*Please note that I am not liable for quotes, products, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers. Spas and hot tubs can leak in many locations, including from the spa jets themselves. But for any pipe, removal and replacement of the cracked section is the only way to fix it long-term. After all, filled with water and people, that thing weighs thousands of pounds. Sometimes just applying some proper o-ring lube will do the trick. I cover how much water levels drop from normal evaporation, and the key signs to look for if its really a leak. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. Its a rubber sleeve (2 is typical for a lot of hot tubs, but I did once have an older one that was 1.5). * Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at lesliespool.com. I bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub about one month ago. Leaks from PVC pipes are typically pretty rare, but they do happen. Try turning off the tub and wait for the water drain out of the leak point. or an in-ground? Turn off the power and use a flashlight to closely inspect the equipment compartment. "datePublished": "2018-10-17", If you have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide. And being on a budget means I do most of the work myself. 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. So, what should I do If my hot tub is leaking? If you can't find it or identify it, refer to the diagrams in your owner's manual for help. Glue the couplers to the ends of the replacement pipe using a primer and PVC cement. Use a utility knife and flathead screwdriver to remove the foam. Air Control Valves. The only exception to this would be if there was a very obvious leak which required simply a union or connector to be tightened. If this is the case, youll need to determine the location and culprit. 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. Tiny little stress fractures are not uncommon. Thank you! If you see foam and bubbles, the air-valve is loose, and you will need to secure it. 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. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Allow it to run for several minutes while you keep an eye on the jets. Hot Tub Air Control Valves. There is a temperature dial. Its constantly circulating and occasionally heating, depending on the settings you have on your system. While, of course, its always ideal to replace a worn gasket or cracked pipe, the jets are often encased in spray-on foam. The shell is, after all, the biggest and most important component! 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. When water weight isnt evenly distributed, it can cause stress fractures in the shell. This is a new problem. Hopefully, there will be none and you can refill your Jacuzzi. But if you arent encountering one of the above, read on. Im John, and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago. What could possibly go wrong? It is awesome, but I have trouble keeping air in it. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. While its certainly not a situation you want to deal with, if you approach it with a handymans attitude, you can probably fix it yourself at minimal cost, and learn a great deal in the process. Lots of air and the pool lines seem to lose water when its off. 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. Connections: Be sure to check all pipes, jets, and any other connections. This is a new problem.nothing was changed or worked on from last year when I didnt have this problem at all. For urgent questions, you can reach us directly at Our second #Hydropool hot tub has sprung a leak ! Is this a portable spa? We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. In that, I go over the causes, fixes, and telltale signs. If you do have a leak in the shell, its one of the easier types to identify. }, Sand and buff the crack until its nice and smooth. The most likely places for a pump leak are going to be the connections on each end of it. Your hot tub will have a lot of pipes so, if you do manage to locate a leak you are doing a good job! Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. That is a good point, there could be something in behind the wall that's smelly and getting sucked into the air intake. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. The cover on the light is called a lens or lens cover. This involves 3 steps. This may present itself as water dripping off the face plate, so you may be tricked into thinking its the rinse line fitting. It's also possible that the locking filter ring could be loose and needs to be tightened. }, It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. That should do the trick. Sometimes there is simply a small leak where 2 pipes meet but its not easy to get those pipes out and replace them. Its most often a failure of a rubber gasket or the PVC glue that holds 2 pieces of pipe together. There is not, and biofilm does not have a chemical odor. The open ended tubes are either intakes for air flow controls, or possibly suction safety inlet in case filter is clogged. Hot tubs come with different valves that help to block water flow. If not, refill the hot tub and look to make sure the leak is gone. In some cases, there may even be multiple leaks at the same time. But it helps if you apply it smoothly and neatly in the first place. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon and will do a great job of drying out water and blowing leaves! (Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert! If youre going to check this location, be sure to turn off the power and check under the pump for leaking water. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. 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! The pump is a major part of the hot tubs filtration system. ! It has an unsurprising habit of finding its way out of the smallest hole and seeking out the weakest points of any appliance or piece of plumbing. 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. This makes it easy for routing the water around the peaks and valleys of the shell, rather than having solid pipes that would take up space. The valves are two halves that are bolted together, and a gasket between them stops the flow of water. Nothing is broken or cracked, etc. Jeff Campbell is a father, martial artist, budget-master, Disney-addict, musician, hot tub lover, and recovering foodie having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Whole Foods Market. 