How to Reduce Noise of a Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tub

Last updated: March 11, 2022 at 8:25 am

Noise probably isn’t the first thing you think about when looking at hot tubs. If they’re too noisy however, it can take away the relaxing atmosphere you’re trying to create.

In this article:

We’ll look at the best ways to reduce noise of a Lay-Z-Spa so you can enjoy your garden (and hot tub) in peaceful bliss.

Why Reduce Lay-Z-Spa Noise?

If your children’s bedrooms face into the back garden and you like to relax in your tub after they go to bed, then a noisy hot tub is a problem. You won’t be able to relax for long if they are woken up by the noise.

Depending on how large your garden is, the noise your tub makes might be quite audible to your neighbours. Some online posters have reported they can hear it much more loudly than the owners of the tub can. If you don’t want to be a nuisance and potentially affect your relationship, then soundproofing is a good idea. This will avoid your enjoyment being spoiled by the worry that you may be annoying others.

Sitting in a hot tub together can be a very social experience that you can enjoy with your partner, family, and friends. If you constantly have to raise your voice to be heard over the pump and jets, that can spoil the experience. It’s not ideal to have to choose between a chat with your friends and the lovely massaging feeling your tub provides.

How Noisy Will It Be?

Most hot tubs produce between 41 and 67 dB of airborne noise. 41 dB is only as loud as the average library, so this shouldn’t cause any problems. 67 dB, however, is more like constant traffic noise or the sound of running your hoover. It also tends to be a low-frequency hum which can be more stressful to listen to than louder higher frequency noises.

Also, bear in mind that even quiet sounds seem much louder at night and carry further. Many tubs are set to heat and run filtration cycles overnight, making the noise it produces more of an issue.

You should also be aware that you will also be talking and possibly playing music when using your tub, which will add to the noise level.

4 Ways To Reduce Noise of a Lay-Z-Spa

1. Lay-Z-Spa Noise Reduction System

The Lay-Z-Spa manufacturers have created a noise reduction system made to be used with any of their hot tubs. It’s a stand-alone electrical unit designed to reduce the noise coming from the pump when all your jets are running.

Most new models come with this option as standard, but you can buy it separately for older models too.

2. Get An Insulation Mat

This option has a number of benefits:

• Insulation mats (or anti vibration mats) are made using thick rubber, so they substantially reduce any vibration sounds from your tub. This is particularly important if your tub is sitting on decking rather than concrete. It’s not a great idea to put a hot tub on decking, as this seems to amplify the vibrations the tub creates
• The mat will prevent heat loss from your spa where it touches the ground. This will help keep your water warm longer and reduce your running costs
• It will help protect your spa from sharp stones or splinters of wood that may damage it, leaving you with an expensive repair
• There are specially made mats available, but Dynamat works too. If you have some from another project, you could even try a couple of sheets of mass-loaded vinyl

3. Enclose Your Tub Behind a Fence or Thick Bushes

Again, you will get more than one benefit from this. The first is that the increased mass will help block or absorb the sound of the tub, meaning you’re less likely to disturb others when running all the jets.

The second is that it will block the wind, which will keep your water warm and also make it warmer and more pleasant for you when actually using your tub.

4. Optimise the Pump

If the pump is not positioned correctly, is malfunctioning, or has dirt and debris trapped in it, then it may be louder than it should be. There are a couple of things you can check yourself to see if they resolve the problems.

The location of the pump should be:

• Placed on a flat, hard surface. If it isn’t already, move it and see if this helps
• The pump shouldn’t be placed on any sharp surfaces like gravel
• Even if you decide against an insulation pad, you should always have foam mats placed under your pump to protect it and absorb some of the noise
• Do not place the pump against or near any walls. If it’s placed there now, move it and see if the noise improves
• Make sure you haven’t blocked or boxed in your pump. You may have read a guide on creating a soundproof box on this site, but if you plan to try it here, you need to build the box substantially larger than the pump. If it’s too small, the pump will overheat and may break altogether. It would be best if you also cut some ventilation slots into the sides of the box

To clear out debris, follow these steps to backwash the system:

1. Use the On/Off button on the pump display to turn the pump off
2. Unplug your tub completely from the mains socket
3. Use the stopper caps inside the spa over the debris screens. Remove the pump
4. Unscrew couplings A, B, and C
5. Use a hose to flush water through the B coupling connected to the pump. It should come back out through the C coupling
6. Leave the water running through your pump for two or three minutes
7. Next, reverse this procedure and run the hose, so the water enters through the C coupling and comes out of B
8. Let this run for another few minutes, then remove the hose and reattach the pump to the couplings

If the water sensors aren’t working correctly, your tub may be working harder than it needs to. Here’s how you solve this issue.

1. Use the On/Off button on the pump display to turn the pump off
2. Unplug your tub completely from the mains socket
3. Use the stopper caps inside the spa over the debris screens. Remove the pump
4. Firmly hit the side of the pump, which should move the sensor back into its correct position
5. Reconnect the pump and then plug it back in

The last thing you can try is bleeding the pump as you do with your radiators. Look for the bleeder screw on the front of the pump It’s usually just below the pipe that goes to the hot tub. Turn the tub on and use a screwdriver to turn the screw several times anti-clockwise. Wait until water starts to spray out of the bleeder before screwing it closed.

Takeaways

Inflatable hot tubs can be louder while running because they don’t have an insulated enclosure which helps block sound. For optimal Lay-Z-Spa noise reduction, please remember these key elements:

• Place your pump on a hard, flat surface and on foam protection pads. Don’t place it near any walls.
• Use a rubber insulation mat to reduce vibration noise, prevent heat loss and protect your tub from damage.
• Place your tub in an enclosed area, if possible, surrounded by a fence or thick bushes. This will block sound as well as the wind. It will also offer you some extra privacy when using it. This extra mass means your hot tub noise won’t carry as far, and the tub will be protected from wind and stay warmer.
• If your pump still seems louder than it should perform the maintenance listed above. If you’re still having no luck, it may be worth contacting Lay-Z-Spa directly for more advice.