just to be sure you can stomach the noise levels.

Final Thoughts

Hot tubs provide an extremely amazing relaxing experience. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work.

Sadly, some can be too noisy and interfere with a moment when one longs for a quiet experience.

The solution to dealing with noise is just one-soundproofing. However, before you venture on about how to soundproof a hot tub motor, make sure the noise is not a result of mechanical failure on the motor or pump.

It’s highly likely that some noise or vibration would still pass through water and delivery pipes. as such, a combination of several soundproofing techniques might be advisable.

While at it, just make sure the motor has enough space for air circulation. 

Lastly, if you are about to acquire a new tub, the solution to dealing with noise could boil down to picking a model whose pump is designed to run quietly.

Yes, you’ll spend a bit more but it will be well worth it in the long run.