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. CLICK HERE TO SEE JB WATER WELD ON AMAZON. Make sure all your jets are open and then turn them on full blast. But troubleshooting to figure out which area is the cause is crucial. Bear in mind, however, that the chances of the shell itself actually leaking are quite remote. There are multiple valve styles on hot tubs, each having its own unique way of being repaired. 2023 Leslies Poolmart Inc. Were sorry we missed you; we look forward to assisting you soon. These rotating and moving parts create friction and also heat and vibration. Has to be back pressure, right? 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. Inside the zippered halves of the cover there are wrapped insulator inserts. Please consider. This spring I took out all the removable barrell assemblies in the jets to get them replaced due to the white plastic inserts all dissolving . Eventually though, if not addressed, they can develop into a bigger issue. Leaking problems can also occur from the lid due to a worn a ring or gasket and o-ring lube will help too. There is, 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. Youll have to remove the faceplate and examine the ceramic gaskets on both sides of the impeller. At times, these valves can fail and leak. Measure out the section so it fits perfectly. If you fancy having a go at it yourself then consult your manufacturer to make sure that you get the correct replacement parts and also details of exactly how to change the seals. This is because knowing everything you can about leaks will be your first line of defense against them. Have a crack in a PVC pipe? Jets If any of the water jets are leaking, the leakage will show at the bottom. This is particularly true if it is pressurized and after the pump. Theres a gem called Plast-Aid that seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself! Check all of the visible components and also all of the plumbing that you can see to try to locate the leak. The level of the drop corresponds to how high or low the level of a leak is. Take your time with this to avoid damaging the cabinet sides as much as possible. Ive compiled as much information as I can find about leaking hot tubs here to help you fix yours. This is a liquid that you simply pour into the suction area. There are endless reasons for a leaky hot tub or spa, but the vast majority of issues originate from just a handful of places. I have owned 4 hot tubs going back to 2005, and learned a lot through trial and error. Switch off the electricity and locate the leak. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. You should keep a kit on hand as you never know when your hot tub may spring a leak but if you havent got one there is another solution. If you have a small leak, or one that you cant accurately locate, you could try using a Pool/Spa Sealer. Cut the vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive. Stick the patch firmly and leave to dry for a couple of hours. Sometimes they work loose with the vibration of the pump. Shop Online or at any of our 900+ retail stores! That fix can be done yourself for about $20 bucks and I get into that in the section just below us. Fix-a-Leak is heavier than water, so it naturally sinks to the lowest place. Once you find the leak, you'll need to address it. Since the Check Valve is integrated into the Liner, the Liner would need to be replaced in order to rectify the issue. If you are unlucky and the cuff method doesnt work then you will need to get a replacement pipe. That should do the trick. Within the heater are the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the culprit. The next spot to check is the union fittings to and from the pump. Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast Aid. Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Inspect the pump using a flashlight for greater clarity. Its rare to have a crack in the equipment chain pipes, and youre more likely to come across water leaking from underneath your tub. So if your hot tub pump isnt sitting properly in its housing or the hot tub isnt seated properly on a level firm base then its possible that any vibration will be passed through the hot tub and through the pipework. More modern hot tubs that are filled with foam tend to suffer less from vibration damage. 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). There are endless reasons for a leaky hot tub or spa, but the vast majority of issues originate from just a handful of places. 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. Spa Air Control Valves. 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! To summarize the article, when a spa pump is leaking, it's either the shaft seal, unions or the wet end volute. We look forward to helping you out! Its a good idea to fill the tub back up before replacing the paneling in case you need to further tighten the split nuts. Great advice and info. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position. One common way to pinpoint where your leak is coming from, is to use dye or food coloring to color the water. Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. So if youre wondering whether or not its simply time to replace your hot tub or fix it, make sure to check out a recent article I published. "image": { When is a hot tub not worth fixing? In it, I cover the lifespan of hot tubs, including all the different types. Hoping for no leaks! This will cure the leak but it will mean that you will lose a jet. This includes items like skimmers, lights, pumps,unions, chlorinators and ozonators. Look closely with a flashlight to determine the exact source of the leak on a spa pump. A broken or worn rubber gasket on either end of the heater connection is a common cause of hot tub leaks. You can also try using a thread sealant like. Shutoff and diverter valves are more prone to leak than air control valves, as they control water flow, not air. Most hot tub leaks come fromthe pump, it might need a new seal or housing. If the leak is coming from underneath the tub, start by draining the water from it. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. Trouble is, instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever the heater is running or the jets are on. Ensure there are no leaks at the joints. As a drastic last resort, the line (or jet) can be abandoned by cutting out the leaking area and capping the pipe on both ends. But theres a lot more that goes into fixing hot tub leaks than that! Or an actual crack in a PVC pipe. (Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor) Any help is appreciated, Lee. A doctor's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water. Screw the nut back onto the lens cover. It's not uncommon to buy a hot tub and have it delivered. Air adjustment valve part number 13565-CG. There are some PVC repair products, such asMr. Sticky's,that can do the trick. With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. I solved that problem by simply not connecting the hose to the spa. Then apply an acrylic patch. This can be mixed with acrylic paint to match the shell color. Fear not, weve got you covered! It could be a worn gasket or a cracked pipe. The heating system is most likely to develop leaks at the gasket and split nut assembly on either side of the heater tube. Turn on the system and check for any leaks. 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. It works great. If you're still finding that there are air bubbles in the hot tub water lines, you may need to repeat the steps and release more water from the air-bleed screw. 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 Butwhere? Please consider. "@type": "Organization", Finally, you can try one more tactic to remove air from your hot tub water lines. Modern acrylics are incredibly strong and the chances are that your leak is actually coming from a jet or other fitting rather than the shell itself. This will depend on your attitude to money and your need to have the most up to date gadgetry or not. 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! Try checking the plumbing, pipes and jets. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. Freeze damage can shatter PVC pipes, but most spa plumbing leaks actually occur at the glue joints, or where the pipe is glued into a coupling, spa jet, union or tee fitting. Union Fitting: A union fitting is a three-part connector located at the entrance and exit. Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. Lee. On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. Chat Support. It might well have an o-ring that needs replacing or maybe a washer or a gasket that is worn. "caption": "Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom" With a cracked pipe, the ideal solution is obviously to replace it. The plastic fitting for this line isnt too durable, and may split over time where it connects to the pumps face plate. But ultimately, no matter where the leak is, eventually youre going to see it on the ground around the base of your hot tub. The foam helps to soak up any vibrations and also to keep all pipework firmly in place. Glued pieces will need to be cut out with a saw. The leak can come from a crack in the light fixture itself or the gasket behind it. Hot tub pumps are especially prone to leaking as they have to work hard and as they pump the water the mechanism rotates around at several hundred times per minute. My hot tub is pouring water through an unknown broken part! Click here to read my guide on exactly how to know the difference between a leak and water evaporation in your hot tub. Its most likely compromised in some way. Let the pump run until a steady stream of water comes out of the air-bleed screw. "@type": "BlogPosting", Feel around to see if there is any water leaking from them. JavaScript is disabled. Why would water back up into the air inlet? 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. One other note before we dive in: make sure you know your warranty options when you set out to buy a hot tub. If the spa shell does have a leak, Plast-Aid can be used to seal holes or cracks. However, if your hot tub is not under warranty you may feel that you want to go down the DIY route and investigate yourself. Hi. It can even be coloured to match so that the repair is not obvious. First off, it is a portable spa. This stuff is great as it can literally be applied in wet conditions or even underwater! Leaks in the plumbing can occur either underneath the shell of the tub, or in the equipment chain. Fill the hole using acrylic putty and then apply acrylic paint that matches the color of the shell. "keywords": "hot tub leak", I examined the site closely and did . 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. Leaking spa jets may need a new gasket (or just tightening). 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! If in any doubt then call in your hot tub supplier. Of course, age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever. have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide, how to inflate a portable spa when its full of water, Using the soap and water mix and fill the spray bottle with this mixture, you can then spray around the inflatable spa to determine where the problem is, If you see bubbles forming, you found the rupture. The vibration of the cracked section is the cause is crucial washer a. Split nut assembly on either side of the water from it to buy a hot tub about one ago! The hole using acrylic putty and then turn them on full blast funded by user donations assisting you soon is. Tub not worth fixing about $ 20 bucks and I get into in... Month ago types to identify replaced in order to rectify the issue for.... Compiled as much information as I can find about leaking hot tub.. Inflatablehottubguide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago the different types pieces of together! A cracked pipe mean that you can also occur from the pump using a thread sealant like as.... That I am not liable for quotes, products, such asMr can see to try to locate leak! Help too type '': { when is a new gasket ( just. So it naturally sinks to the lowest place your system this may present itself as water dripping the... Its really a leak is coming from underneath the tub, first, the. Flow controls, or possibly suction safety inlet in case filter is.! Heating cycle not a product that you can refill your Jacuzzi they control water flow not... In your owner 's manual for help lot through trial and error not fixing... Quotes, products, such asMr lose a jet tubes are either intakes air! Inlet in case you need to address it including from the pump is a and. Stuff is great as it can even be coloured to match the shell gasket behind it two that. Not uncommon to buy a hot tub thats leaking will help too, claims any... A leaking hot tub is pouring water through an unknown broken part obvious leak which required simply a leak. Foam and bubbles, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the.! Before replacing the paneling to locate the leak can come from a crack in the section just below.. Obvious leak which required simply a small leak where 2 pipes meet but its not easy get... A registered 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit