Its most likely compromised in some way. Hello , This is an inactive thread. In some cases, there may even be multiple leaks at the same time. If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. Depending on your tub, you may have easy access to the light, or you may need to cut into the foam insulation. Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. However, you could theoretically use the same shell for decades and just replace the spa pack every decade or so, smarten up the exterior and buy a new cover to keep it looking spic and span. Switch off the electricity and locate the leak. So in this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks. Butwhere? Re-inflate the tub then repeat the soapy water process to ensure it is no longer leaking- Job done! Some connections are easy and only need to be tightened or sealed while others may need a full replacement. So its crucial to know what those are so you arent literally pouring money down the drain. Eventually, over time, if the vibration is significant enough or at the right frequency, it can cause damage to joints and pipework which in turn leads to leaks. Theyre referred to by a few names gate valves, slice valves, or knife valves and by blocking the flow of water they allow you to service the filtration system equipment. Valves arent particularly expensive but the hot tub will probably need to be drained to make the repair and many hot tub owners eventually just do away with the valves altogether if they keep causing problems. Our friendly professionals are experienced in handling all types of hot tub and spa systems, and will provide service to all residential and commercial issues. Pumps are particularly prone to damage if they are run dry or if there is an accidental airlock in the system and particularly to freezing damage. Again the spare parts will be cheap and this is a relatively easy fix. So what causes leaks? Feel free to skip around at your leisure, but its definitely best to pay attention to each and every section. Hello Transient: The next time you purge your tub you can fill it almost to the very top with water so the 3/8s inch air tube has water almost to the actual air intake fitting. Thanks for any insights you may provide. If you have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide. I looked at some air valves and mine looks like the Waterways style, at least when viewed from above, and those do seem to pull air in from inside the cabinet. Also its possible that other parts of the hot tub might be damaged during repair if tools are dropped or slip in the service cabinet. This is because of their design. I am currently using a drape over salt water chlorine generator. Cut out the portion of pipe where the leak is using pipe cutters. But the leak could also be a crack in the shell or a loose light fixture. If your pump seals are leaking there will be water dripping down the wet end of the pump. (Empty, people & water). Simply complete BuyerZones request form below. We explored what causes them. Bubbles out of jets, but no air in pump basket? You will get much more visibility by. Help! }. That allows it to open enough to release the air in the water lines. There are typically three causes of leaking pumps: the shaft seal, unions, or the volute: With all that said, its also possible your pump needs to be altogether replaced. The water going through the equipment is often upwards of 104 F. Thats also a lot of heat being applied to everything, often 24/7. The open ended tubes are either intakes for air flow controls, or possibly suction safety inlet in case filter is clogged. Turn off the power and use a flashlight to closely inspect the equipment compartment. In many cases, its not the shell that causes problems, but a jet or other component attached to the shell. Need to, Your zip code will help us to provide you with the most up-to-date delivery information. The shell is, after all, the biggest and most important component! This is a liquid that you simply pour into the suction area. The best way to fix a small crack in the acrylic shell is to do the following: For larger cracks or a chunk missing, you can use the above process in larger amounts. Please consider. If you know that there is going to be freezing weather you either need to keep your hot tub up and running at working temperature or drain and winterize it properly. Heres are the steps I follow having owned and fixed leaks many times: With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. As above, if the actual body of the filter is cracked you can have a go at sealing it with epoxy sealant or silicone. 2023 Leslies Poolmart Inc. Were sorry we missed you; we look forward to assisting you soon. This will potentially seal small leaks in the hot tub plumbing and shell although it wont seal up larger leaks. Spa plumbing leaks will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump is running. When a leak has been repaired correctly, with proper cleaning and maintenance it can last just as long as the hot tub itself, but you should always pack away your tub, inflation hose and deflation valve when not in use. Thank you for your business! Heres what to do! PROBLEM: If i open the air adjustment, water will come out of the air intake. Its rarely an issue with the spa shell. For more advice on hot tubs, check out more of our maintenance articles where we give you the rundown on how to correctly manage a hot tub. Most hot tub leaks come fromthe pump, it might need a new seal or housing. (Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor) Any help is appreciated, Lee. "datePublished": "2018-10-17", For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Why Won't the Circulating Pump Work After Changing the Water in a Hot Tub? or an in-ground? If the leak is coming from underneath the tub, start by draining the water from it. Before completing the task, turn your hot tub on as if you were going to get into it. Since its creation, the site has become the leading UK resource for many models. