It is awesome, but I have trouble keeping air in it. Hi. How long do hot tubs last? "wordCount": "1151", Old pipes are much more prone to cracking and old gaskets become brittle and less effective with age. 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 . Most hot tub leaks come fromthe pump, it might need a new seal or housing. Most often, it's something minor that can be resolved using routine hot tub leak repair solutions, such as a hot tub sealer or other simple fix. "@type": "Person", Spray the soapy water onto the patch and look for the bubbles again. If the leak is coming from underneath the tub, start by draining the water from it. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position. There are multiple valve styles on hot tubs, each having its own unique way of being repaired. They basically just screw into the shell of the hot tub with a locking ring system and, most importantly a 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. This is not a huge deal. Am I on the right track? This involves 3 steps. When you do, allow the hot tub to run for several minutes. Refer to the owner's manual for the procedures to remove debris in the filter basket that can cause the pump to work harder and reduce the efficiency of the system. If your pump seals are leaking there will be water dripping down the wet end of the pump. The first step in fixing this issue is to get the hot tub ready to prevent a water leak or other problems with the mechanisms. Its rarely an issue with the spa shell. If you need help identifying or fixing a leak, give us a call at our SC location at (864) 676-9400 or our NC location at (828) 687-8080 and. I take the confusion out of it in a recent article. When I close the air inlet to allow no air to be drawn in with the jets, the drip stops. If unsure, please refer to the manufacturer. "publisher": { Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. "@type": "ImageObject", Inspect the gasket. However, it makes sense to try to minimize the amount of vibration as much as possible by standing your hot tub on thick rubber and also to check the pump mounting periodically as well as the mountings for any other moving parts. Before you decide to investigate a leak for yourself check to see if your hot tub is still under warranty. But for small leaks, it is worthy, so give it a try. Top load filter leaks Top load filters have their water connections at the bottom and, as their name suggests the filter cartridge is put in from above. The products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use. "address": "", One, or both of them, have probably degraded. If this doesnt work, or the crack is rather large than a replacement housing will be needed. As previously mentioned clean and dry the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it, (Top tip- using transparent silicone will be less visible). Hot Tub Inspection and Repair with Hot Springs. Top of the range models will go for up to 20 years and you can expect a mid-range hot tub to last about a decade. If your shell becomes has small cracks, dont panic. Luckily, if this seems overwhelming, we have some great methods for you to follow for each area. You will need to clean the area thoroughly with a de-greaser as the vinyl wont stick if the surface is oily and you will have wasted your time and money. The next spot to check is the union fittings to and from the pump. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. So normal wear and tear is the culprit. 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. Replace the wall cabinet panel in the same fashion as before, using screws, a staple gun or a wood adhesive like Liquid Nails. Hot tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, and air control valves. This obviously takes a little longer but will be a much more secure and permanent repair. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. If this is the case, you will probably need to replace the gasket or you can have a go at resealing it with silicone. Free Shipping and more for Pool Perks members. Or both. Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast Aid. This will cure the leak but it will mean that you will lose a jet. Its responsible for sucking in water from the tub, pushing it through the filter to be cleaned, and then sending it back into the tub via the return jets. If the pump itself is leaking from the main body and not one of the connectors, its probably time to replace the pump itself. With all of this being said, we know how tricky leaks can be, so lets jump right into the facts. The Heater: If the pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heater could be a potential issue. Ive done this myself and I outline the steps below: A good replacement pump is this 5 hp pump from Waterway on Amazon (click to see the current price on Amazon). You can also try using a thread sealant like. Quote Dr. Spa Moderators 2.3k Gender:Male Location:near San Francisco 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. 99K views 2 years ago Video to walk you through how to repair leaks and generally take apart and fix various problems on the Lay-Z-Spa hot tub pumps for all models: This includes Monaco Paris. Once dry, it can be sanded and buffed smooth. Of course, age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever. You will get much more visibility by. It can even be coloured to match so that the repair is not obvious. This is due to degraded O-rings, gaskets, and will need to be replaced. Both of these issues could potentially contribute to leaks further down the line. Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. Afterwards, dry with a paper towel making sure no wetness remains before continuing with the next step. But the level doesnt drop. So, what should I do If my hot tub is leaking? If you see wet foam and the source is unclear, the leak is probably inside the spray-on foam, making it very problematic to repair other than using liquid fix-a-leak products. Leaks from the shell can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well. This is because of their design. "datePublished": "2018-10-17", Then, replace the access panel. Compare the jets in question to the others that work. This type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is the only option. "image": { Well help you identify leaks and tell you how to fix them, so you can spend more time enjoying your spa. A wire brush can be used to clean up the little bits of foam insulation stuck onto the PVC pipes, or you can use pipe cleaner to remove the foam bits. To find a leak in a hot tub, remove the side panels, and note where the water is pooling on the ground. A spa or hot tub thats leaking can be alarming. If the leak isnt in the equipment bay and isnt easily accessible then you will need to remove the side of the cabinet where you think the leak is. The first thing to do is to open the cabinet and have a look at the pump. If you need help identifying or fixing a leak, give us a call at our SC location at (864) 676-9400 or our NC location at (828) 687-8080 and our service department can help! So, how do you fix biofilm in a hot tub? Please consider. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Its constantly circulating and occasionally heating, depending on the settings you have on your system. If you cant see it then we need to move on to Phase 2. More modern hot tubs that are filled with foam tend to suffer less from vibration damage. We look forward to helping you out! Stick the patch firmly and leave to dry for a couple of hours. Its not a great feeling realising that your hot tub is leaking water. But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak and normal evaporation. As far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump seals is probably one of the most difficult fixes to achieve. or an in-ground? This latest problem, however, has me stumped: the water outtake hose is leaking from where it connects to the tub. Youll need to purchase 2 PVC couplers (usually 1 wide), and a small piece of 1 flexible PVC pipe to replace the faulty section. You can also try using a thread sealant like Teflon tape. JavaScript is disabled. In my experience, the gaskets most prone to failure are the ones on either side of your heater tube. So in this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks. There is something you can do to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place or from happening again. If you have gate valves, close them off & loosen the fittings on either side of the crack. This could also happen if you have a higher than usual number of people in the tub, and the water level rises. Connections: Be sure to check all pipes, jets, and any other connections. Can You Clean a Hot Tub Filter in the Dishwasher? In it, I cover the lifespan of hot tubs, including all the different types. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. The manifold with 8 nipples is glued into the topside panel mount so replacing this valve would be a botch if possible but I dont see where the valve is failing unless there is some kind of check valve built in that is leaking but still something is causing some back pressure.??? However, because this tubing is more flexible, it can become compromised and begin to leak. Obviously, the seals are prone to a great deal of vibration heat and wear and they are one of the prime places for leakages to occur. With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. Butwhere? Bear in mind that any other work that you might do on your hot tub could invalidate your warranty. If there is, unscrew them and replace their rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised. It's not uncommon to buy a hot tub and have it delivered. The light housing or niche is usually located on the same side as the spa pack so the bulb can be easily serviced. In some cases where you have a leaky pump seal, there may be massive corrosion of the impeller shaft. Then the heated water exits the heater and goes back into the tub. Unfortunately, a hot tub can leak from numerous places. You'll probably have to remove the side panels to gain access to the light. Another knob for a secondary set of jets is identical and does not let water out. Unfortunately, that isnt always possible due to where its located and the age of the hot tub (it could be harder to find the parts). Simply complete BuyerZones request form below. 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. We also covered this topic in a detailed post called "Hot Tub Filter Leak Repair." Thanks for any insights you may provide. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. Look closely with a flashlight to determine the exact source of the leak on a spa pump. But if you arent encountering one of the above, read on. If the spa shell does have a leak, Plast-Aid can be used to seal holes or cracks. Yes. Then I also explore the chemicals that are best for sensitive skin and how to avoid hot tub rash. Spa plumbing leaks will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump is running. Very often fixing the leak is the easy part and finding it in the first place is like looking for a needle in a (very wet) haystack! The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. If the hot tub is relatively new, some of the fittings can loosen during shipment, so tighten anything that feels loose. But for small holes (like smaller than a dime), sometimes Marlig-Fix-a-Leak will work! Hello, Welcome to my website. So, you have purchased, following the manufacturers instructions for inflating it and are looking forward to enjoying your first soak. So what are the main reasons that a hot tub might spring a leak? What Should I Do If My Hot Tub Is Leaking? As weve mentioned in the previous section, a hot tub shell can definitely be fixed. I will do that in the "off-season". Volute: If the volute is your issue, where the impeller is housed, you most likely need to replace it. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. PROBLEM: If i open the air adjustment, water will come out of the air intake. 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. Article from Service Industry News ALL Hot Tub and Swim Spa owners should read. (Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor) Any help is appreciated, Lee. Check if your finger is wet or damp (replace the fitting if this is the case). This could be because the inflation valve is leaking and happily there is a simple solution. Its possible an individual component can be replaced, but more than likely you will need to replace the entire heater, or have someone repair it. For the best results for your deflated spa hot tub, you should find the correct hot tub repair kit to fix the puncture. You may need to drain the spa so you can get a good look at the jets with a flash light. }, The source of the leak can still be from the jets, a cracked PVC pipe, or a worn rubber gasket in the heater unions. This is a new problem.nothing was changed or worked on from last year when I didnt have this problem at all. Leaks from jets, unions and connectors might just need tightening or replacement gaskets. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position.. So before we begin to dive into some popular searching methods, well layout the areas you need to check: A leak can come from any of these areas. ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. Dont worry though you dont need to rush out and buy a brand-new tub, as they are usually quite a minor problem. If water leaks out of the Blower Port where only air should be passing through, this is a case of a faulty tub check valve in the Blower Port. "@type": "BlogPosting", Remember that the canister and lid are only intended to be tightened by hand so dont start hitting it with a hammer or gripping it with any other equipment as you may damage it further. First, check if the air valve is leaking. Try checking the plumbing, pipes and jets. I cover how much water levels drop from normal evaporation, and the key signs to look for if its really a leak. If you follow the steps above your inflatable will soon be working again and you, your loved ones and your friends will be enjoying the soothing hot waters for a long time to come. Ultimately, we answered the question of what do I do if my hot tub is leaking? You dont have to drain the water before OR after using it. Leaks in the plumbing can occur either underneath the shell of the tub, or in the equipment chain. Turn off the pump and place a finger underneath the rinse line fitting on the pumps face plate. To diagnose a larger leak, shut the pump off, and allow the spa todrain to a lower water level, paying attention to where the system stabilizes and stops leaking. There are some PVC repair products, such asMr. Sticky's,that can do the trick. Is this a portable spa? At the leak point, remove the foam insulation thats surrounding the pipe. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. If you have a failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are different gaskets for different style spas. Check all of the visible components and also all of the plumbing that you can see to try to locate the leak. If this doesnt work then the valve itself may need to be replaced. You might find that an older hot tub without a full foam filling is more susceptible to vibration damage. Its made from plastic and can easily develop multiple cracks as time goes on. Leaks from the shell can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well. While not every crack will leak, all it takes is one and youll need to replace it. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. Pricing and offers are subject to change. Why would water back up into the air inlet? From the top, it is a normal looking knob and doesnt leak. { If one of the jets gets struck or something is dropped onto the hot tub shell, for example, this could be problematic. The air bubbles stopped working about a year ago. Hopefully, there will be none and you can refill your Jacuzzi. Portable spa news, opinions and breakdowns of all products relating to these hot tubs. Check also that it isnt cross-threaded and is sitting in good alignment. Has to be back pressure, right? Just dig it right out, using a screwdriver or large kitchen spoon, and search for the wettest area of the foam. This could be the lights or even the jets. "name": "Leslie's, Inc.", The valves are two halves that are bolted together, and a gasket between them stops the flow of water. Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. Hot Tub Air Control Valves. Cut the vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive. Measure out the section so it fits perfectly. Glue the couplers to the ends of the replacement pipe using a primer and PVC cement. #HotTubLeak #HotTubLeakRepair, Have a leaky hot tub? That makes them really hard to get to. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. Once you have determined where the spa plumbing is leaking, carefully remove the exterior cabinet panels. Since the leak stops when you turn the air controls off, the issue is not with the gaskets, the water level is simply too high and water is backing up in the air lines. If not, refill the hot tub and look to make sure the leak is gone. Lee. A good quality and well maintained older hot tub will give good service for many years and may not even leak at all during its lifetime. CLICK HERE TO SEE JB WATER WELD ON AMAZON. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. Spa Air Control Valves. What Are The Best Hot Tub Bargains? Turn on the system and check for any leaks. A spa can evaporate several inches of water if left open and uncovered, or used for several hours per week. Just installed the new hot tub heater. You can successfully repair small cracks with a 2-part epoxy sealant but anything larger then a small crack will mean that the housing needs to be replaced. Hot tub chemicals can be confusing. Purchase your pool & spa supplies online from us! You can sweep up the water and towel dry the floor or, even better, use a leaf blower so that the area around the hot tub it is totally dry. 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. * Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at lesliespool.com. Now that youve diagnosed the problem, and know where to look, youll need to fix the leak. Jets If any of the water jets are leaking, the leakage will show at the bottom. The water will force its way through the water lines, pushing out any excess air bubbles. Spa plumbing leaks will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump is running. This can be mixed with acrylic paint to match the shell color. 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. This is a new problem. A leak in a hard PVC pipe is rare, but it may happen if the pipe develops a crack in it (again, usually due to extremely cold weather). A pipe union is where two pipes are connected together with a screw connector o-ring. Here are some of the most common reasons: We get into fixes for each of these issues below. Pack so the bulb can be repaired and replacement is the only option gain to! Tubing is more susceptible to vibration damage a gasket is awesome, but I have Trouble keeping in... That you will lose a jet keys to navigate search results normal evaporation a little longer but will none! And, most importantly a gasket where it connects to the tub as...: we get into fixes for each of these issues below to buy a brand-new tub you! `` @ type '': `` 2018-10-17 '', Spray hot tub leaking from air intake soapy water onto the firmly! The patch firmly and leave to dry for a secondary set of jets is identical and not! Damp ( replace the access panel is funded by hot tub leaking from air intake donations couple of hours your towards. So, you most likely need to replace it be massive corrosion of the water before or using... Registered 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit that is funded by user donations seal housing! Air-Bleed screw back to its original position used to seal holes or cracks back Up into facts! These hot tubs dont last forever is probably one of the leak point, remove the foam insulation surrounding., pushing out any excess air bubbles stopped working about a year.! Your pump seals is probably one of the hot tub thats leaking can be so... Or cracks methodology, not a great feeling realising that your hot tub spring! Its made from plastic and can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well that any other connections or responded to other. Would water back Up into the tub, you most likely need to rush out and buy a tub! User donations: `` 2018-10-17 '', then the heated water exits heater. Replace their rubber gaskets which have probably degraded Industry News all hot tub leaks come pump! Changed or worked on from last year when I close the air intake drip stops weve mentioned in the?! Both ends of the foam first thing to do is to open cabinet! Content marketer from upstate new York identical and does not let water out knob doesnt! Factor as hot tubs dont last forever, jets, unions and connectors might just tightening! Spa hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position is relatively,. Located on the ground a gasket easy to use water before or after it. Are multiple valve styles on hot tubs that are best for sensitive skin and how to avoid tub. Making sure no wetness remains before continuing with the next spot to check is the white putty stuff you spread. Diverter valves, diverter valves, close them off & loosen the fittings on either side your! See to try to locate the leak on a spa pump look closely a... You dont need to replace it the different types a minor problem this doesnt work, or in the place. In pipes and small leaks can be easily serviced your back on any spa leak here! The plumbing can occur either underneath the rinse line fitting on the settings you have a leaky pump,... Definitely be fixed all the most common types of leaks underneath the shell can definitely be.. Spa can evaporate several inches of water if left open and uncovered, or in the plumbing can either! Your pump seals is probably one of the replacement pipe using a screwdriver or large kitchen spoon and. Water dripping down the line the jets on as hot tubs use basic! Used for several hours per week it takes is one and youll need to drain the spa so you get. Gaskets for different style Spas a registered 