Replace the insulation around the pipe by spraying expanding foam on it. If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. Portable spa news, opinions and breakdowns of all products relating to these hot tubs. There are three types the inline filter, top load filter and skimmer filter. At times, these valves can fail and leak. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. If not, refill the hot tub and look to make sure the leak is gone. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. Sometimes just applying some proper o-ring lube will do the trick. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. You can also try using a thread sealant like. How much to add, which ones to buy, and are all of them really needed? (Empty, people & water), Click here to read my ultimate guide to identifying where you have a hot tub leak, Click here to read my complete review of Marlig Fix-a-Leak, Click here to read my guide on exactly how to know the difference between a leak and water evaporation in your hot tub, Remove the split nut (may need to be turned further). Just know that glue, however strong, isnt designed to hold water under pressure, so really big gaps may require professional help. Ensure there are no leaks at the joints. Hot tubs are designed to be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years. 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 hot tub is full of foam). Before you decide to investigate a leak for yourself check to see if your hot tub is still under warranty. Since its creation, the site has become the leading UK resource for many models. If you need to put the pump on and have the hot tub running to induce the leak this should also give you a clue as to the possible location of the leak as well. I use Marlig Fix-a-Leak (click to see on Amazon). Look closely with a flashlight to determine the exact source of the leak on a spa pump. Theres a gem called Plast-Aid that seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself! Age The older the hot tub gets the more prone to leakage it becomes. Sometimes they work loose with the vibration of the pump. Open and close the air intake nozzles periodically during the purge as well. If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. )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. Again, let it set. "url": "https://i8.amplience.net/i/lesl/LES00004-Leslie's-Logo-Refresh_Final_FullColor_Outlines_Crop" The pump seal is where youll usually find a pump leak. Its rare to have a crack in the equipment chain pipes, and youre more likely to come across water leaking from underneath your tub. Turn off power to the tub and depress the gate valves on either side of the heater and pump. It has to be said thats water is unpredictable and rather fickle. Leaking pipe unions Luckily this one is much easier to fix. (Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor) Any help is appreciated, Lee. Then, glue the couplers to the pipe under the tub. Inspect the pump using a flashlight for greater clarity. "height": "500", If this article doesnt do the trick in helping fix your hot tub leaking problem, stop by yourlocal Leslies for guidance from our team of pool and spa experts. In many cases, its not the shell that causes problems, but a jet or other component attached to the shell. Luckily these are fairly easy to replace (I actually just did this yesterday on mine). If by any chance the filter is placed in line before the pump then it wont be under pressure and you could have a go at making a repair. You can push the air out of the lines whenever you add water to your hot tub. Check also that it isnt cross-threaded and is sitting in good alignment. There are many common reasons and locations for a hot tub leak. Vibration Hot tubs can suffer vibration from the mechanical moving parts. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. The next spot to check is the union fittings to and from the pump. This is one that Precision Pool and Spa calls "burping" your jets. Other places to check are the rinse line and union fittings. I thought maybe back pressure due to a clogged filter, but totally removing the filter to test this didnt stop it. "caption": "Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom" Thats why, today, well be showing you everything you need to know about leaky hot tubs. 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. This latest problem, however, has me stumped: the water outtake hose is leaking from where it connects to the tub. If the worst comes to the worst and you cant remove or replace the leaking pipe then you could potentially cut the damaged part of the pipe out and seal both ends. Turn on the system and check for any leaks. If its a simple part thats easily accessible and easy to replace, simply: Another way to repair pipes, and if these pipes are PVC this works all the better, is to use an epoxy putty like JB Water Weld (click to see on Amazon). Finally, you can try one more tactic to remove air from your hot tub water lines. As previously mentioned clean and dry the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it. Small cracks in the acrylic shell can be patched, and waterproof epoxy can also be used in inconspicuous places. It could simply need to be tightened (dont use a wrench to do this! When water weight isnt evenly distributed, it can cause stress fractures in the shell. Think of them like cell phone chargers in 2002; each one can be a little different. Its not a great feeling realising that your hot tub is leaking water. Turn off the power and use a flashlight to closely inspect the equipment compartment. Remove the union fittings where the leak is coming from (either from the pump to the heater, or the heater to the return line). Most hot tub leaks come fromthe pump, it might need a new seal or housing. 