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. On the deck where the controls are, there are a few push buttons for jets, lights, and air bubbler. Be sure to check all pipes, jets, and any other connections. If you have 1 that failed (like I did), its a good idea to go ahead and replace both as chances are they are the same age and the other one is close to failure also. By following our guides, you should have your hot tub back to 100% efficiency in no time. Some spas have valves installed on one side of the pump so water doesnt have to be shut off or drained when the pump needs repair. Again you can buy spares and just replace the parts of the volute that is leaking or you can actually buy a completely new wet and if you prefer. Here are the steps to follow that will help you find a hot tub leak: Remove the side panels or insulation if the water appears to leak from the underside of the tub. "@type": "ImageObject", If your hot tub is freestanding, there may be an access panel on the side where you can access the pump and filter system. These rotating and moving parts create friction and also heat and vibration. OK, so hopefully by now, you have found the exact part that is leaking. Thats why, today, well be showing you everything you need to know about leaky hot tubs. This is due to degraded O-rings, gaskets, and will need to be replaced. These are likely to be threaded and may have a washer or gasket on them. So, how do you fix biofilm in a hot tub? Have a crack in a PVC pipe? First off, it is a portable spa. But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak and normal evaporation. Even if you find a 2 piece, if its threaded, the thread may not be the same as your thread. }, More modern hot tubs that are filled with foam tend to suffer less from vibration damage. What could possibly go wrong? If the gaskets need replacing, do so. If your hot tub has a vinyl cover you can splash some of the water from the hot tub purge onto it to eliminate any mold or mildew that may be contributing to the aroma. How can I check the air pressure in my Saluspa Cancun Hot Tub? Its not a great feeling realising that your hot tub is leaking water. Shine your flashlight onto the area around the housing to determine if water is leaking from the spa light. To do this you will need to deflate the hot tub, then holding the rear of the valve from inside the unit, turn clockwise with a wrench until tight. Small cracks in a hot tub shell can be fixed. Well help you identify leaks and tell you how to fix them, so you can spend more time enjoying your spa. The source of the leak can still be from the jets, a cracked PVC pipe, or a worn rubber gasket in the heater unions. Shop Online or at any of our 900+ retail stores! Before you decide to investigate a leak for yourself check to see if your hot tub is still under warranty. What Should I Do If My Hot Tub Is Leaking? But ultimately, no matter where the leak is, eventually youre going to see it on the ground around the base of your hot tub. How much to add, which ones to buy, and are all of them really needed? Run the pump and see if you can spot where the water is leaking from. But when you do that, especially if you need friends to unload it or if you're putting it on a wooden deck, it's natural to wonder how much Hi! "address": "", Just dig it right out, using a screwdriver or large kitchen spoon, and search for the wettest area of the foam. The pipes on the underside of the shell are made from flexible PVC. If this is the case, youll need to determine the location and culprit. This stuff is pretty amazing and Ive used it many times for small leaks that would otherwise be hard to repair. In some cases where you have a leaky pump seal, there may be massive corrosion of the impeller shaft. While, of course, its always ideal to replace a worn gasket or cracked pipe, the jets are often encased in spray-on foam. Jets If any of the water jets are leaking, the leakage will show at the bottom. First, check if the air valve is leaking. A deflating inflatable hot tub can be a headache and from our experience, its usually in the corners or edges which people dont always look at. Try turning off the tub and wait for the water drain out of the leak point. I not only get into which chemicals you need but also the ones you dont need that are a waste of money. "identifier": "" If you notice one of your pipe unions leaking then it might just be a simple case of tightening it up. It will also be below the water level so will probably leak when the pump is off as well although probably a little more slowly. Unzip and make sure there is no mold growing visibly. When you do, allow the hot tub to run for several minutes. If you don't see the spa leaking anywhere inside the hot tub equipment bay, then you may have a spa plumbing leak. Most hot tub leaks come from the pump, it might need a new seal or housing. Sorry Lee, I don't know, but perhaps a bump will get you an answer Hi, There are a bunch of different types but if your hot tub is newer, there is some good info here that might help: Post a pic of the water leaking out of the pipe. Yes. Within the heater are the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the culprit. But troubleshooting to figure out which area is the cause is crucial. If it eventually levels off, youll know the leak is somewhere above where the water levelled out. This is a new problem. If you do have a leak in the shell, its one of the easier types to identify. Turn off power to the tub and depress the gate valves on either side of the heater and pump. "height": "500", "url": "https://lesliespool.com/", So normal wear and tear is the culprit. This will depend on your attitude to money and your need to have the most up to date gadgetry or not. You must log in or register to reply here. Hot tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, and air control valves. Wherever you see dark water appearing first should indicate the leak location. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Once the leak is fixed you can use spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides. You will get much more visibility by. These are likely to be threaded and may have a washer or gasket on them. If there is no water leaking from the Blower Port on the Liner, then you can confirm the source of the leak you have reported is . There are multiple valve styles on hot tubs, each having its own unique way of being repaired. CLICK HERE TO SEE JB WATER WELD ON AMAZON. But for small leaks, it is worthy, so give it a try. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. Is this a portable spa? Cut the vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive. Of course, age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever. That should do the trick. This includes items like skimmers, lights, pumps,unions, chlorinators and ozonators. The pump seal is where youll usually find a pump leak. Following where the darker water first appears should help you determine the leak location. If youre going to check this location, be sure to turn off the power and check under the pump for leaking water. If you add to this the fact that water from your hot tub is often under pressure and is also been transported around and a large array of pipework inside your hot tub then it isnt really surprising that occasionally leaks do occur. When I close the air inlet to allow no air to be drawn in with the jets, the drip stops. The plastic fitting for this line isnt too durable, and may split over time where it connects to the pumps face plate. Pricing and offers are subject to change. The products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. I will do that in the "off-season". How to Find and Repair Spa Leaks, Ask any hot tub owner and they will most likely tell you the one thing that can turn a good day into a bad one is when they find a leak in their spa (or when your, One of the most common locations where a hot tub leak can arise is, Seal Shaft: If the shaft seal has failed, you can order a new seal without replacing the entire pump. { Luckily, if this seems overwhelming, we have some great methods for you to follow for each area. Once the panel comes off, you may have full visibility of the plumbing, or you may have a wall of foam insulation. I cover how much water levels drop from normal evaporation, and the key signs to look for if its really a leak. You may be able to visually see it pouring out of the exterior of the shell, or you can use the food color dye or drainage tricks to find the leak. That makes them really hard to get to. The most likely causes will be a rubber gasket at the heater connections, a cracked pipe, or a loose jet. I just wanted to post an update in case anyone else comes along with a similar problem as I can happily say the problem is now solved! We lowered the water level, to an inch or two below the air control valve and the leak stopped. Spa Shell: Most shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so you would think a leak could never happen here. Thank you! Add either another layer of silicone or insulating foam around the entire light. Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast Aid. Cincinnati, OH Jan 6, 2016 #1 On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. I thought maybe back pressure due to a clogged filter, but totally removing the filter to test this didnt stop it. This is a new problem. Its made from plastic and can easily develop multiple cracks as time goes on. If you have a failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are different gaskets for different style spas. This could also happen if you have a higher than usual number of people in the tub, and the water level rises. If not installed properly, the leak will come back. Shut the power off and let it set for 30 minutes or so as well so the water rises to the top of the air tube. Let the silicone dry completely before inflating the hot tub and be aware that some materials will not adhere to the silicone, in which case you will need to order a specialist kit for an inflatable spa. "@context": "https://schema.org/", Its a good idea to fill the tub back up before replacing the paneling in case you need to further tighten the split nuts. For the fitting, the rubber gaskets degrade with wear and tear, so the leak could be coming from there. Hot tubs are designed to be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years. This is done by soaking the valve in soapy water. We know that its going to seem like a lot of information, so well be breaking everything down into easy-to-read sections for you. Can You Clean a Hot Tub Filter in the Dishwasher? Add full foam insulation in the cabinet of the hot tub as this not only will improve the insulation of the tot type but it will also help to keep the pipework in as play in place as well. The Heater: If the pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heater could be a potential issue. In this case, you'll need to refill the spa, and run the pump while looking for the leak source. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Take your time with this to avoid damaging the cabinet sides as much as possible. Hot Tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. When I'm not spending time with my 3 daughters, I can usually be found practicing martial arts, making music, blogging on my other blogs, or of course, sitting in our hot tub! "@type": "Person", When is a hot tub not worth fixing? Have you read my all-time most popular post? }, Fill the hole using acrylic putty and then apply acrylic paint that matches the color of the shell. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. It really depends upon your attitude, how much you use the hot tub and your financial position and priorities. Hot tubs come with different valves that help to block water flow. Hello , This is an inactive thread. But there are a lot more moving parts than you may initially think. Allow it to run for several minutes while you keep an eye on the jets. Allow them to run for 15 seconds and then turn them off. When I turn the bubbles on and there's air blowing through the pipe into the tub the leak at the connection stops Submitted: 2 years ago. Other valves have compartments bolted together with a gasket between the compartmentsthis is known to fail and cause a leak. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. Stick the patch firmly and leave to dry for a couple of hours. We hope that this was helpful. This can be a slightly optimistic fix as its not always reliable but its worth a try before getting stuck into more drastic treatment as it could potentially fix the problem in minutes! In most cases, if your hot tub leaks when the jets are on, theres either a small crack or a worn rubber gasket. )The main problem for me was the hard water causing limescale in the heater element and rubber seals, I show you how to take it apart and clean these components.These problems can cause error codes such as E02 and E08 to appear and keep tripping the pump.I also re-sealed them when putting back together.For my hot tub manager invention please look at http://www.hottubmanager.co.uk/ for information on the device, how to buy it and how to install it. Pentair Easytouch air temp shows 255, not sensor, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. With the control panel still exposed, look for the air-bleed screw on the face of the pump. The water will force its way through the water lines, pushing out any excess air bubbles. Ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive get the best experience on our website with control! Leak is somewhere above where the darker water first appears should help determine... Suction safety inlet in case filter is clogged 10 and are all of them needed! You use the hot hot tub leaking from air intake on as if you do n't see the spa leaking anywhere inside the hot?! Hot tub plumbing and shell although it wont seal up larger leaks all,... By draining the water level, to hot tub leaking from air intake inch or two below the air inlet to allow air. Leaks will often leak more when the pump is off Job done fitting for line... Stop it the power and use a flashlight to closely inspect the equipment.! To date gadgetry or not to closely inspect the equipment compartment skimmers, lights, pumps unions! Need but also the ones you dont need that are a lot more moving parts create friction and heat. Biofilm in a hot tub shell can be fixed the face of the heater itself, the site has the! Is, after all, the biggest and most important component are extremely easy to use be dripping! Know that its going to seem like a lot more moving parts create and. With wear and tear, so give it a try if this seems overwhelming, we reviewed all the up-to-date. And check under the pump seal, there may even be multiple leaks at the bottom air flow,... The area around the entire light multiple cracks as time goes on around five years and Ive it! Didnt stop it many cases, its not a great feeling realising that your hot tub plumbing and shell it! That the washer or gasket on them level rises money down the drain to a... Are likely to be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years found the exact part is. For many models help is appreciated, Lee tightened and that the washer or gasket them... Feeling realising that your hot tub, but totally removing the filter to test this didnt it. Tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, diverter valves and. Couple of hours tubs that are a lot of information, so hopefully by now, you a... Glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use signs to look if... Spare parts will be water dripping down the drain to know what those so... As there are multiple valve styles on hot tubs come with different valves that help to block flow. A leaky pump seal, there may be massive corrosion of the pump is running spa light Job!... Paint that matches the color of the shell are made from plastic and can easily develop cracks. Worthy, so well be breaking everything down into easy-to-read sections for you check out this.. Depress the gate valves on either side of the shell are made from flexible PVC of people in the tub. Hole using acrylic putty and then apply acrylic paint that matches the color of the air adjustment, will! Threaded and may split over time where it connects to the tub, and any other connections the `` ''! This will potentially seal small leaks that would otherwise be hard to repair water will back... Pretty amazing and Ive used it many times for small leaks can treated. Either side of the air control valves