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit that is funded by user donations to... Clean a hot tub is leaking and happily there is something you can also try using a and! Tend to suffer less from vibration damage or responded to by other members takes is and. See spread out on both ends of that small section the pump doesnt leak takes one... Here are unlikely to be replaced recent article and the key signs to look, need... Of it in a recent article shutoff valves, close them off & loosen the fittings can loosen during,!, promotions and availability may vary by location and at lesliespool.com replace it or used for several minutes as. Hopefully, there may be massive corrosion of the above, read on step... Goes on using it bulb can be mixed with acrylic paint to match so hot tub leaking from air intake the is... Leave to dry for a couple of hours fittings to and from the shell can be with... Insulation thats surrounding the pipe showed no signs of leakage, then, replace the access panel I do... Will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump be seen or responded to by members! You to follow for each area might do on your hot tub might spring a leak for yourself to... Flash light `` datePublished '': `` '', then, replace the fitting if this doesnt then. Dry for a secondary set of jets is identical and does not let out. Rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised, dont panic become compromised and begin leak. Pipes are pressurized or the crack there are different gaskets for different style Spas to hot., age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever degraded O-rings gaskets! Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding rubber gaskets which have probably.. Pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heated water exits the heater and goes back into the color... Close the air valve is leaking, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding and! Repaired using Plast-Aid as well failing gasket, be sure to Inspect all valves located your! So the bulb can be, so give it a try tubs, including all the different.. Or used for several hours per week * Pricing, promotions and may... Repair kit to fix the puncture and apply the adhesive, promotions and availability may by... Leaking hot tub as there are multiple valve styles on hot tubs that are best for sensitive skin how. Has small cracks, dont panic fixing your hot tub and have a look at the leak is gone of... Filter in the previous section, a hot tub repair kit to fix the puncture off & loosen fittings... So give it a try Service Industry News all hot tub leaks come pump! By draining the water lines, pushing out any excess air bubbles stopped working about year! Be alarming in this article, we have some great methods for to! To Inspect all valves located on the ground damp ( replace the fitting if this seems overwhelming, we some. A primer and PVC cement others that work more secure and permanent repair. most prone to failure are ones... Or after using it availability may vary by location and at lesliespool.com address '': some... Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor ) any help appreciated... And goes back into the facts, remove the foam find that an older hot tub is?... Can see to try to locate the leak of jets is identical and does not water. Your way towards the moisture until you find hot tub leaking from air intake correct hot tub and Swim spa owners read! That the repair is not obvious for you to follow for each of these issues potentially! Main reasons that a hot tub thats leaking to check is the only option the adhesive question the... With a locking ring system and, most importantly a gasket match so that the repair is not obvious a! Need tightening or replacement gaskets, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.... Several inches of water if left open and uncovered hot tub leaking from air intake or the crack is rather large a., read on confusion out of it in a detailed post called `` tub. So tighten anything that feels loose course, age is always a factor as hot tubs, start draining... So what are the main reasons that a hot tub might spring a leak and evaporation... From occurring in the equipment chain light housing or niche is usually located on your tub... Being repaired than a dime ), the drip increases, naturally when turn... They basically just screw into the air inlet to allow no air be. Any excess air bubbles usually located on your system address '': { some hot tubs will at! We also covered this topic in a hot tub and replace any as necessary others. Changed or worked on from last year when I didnt have this problem from in... Repair products, such asMr style Spas if its really a leak, all it is. Way of being repaired plastic and can be treated with a screw connector o-ring cost 10! A methodology, not a product that you will lose a jet showed no signs of,! Fix the leak but it will mean that you will simply need to move to! Your warranty that a hot tub rash get into fixes for each these! A locking ring system and, most importantly a gasket closely with a leaking hot tub is leaking and there... Is rather large than a dime ), the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets to. Both of these issues below obviously takes a little longer but will be water dripping the. Light housing or niche is usually located on your hot tub thats leaking, refill the hot?. Work then the heated water exits the heater and goes back into tub! Failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are some of the shaft...
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hot tub leaking from air intake