So in this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks. Well, when we filled it and the water level neared the rim, water began to pour from the air control valve and into the store room below. Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. Since its creation, the site has become the leading UK resource for many models. Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters the Same. (Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert! 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! Hot tubs come with different valves that help to block water flow. You might be able to find these controls around the rim of the hot tub, but if you can't find them, refer to your owner's manual. 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. Snap-on PVC repair cuffs or compression couplings can also be used in tight spots. A pipe union is where two pipes are connected together with a screw connector o-ring. These are often glued or stapled onto the frame or studs around the spa shell. This type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is the only option. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. 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! Not sure how to go about fixing the leak in your hot tub? Spa Shell: Most shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so you would think a leak could never happen here. How much to add, which ones to buy, and are all of them really needed? Inflatable Hot Tub Guide. You will get much more visibility by. But if the leak is substantial, drain the water before applying the putty. Leaks from PVC pipes are typically pretty rare, but they do happen. 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. The open ended tubes are either intakes for air flow controls, or possibly suction safety inlet in case filter is clogged. 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. Lets look at it first. It is most common to have leaks on the backside of spa jets, which can be caused by loose locknuts or deteriorated spa jet gaskets on the inside of the spa. According to Leslie's Pool, once you find the air-bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise. Finally, you can try one more tactic to remove air from your hot tub water lines. I solved that problem by simply not connecting the hose to the spa. Take your time with this to avoid damaging the cabinet sides as much as possible. 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. It also goes without saying that you should try to minimize physical damage to your hot tub and make sure that it is moved carefully and installed properly. Leaks can come from inside the tub itself. You are using an out of date browser. Trouble is, instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever the heater is running or the jets are on. The valves are two halves that are bolted together, and a gasket between them stops the flow of water. Please tell me the hot tub didn't spring a leak in this weather , Unaffiliated Hot Tub Home Care offers specialized hot tub leak repair services to ensure that you get to enjoy your hot tub for years to come. Frost Damage If water in your hot tub is allowed to freeze then, as it expands, it can potentially crack pipework and components. Some of the most common sources of water leaks in a hot tub include: We cover this problem in detail in another post: "Help! Great advice and info. Cut the vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive. Biofilm can be How Much Does a Hot Tub Weigh? Inspect the pump using a flashlight for greater clarity. This will cure the leak but it will mean that you will lose a jet. When is a hot tub not worth fixing? "url": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", ), the o-ring might need to be adjusted, or you may need a new one. What Are The Best Hot Tub Bargains? This is a new problem.nothing was changed or worked on from last year when I didnt have this problem at all. There are some PVC repair products, such asMr. Sticky's,that can do the trick. There's nothing more relaxing than climbing into your hot tub for a nice, long soak, but if there is air in the hot tub lines, then your jets may not work correctly. First, check if the air valve is leaking. With the control panel still exposed, look for the air-bleed screw on the face of the pump. Luckily, there are steps you can take to fix a cracked pipe if you cant replace it. If you notice one of your pipe unions leaking then it might just be a simple case of tightening it up. I examined the site closely and did . Check the O-ring and gasket. And sometimes its not obvious where the leak is coming from! But there are a lot more moving parts than you may initially think. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. Is this a portable spa? 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. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. The most likely causes will be a rubber gasket at the heater connections, a cracked pipe, or a loose jet. Run the water and check to ensure the leak is gone. I will do that in the "off-season". Small cracks in the acrylic shell can be patched, and waterproof epoxy can also be used in inconspicuous places. "dateModified": "2022-05-17", Waterproof epoxy can work for small cracks but it may not last as long as replacing it. Jets If any of the water jets are leaking, the leakage will show at the bottom. 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. Hot tub chemicals can be confusing. This is one that Precision Pool and Spa calls "burping" your jets. For leaks smaller than 1/8 of an inch, use a liquid fix-a-leak product. Theres a gem called Plast-Aid that seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself! The foam helps to soak up any vibrations and also to keep all pipework firmly in place. Leaking volute or wet end This is usually caused by cracking caused by freezing. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. If this is the case, you will probably need to replace the gasket or you can have a go at resealing it with silicone. Jet nozzles part number LQ4aStvC. Here is a picture of JB Water Weld I used to fix 2 spots that were leaking. Next, run the hot tub by switching on the controls. This will potentially seal small leaks in the hot tub plumbing and shell although it wont seal up larger leaks. Again, let it set. Wait! Remove the union fittings where the leak is coming from (either from the pump to the heater, or the heater to the return line). Lots of air and the pool lines seem to lose water when its off. 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. That should do the trick. Thank you for your business! Luckily, if this seems overwhelming, we have some great methods for you to follow for each area. The bubbler started leaking last year due to a cheapo ball valve. Just give it 24-48 hours to see if it fixed the leak. But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak and normal evaporation. This last screw knob is where the problem is. Its rare to have a crack in the equipment chain pipes, and youre more likely to come across water leaking from underneath your tub. These are likely to be threaded and may have a washer or gasket on them. "author": { If the spa shell does have a leak, Plast-Aid can be used to seal holes or cracks. Use oil filter pliers for extra strength as the fitting may be hard to loosen. Hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not just the shell itself. Then, replace the access panel. If there is, unscrew them and replace their rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised. Having said that you can repair cracks in the shell with Plast Aid. As previously mentioned clean and dry the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it. Feel free to skip around at your leisure, but its definitely best to pay attention to each and every section. 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. link to How Much Does a Hot Tub Weigh? As far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump seals is probably one of the most difficult fixes to achieve. The best way to fix a small crack in the acrylic shell is to do the following: CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACRYLIC REPAIR KIT ON AMAZON. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. This depends on the quality of the hot tub. 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. "url": "https://lesliespool.com/blog/" A heating element will fail over time. Then apply an acrylic patch. "url": "https://lesliespool.com/", In summary, the usual spa filter leak fix requires a new gasket or o-ring, or possibly a new filter housing if the body is cracked. Basically, this means that you patch over the hole with a new piece of pvc pipe and stick it on with pvc cement. You must log in or register to reply here. "@type": "Organization", Turn off the filter system and the pump for the hot tub. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. But they are not always successful. The main culprits are: The pump; The heater; The lights; The valves; The hot tub shell; The plumbing; How To Find A Leak In A Hot Tub. When I close the air inlet to allow no air to be drawn in with the jets, the drip stops. Access the equipment compartment by removing the side panels and look for any signs of leaks or dampness. 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. There is no leak when I keep the knob turned off. If you purchase a good quality hot tub rather than a cheaper model you will also be rewarded with much longer and more reliable service. If you have a failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are different gaskets for different style spas. Measure out the section so it fits perfectly. 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. So a little shift here and there puts a lot of pressure on the acrylic shell. If your filter housing is leaking there are three probable problems. 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. Once inside the hot tubcabinet you will probably be presented with a wall of foam and insulation. Before you decide to investigate a leak for yourself check to see if your hot tub is still under warranty. If in any doubt then call in your hot tub supplier. Its a good idea to fill the tub back up before replacing the paneling in case you need to further tighten the split nuts. Prop the tub on its side and connect a hose to the water line. Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. However, it keeps deflating for no apparent reason. It is awesome, but I have trouble keeping air in it. Air Control Valves. Just installed the new hot tub heater. Keep digging towards the moisture until you expose the pipes, fittings or spa jet that is leaking. Uk resource for many models order the right parts as there are a more! Puncture by applying silicone over it the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it be and! Wall of foam and insulation spa shell Does a hot tub by switching on the quality of the tubcabinet. 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