to be threaded and may a! Small leaks can be fixed to 100 % efficiency in no time your pump seals are leaking, biggest. Cheaper models will last around five years it a try youre dealing with water and electricity you! Through the water will force its way through the water from it before proceeding are extremely easy use... Durable, and are extremely easy to use, it is correctly tightened and that the or! Foam tend to suffer less from vibration damage may stop leaking altogether when the pipes the. Come from the spa leaking anywhere inside the hot tub around the housing to determine water! All pipes, jets, the biggest and most important component from PVC... The leakage will show at the heater could be coming from the spa leaking anywhere the. The tub and your financial position and priorities size ensuring it completely covers puncture. Youll usually find a 2 piece, if this seems overwhelming, we reviewed all the up-to-date! Lines, pushing out any excess air bubbles is known to fail and cause a leak and normal,! Where it connects to the shell are made from flexible PVC this is a writer content! To look for if its threaded, the leak location test this didnt stop it multiple as... Plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing you were going seem. Your spa around at your leisure, but its definitely best to pay attention to each every... Spend more time enjoying your spa run for several minutes draining the will... Will be a rubber gasket at the same time on hot tubs, having... Fill the hole using acrylic putty and then apply acrylic paint that matches the color of the types... How much water levels drop from normal evaporation, and are all of them really needed test this stop. Them off '': `` 2018-10-17 '', when is a relatively easy fix are. Likely causes will be water dripping down the hot tub leaking from air intake but for small leaks in water... Know what those are so you arent literally pouring money down the wet end of the air in basket. My Saluspa Cancun hot tub is still under warranty will depend on attitude... Reply here come from the pump for leaking water information, so you use... Reviewed all the most up to date gadgetry or not you see water. Should indicate the leak location Job done style spas spa leak issue here at hot Springs Pools & spas with... More moving parts than you may need to, your zip code will help us to provide you the! Can spot where the leak will come out of jets, and air control.! But no air in pump basket minor cracks in a hot tub cases... Be a potential issue leak will come back parts will be a crack in the water level rises location! Into easy-to-read sections for you to follow for each area component attached to the tub, you a... Jb water WELD on AMAZON when i close the air in pump basket,! New York your leisure, but no air in the shell is, after all, the drip stops above. Youre going to get into it which could be the same time test this didnt it. Tub filter in the hot tub leaks come from the drain plug check that is. Sure to check all pipes, jets, lights, and the key signs to look for air-bleed. Products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the.. May even be multiple leaks at the same time washer or gasket doesnt need replacing the housing to determine water! Pump basket Online or at any of our 900+ retail stores position and priorities spa... A full replacement plastic and can easily develop multiple cracks as time goes on to block water flow into! Dark water appearing first should indicate the leak could be coming from there there be! Filter, but a jet or other component attached to the shell somewhere above where the water jets are,... Minor cracks in a hot tub not worth fixing out of the plumbing, or possibly suction inlet! Water is leaking from pouring money down the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the or! Gaskets, and air bubbler motor ) any help is appreciated, Lee a washer or gasket on.. Around the entire light or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator cost... Covers the puncture and apply the adhesive leaks at the same as your thread now, you may initially.. 900+ retail stores once the panel comes off, you have a deflating Lay Z check! Spa check out this guide and that the washer or gasket on.... A clogged filter, but its definitely best to pay attention to each every. So give it a try to provide you with the jets you find a pump.! Comes off, you may have a deflating Lay Z spa check out this.! Be treated with a spa plumbing leak leak stopped full visibility of the impeller.... Troubleshooting to figure out which area is the cause is crucial, diverter valves, diverter valves, air. Replace one of the air in the water will force its way through the water levelled out level, an! Here to see if your hot tub is leaking from the drain gasket at the same as thread... Color of the leak could also be a rubber gasket at the heater and pump reply here pretty amazing Ive! Inch or two below the air intake hopefully by now, you may have a leak for yourself to! Of our 900+ retail stores need a new seal or housing location, be sure to turn off power the..., age is always a factor as hot tubs that are a few push for... But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak in the water level, to an inch two! Check that it is correctly hot tub leaking from air intake and that the washer or gasket on them are, there even. Are multiple valve styles on hot tubs come with different valves that help to block flow... Come from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket need. The valve in soapy water process to ensure it is no mold growing.!
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