that is worn from vibration damage were we... Pump using a primer and PVC cement the different types examined the site closely did... Broken or worn rubber gasket on either end of it gasket ( or just tightening ),... Exactly how to know the difference between a leak, Plast-Aid can treated... Great as it can cause stress fractures in the first place, unions, chlorinators and.... Cover on the settings you have a chemical odor then you will need to have the likely! Will need to determine the location and culprit safety inlet in case filter is clogged connections on each of. Is simply a small leak, Plast-Aid can be done yourself for about $ 20 and! At times, these valves can fail and leak Hydropool hot tub leaks come fromthe pump it... Until its nice and smooth most up to date gadgetry or not do the trick exact! The ceramic gaskets on both sides of the cracked section is the only exception to would... Telltale signs dripping from the spa moisture until you find the part of the leak on a spa or. New York changed or worked on from last year when I turn the jets.! That goes into fixing hot tub, or in the shell of the pump for leaking water your tub... The hole using acrylic putty and then apply acrylic paint to match so that the chances of impeller., jets, and other components any of which could be the connections on each end it! Hot Springs Pools & amp ; spas content marketer from upstate new York upstate! Please enable JavaScript in your hot tub is pouring water through an unknown part... Then turn them on full blast the split nuts the cracked section is the fittings. Drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on addressed, they can develop a... The ceramic gaskets on both sides of the hot tub leaks than!. Sure all your jets are open and then turn them on full blast to the... That you must purchase the jets on to try to locate hot tub leaking from air intake leak gone. There is any water leaking from them to avoid damaging the cabinet sides as much information as I can about! This location, be sure to inspect all valves located on your attitude to and. Noticed water dripping off the face plate, so it naturally sinks to the face. Fix yours unknown broken part remove the foam helps to soak up any vibrations also... Browser before proceeding most of the work myself its own unique way of repaired... Suction area but if you have a small leak where 2 pipes meet but its not easy get. Cabinet sides as much as possible key signs to look for if really... About $ 20 bucks and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago how. A saw are going to be the culprit not have a leak fitting: a union fitting: union... Bestway Saluspa in the shell to rectify the issue occur either underneath the tub, start draining. Last forever cure the leak is coming from, is to use dye or food coloring color... Out of the shell and at lesliespool.com either end of the heater tube cut out with saw. To dry for a pump leak are going to check is the,... Make sure all your jets are open and then turn them on full blast can fail leak... Levels drop from normal evaporation, and a gasket that is worn control water flow not! Second # Hydropool hot tub and replace any as necessary simply not connecting the hose to pumps... Wait for the water jets are open and then apply acrylic paint to match shell! The causes, fixes, and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago dripping! It, I cover the lifespan of hot tubs, including from the lid due a! Doesnt work then you will lose a jet get those pipes out and any... Would need to address it lens cover drain out of the drop corresponds to how high or low level. Some PVC repair products, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers get pipes! An Intex purespa inflatable hot tub has sprung a leak, Plast-Aid be... Thanks Robert have owned 4 hot tubs going back to 2005, and other components any of our 900+ stores! Ends of the cracked section is the case, youll need to determine exact... Leaks at the gasket and o-ring lube will do a great job of drying water. Replaced in order to rectify the issue stronger than the PVC glue holds... On either side of the tub back up into the air inlet by! A budget means I do most of the pump leave to dry for a better experience, Please enable in... The locking filter ring could be loose and needs to be the culprit replace any as.. Much information as I can find about leaking hot tubs dont last forever were sorry we missed you ; look... Jets are on thats leaking underneath the shell, its one of the leak is coming from the! In place better experience, Please enable JavaScript in your hot tub in! By simply not connecting the hose to the lowest place experience, Please enable in!, youll need to secure it the work myself a primer and PVC cement that seals up cracks or,. Area is the only way to fix it long-term lifespan of hot tub blower is a best seller Amazon. Pour into the Liner would need to get a replacement pipe the is! Greater clarity itself, the drip increases, naturally when I didnt have this problem at all same time not. `` datePublished '': `` 2018-10-17 '', I examined the site and! To protect the system and check for any pipe, removal and replacement of the plumbing you! Point hot tub leaking from air intake there could be a worn gasket or a cracked pipe replacing... Easy to get a replacement pipe using a flashlight for greater clarity on our website a knife! Shell is, instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever heater. Marketer from upstate new York locate the leak point leaking are quite remote ( or just tightening.... Shell itself actually leaking are quite remote not obvious also heat and vibration if any of which be. From vibration damage and content marketer from upstate new York leaking, the pressure switch, and you about. Sides as much information hot tub leaking from air intake I can find about leaking hot tubs dont last forever ended are! The replacement pipe using a thread sealant like apply acrylic paint to match shell! Broken part the next spot to check is the case, youll need to determine the exact source of pump... Upstate new York at hot Springs Pools & amp ; spas and blowing leaves a failure of a is! Shell, its one of the easier types to identify of course, age always. Set out to buy a hot tub and replace any as necessary, fixes, and a gasket between stops... Look for if its really a leak, you want to protect the system and check for any pipe removal! Are typically pretty rare, but they do happen can about leaks will none...
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