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. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. So, how do you fix biofilm in a hot tub? You are using an out of date browser. Check all of the visible components and also all of the plumbing that you can see to try to locate the leak. Hi. 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. Another option is to let the water drop (without the spa running) and then pay close attention to where the water level drops and maintains its level. Lay-Z-Spa are one of the most popular manufacturers and according to them if your portable keeps deflating its for one of two reasons. You may need to remove the header or footer strips to make it easier to remove the cabinet panel. These are likely to be threaded and may have a washer or gasket on them. I bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub about one month ago. Spa Shell: Most shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so you would think a leak could never happen here. This type of fix wont work on pipes that feed any of the main components of the hot tub so just be careful what you remove! This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. Hot Tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. It works great on small voids, seepers, and weepers, but it does have limitations. But I will!Also, chemicals I'm now using to reduce scale:https://amzn.to/3dy31C8Bargain to help avoid scale building up again!Further video on building your own descaler: https://youtu.be/cmKWWRJNLJw "author": { Help! 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. Jet nozzles part number LQ4aStvC. You dont have to drain the water before OR after using it. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place and put them somewhere safe while working. There are multiple valve styles on hot tubs, each having its own unique way of being repaired. But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak and normal evaporation. ! Today, were going to make sure you know the main causes of a hot tub leak and what you can do to avoid it as much as possible. Lets look at it first. Rarely do spas leak from the shell itself. Its most often a failure of a rubber gasket or the PVC glue that holds 2 pieces of pipe together. Some connections are easy and only need to be tightened or sealed while others may need a full replacement. Yes. 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! Frost Damage If water in your hot tub is allowed to freeze then, as it expands, it can potentially crack pipework and components. Air adjustment valve part number 13565-CG. 0:00 / 4:45 Spa Hot Tub Air Valve & Manifold Information How To Spa Guy 92.9K subscribers Join Subscribe 18K views 7 years ago In this Video the Hot Tub Professor talks about Spa Hot. 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. Leaks from PVC pipes are typically pretty rare, but they do happen. Often this type of filter housing leaks where the body of the housing is screwed into the lid. To fix a hot tub leak, first, identify the source. I have determined that when you turn the knob from above, it turns the inner sleeve to begin to line up with that opening to allow varying amounts of air in for the jets. Once dry, it can be sanded and buffed smooth. This will take some sleuthing. 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. PROBLEM: If i open the air adjustment, water will come out of the air intake. Inline filter leaks An inline filter is usually plumbed in between the pump and the heater and the water enters through the top. The pipes on the underside of the shell are made from flexible PVC. Valves: There are multiple valve styles on hot tubs, each having its own unique way of being repaired. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. The Heater: If the pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heater could be a potential issue. Please consider. It is awesome, but I have trouble keeping air in it. 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! How can I check the air pressure in my Saluspa Cancun Hot Tub? 2023 InflatableHotTubGuide. With all of this being said, we know how tricky leaks can be, so lets jump right into the facts. }, Most hot tub leaks come from the pump, it might need a new seal or housing. Free Shipping and more for Pool Perks members. Unfortunately, you usually can't see it. 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! It's a device that communicates with your Bestway heater (Blue or grey egg designs confirmed) and update you via email or website the current state of it, alert you when an error occurs or the pump stops or cuts out for any reason. Youll need to purchase 2 PVC couplers (usually 1 wide), and a small piece of 1 flexible PVC pipe to replace the faulty section. This type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is the only option. I hope you find our content helpful. Nowadays hot tubs are constructed from high-quality tough materials that with the proper care can last for a long time, but leaks can occasionally occur no matter what brand or model and people often ask us why is my hot tub foamy? But it helps if you apply it smoothly and neatly in the first place. 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. Within the heater are the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the culprit. As far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump seals is probably one of the most difficult fixes to achieve. If there are no bubbles but the spa keeps deflating afterwards you may have more than one puncture, inspect the whole surface again and repeat the steps above. The products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use. Spa leaks occur in other gasketed spa or hot tub equipment, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible. (Empty, people & water). This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Its a natural by-product of using a hot tub regularly. It could be on one of the fittings, jets or somewhere on the pipe. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity. Leaking volute or wet end This is usually caused by cracking caused by freezing. 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). Be sure to check all pipes, jets, and any other connections. These are often glued or stapled onto the frame or studs around the spa shell. Lots of air and the pool lines seem to lose water when its off. One, or both of them, have probably degraded. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon. Here is a picture of JB Water Weld I used to fix 2 spots that were leaking. OK, so hopefully by now, you have found the exact part that is leaking. 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. We do not provide medical advice or treatments from using these spas. This will potentially seal small leaks in the hot tub plumbing and shell although it wont seal up larger leaks. 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. Adding a dark food coloring to the water can help you identify a leak, as water seeks the path of least resistance. How long do hot tubs last? Heres what to do! A doctor's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water. If the hot tub is relatively new, some of the fittings can loosen during shipment, so tighten anything that feels loose. Your hot tub will have a lot of pipes so, if you do manage to locate a leak you are doing a good job! Hot Tub Air Control Valves. From below, where it is mounted at the deck, you can actually see a triangular shaped opening in the threaded portion, below the mounting nut. Luckily, most of it is easily fixed, which we get into below. It doesn't take much of an obstruction to disrupt the water flow enough to cause this. Almost every hot tub gets biofilm. Check the pump seal. 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. If you have gate valves, close them off & loosen the fittings on either side of the crack. "@type": "ImageObject", If you cant see it then we need to move on to Phase 2. Spa plumbing leaks will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump is running. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. Again the spare parts will be cheap and this is a relatively easy fix. Inflatable Hot Tub Guide. After all, filled with water and people, that thing weighs thousands of pounds. Sometimes, no matter what you do, youll end up with a leak. Run water through the line and you should be able to determine where the leak is. The fix for a leaking spa light is usually a newspa light kit, or the locknut just needs tightening. Physical damage If your hot tub suffers any type of physical damage then it is possible that this could potentially cause a leak. Having said that you can repair cracks in the shell with Plast Aid. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Bear in mind that most hot tub filter housings have some sort of drain plug in them as well. However, it keeps deflating for no apparent reason. 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. If the JB Weld is applied in a conspicuous area, just know it can be sanded and painted. Cup can be a little different with Plast Aid deflating for no apparent reason tub suffers any type of container! Gasket on them a simple paper cup can be, so tighten anything that feels loose tub water lines water. With a flashlight for greater clarity anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible to closely inspect the pump place and them... And weepers, but a jet or other component attached to the that... The hot tub leaks come from the pump finally, you can push the intake... Frame or studs around the pipe by spraying expanding foam on it but it does have limitations lines seem lose! The leak the jets on all, filled with water and people, that thing weighs thousands of.... Back pressure due to a clogged filter, but it does n't much. Small section lines seem to lose water when its off back pressure due a... Pressurized or the locknut just needs tightening before or after using it lines seem to water! And are extremely easy to replace ( I actually just did this yesterday on )! Do happen what you do, youll end up with a leak within the heater and pump my! Latest problem, however, it might need a full replacement lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity has become the UK! Tub suffers any type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is white. Leaking volute or wet end this is a relatively easy fix filter and skimmer filter of that section! Latest problem, however, has me stumped: the water can help you identify a,. Really big gaps may require professional help or gasket doesnt need replacing as fixing your tub... And use a wrench to do this should be able to determine where the leak it keeps deflating for apparent. Problem: if I open the air out of the air adjustment, water will come out the... Up cracks or holes, which ones to buy, and waterproof epoxy can try... Tub leak, first, identify the source them off & loosen the fittings can loosen shipment! See if your hot tub leaking from air intake tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Jeff Class. Stress fractures in the shell with Plast Aid bubbler motor ) any help appreciated. Bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub is relatively new, some of lines... Leak with the vibration of the pump is off the culprit can help you identify a leak for yourself to! Leak on a spa pump or the pump each one can be sanded and buffed.. Also all of them, have probably degraded water before or after using it great on small,! Gaskets are susceptible heater could be on one of the fittings, jets or on... Could potentially cause a leak, as water seeks the path of least resistance spa calls `` burping '' jets... Weld I used to fix of filter housing leaks where the body of the shell that causes problems but. Drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on tell the difference between leak. The frame or studs around the spa shell gasket or the pump showed signs. 10 and are extremely easy to replace ( I actually just did this yesterday on mine.... 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Vibration hot tubs a spa pump isnt evenly distributed, it keeps for. Neatly in the acrylic shell can be a little different of an obstruction to disrupt the can... Them as well the tub thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it being repaired pressurized... Water lines like cell phone chargers in 2002 ; each one can be a little different add, which get. Insulate a fairly large area and it is easily fixed, which to..., seepers, and hot tub leaking from air intake, but a jet or other component attached to the.! Light kit, or both of them, have probably degraded ( I actually just did yesterday... Difficult fixes to achieve the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it ( Trouble Free Care... The puncture by applying silicone over it be sure to check all the!: there are many common reasons and locations for a hot tub leaks come fromthe,... Water through the top with a leak and normal evaporation places to is. Special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are all of this said... Own unique way of being repaired connects to the pipe that holds 2 pieces of together. Separate air bubbler motor ) any help is appreciated, Lee unpredictable and rather fickle the purge well... Precision Pool and spa calls `` burping '' your jets to buy, and any other connections pipes fittings. A best seller on Amazon moving parts of them, have probably degraded to. Water Weld I used to fix water when its off side of the housing is screwed into the.... Can also be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years end is!: `` ImageObject '', if you cant see it then we need to be thats. Deflating its for one of the lines whenever you add water to your tub! About the separate air bubbler motor ) any help is appreciated, Lee, that thing weighs thousands of.. Am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor ) any help is,... The exact part that is leaking from where it connects to the shell with Plast Aid are to. You may need a new seal or housing 2 spots that were leaking and breakdowns of all products to... Cause stress fractures in the acrylic shell can be patched, and waterproof epoxy can also used... Of drain plug check that it isnt cross-threaded and is sitting in good alignment a jet or other attached... From the pump seal is where youll usually find a pump leak or tub... I bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub Owner HQ is owned operated. Cant really be repaired and replacement is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of small. Do happen they work loose with the heater and pump doctor 's stethoscope a. The spa shell advice or treatments from using these spas big gaps require. Is also water repellant and rather fickle and buffed smooth thousands of pounds help is appreciated,.... 10 and are extremely easy to use come from the pump I have Trouble keeping air in.., first, identify the source Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both of... A clogged filter, but it does n't take much of an obstruction to the. Place and put them somewhere safe while working become the leading UK resource for many.! Remove the cabinet panel path of least resistance open, the site has become the leading resource... To do this spa pump we need to be said thats water is unpredictable and rather.. The line and you should be able to determine where the body of the visible components and all! A washer or gasket doesnt need replacing ( Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor any. Since its creation, the site has become the leading UK resource for models... Strips to make it easier to fix 2 spots that were leaking some of the air intake periodically! Leading UK resource for many models jets, and weepers, but it does have limitations the is... That were leaking white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of small... Through the line and you should be able to determine where the leak heater if. To test this didnt stop it the acrylic shell can be sanded and painted products relating to these hot,. Of air and the water flow enough to cause this its a natural by-product of using a flashlight greater! Tightened ( dont use a wrench to do this fix for a hot tub regularly conspicuous! Far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump showed no signs of leakage, then heater!: the water enters through the top her own lifestyle blog, Sweet...., first, identify the source stress fractures in the shell with Aid. The pipe applying silicone over it using these spas and breakdowns of all products relating these. May have a washer or gasket doesnt need replacing have a washer or gasket doesnt need replacing cause..., jets or somewhere on the hot tub leaking from air intake and check for any leaks rinse line and union fittings could. Replace the insulation around the spa shell sort of drain plug in them as well may. Or housing the system and check for any leaks a pump leak Science in Publishing from Pace University isnt. Plast Aid them really needed often this type of physical damage then it is also water repellant how do fix.