Check if your finger is wet or damp (replace the fitting if this is the case). Method 2. It slides over each end where the 2 pipes meet and then you have a stainless steel clamp that sits at each end that you tighten down with a screwdriver. These are often glued or stapled onto the frame or studs around the spa shell. Spa Air Control Valves. Here are some of the most common reasons: We get into fixes for each of these issues below. But they are not always successful. It is awesome, but I have trouble keeping air in it. "@context": "https://schema.org/", Here are some of the probable causes of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub. That allows it to open enough to release the air in the water lines. Unzip and make sure there is no mold growing visibly. Once the leak is fixed you can use spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides. Once inside the hot tubcabinet you will probably be presented with a wall of foam and insulation. There is no leak when I keep the knob turned off. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. Its rarely an issue with the spa shell. You dont have to drain the water before OR after using it. Remove the union fittings where the leak is coming from (either from the pump to the heater, or the heater to the return line). The open ended tubes are either intakes for air flow controls, or possibly suction safety inlet in case filter is clogged. Sand and buff the crack until its nice and smooth. "publisher": { The light housing or niche is usually located on the same side as the spa pack so the bulb can be easily serviced. If its not possible to access the leaks location, use leak fix products for small leaks, or waterproof epoxy putty for larger leaks. You can also try using a thread sealant like. Wherever you see dark water appearing first should indicate the leak location. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. *Please note that I am not liable for quotes, products, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers. To find out where the excess water is coming from, youll have to do some inspecting to find the source of the leak. Turn on the system and check for any leaks. So normal wear and tear is the culprit. Leaks from the shell can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well. Hot tubs are the ultimate in personal relaxation, but having to deal with a leak might make you question your decision to get one in the first place. Hot Tub Inspection and Repair with Hot Springs. In fact it got pretty low before I realized I had a problem, and it even leaked with the water level too low. Replacing this seal can be a bit tricky, as you need to dismantle the pump and replace two ceramic seals on the impellers using special tools. How can I check the air pressure in my Saluspa Cancun Hot Tub? While hot tubs may be more durable than ever, that doesnt mean that theyre perfect. 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. To find a leak in a hot tub, remove the side panels, and note where the water is pooling on the ground. I solved that problem by simply not connecting the hose to the spa. The Leak Seal solution seeks out leaks, and clots together to form a permanent leak repair. Need to, Your zip code will help us to provide you with the most up-to-date delivery information. The pump is a major part of the hot tubs filtration system. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. Heres are the steps I follow having owned and fixed leaks many times: With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. 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. ! Once dry, it can be sanded and buffed smooth. Thats not to say that an older hot tub is always going to leak though. So, you have purchased, following the manufacturers instructions for inflating it and are looking forward to enjoying your first soak. The best way to fix a small crack in the acrylic shell is to do the following: For larger cracks or a chunk missing, you can use the above process in larger amounts. Most hot tub leaks come fromthe pump, it might need a new seal or housing. The heater has a lot of parts to it and any of them could be causing a leak in your system. If you have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide. Its possible that a lower quality hot tub will be made with cheaper joints and pipework and that these eventually will perish and will leak more frequently. Im John, and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago. (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). Fix-a-Leak is heavier than water, so it naturally sinks to the lowest place. Valves arent particularly expensive but the hot tub will probably need to be drained to make the repair and many hot tub owners eventually just do away with the valves altogether if they keep causing problems. If this doesnt work, or the crack is rather large than a replacement housing will be needed. Hoping for no leaks! Not a drip, but about as fast is it was coming out the hose. Some of the most common sources of water leaks in a hot tub include: We cover this problem in detail in another post: "Help! At that point, its best to fully replace the pump. Why would water back up into the air inlet? 5. Since this is behind the paneling, how pretty it looked didnt matter. Theres a gem called Plast-Aid that seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself! We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. If you have 1 that failed (like I did), its a good idea to go ahead and replace both as chances are they are the same age and the other one is close to failure also. Then add water to the spa for a few minutes and watch closely where the water begins to run out. Then, glue the couplers to the pipe under the tub. This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. 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. (Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert! Hello , This is an inactive thread. As above, if the actual body of the filter is cracked you can have a go at sealing it with epoxy sealant or silicone. Spa leaks occur in other gasketed spa or hot tub equipment, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible. I bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub about one month ago. After the spa leak repair is complete and your spa is leaking no more, you can pick up a few cans of spray foam and replace most of what was taken out. Some connections are easy and only need to be tightened or sealed while others may need a full replacement. For more advice on hot tubs, check out more of our maintenance articles where we give you the rundown on how to correctly manage a hot tub. Now that you know all of the options, youll definitely be prepared to handle any leaks your hot tub may throw at you. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. Youll need to purchase 2 PVC couplers (usually 1 wide), and a small piece of 1 flexible PVC pipe to replace the faulty section. It may seem simple, water in and water out. Replace the wall cabinet panel in the same fashion as before, using screws, a staple gun or a wood adhesive like Liquid Nails. Luckily, there are steps you can take to fix a cracked pipe if you cant replace it. 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. "contentUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. Again the spare parts will be cheap and this is a relatively easy fix. Ensure there are no leaks at the joints. Turn off the filter system and the pump for the hot tub. If your shell becomes has small cracks, dont panic. Check the mounting points and make sure that they are secure and any rubber or suspension mounting materials are in good condition. This involves 3 steps. A doctor's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water. "url": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", 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! Replace leaking shut off valves (aka gate or slice valves) by cutting them out, and gluing in new ones. Keep doing this, increasing your intervals each time until you see air bubbles. If this is the case, youll need to determine the location and culprit. This is because not only are they in contact with water 100% of the time, but its hot water too. 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. http://www.hottubworks.com/blog/hot-tub-parts-spa-jet-repair-replacement/. The valves have 4 bolts youll need to remove with a wrench in order to take the two halves apart. 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. Spa purchases can be tricky, and you want to be covered should you run into a detrimental leak. Turn off the power and use a flashlight to closely inspect the equipment compartment. I cover how much water levels drop from normal evaporation, and the key signs to look for if its really a leak. This is an important step, as replacing the foam insulation helps the spa retain heat and block cold winter temperatures, too. Ensure the leak is fixed. Hot tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, and air control valves. 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. Free Shipping and more for Pool Perks members. Waterway and CMP Hot Tub and Spa Air Control Valves. Spa 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. I take the confusion out of it in a recent article. 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. In this case, you'll need to refill the spa, and run the pump while looking for the leak source. Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. Worn rubber gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to be replaced. These valves cut off the flow of water through the pump and heater so you can work on them. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Often this type of filter housing leaks where the body of the housing is screwed into the lid. Most shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so you would think a leak could never happen here. That makes them really hard to get to. I hope you find our content helpful. This may present itself as water dripping off the face plate, so you may be tricked into thinking its the rinse line fitting. This obviously takes a little longer but will be a much more secure and permanent repair. Its constantly circulating and occasionally heating, depending on the settings you have on your system. 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. This can be mixed with acrylic paint to match the shell color. You may need to remove the header or footer strips to make it easier to remove the cabinet panel. Hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not just the shell itself. "dateModified": "2022-05-17", 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. We look forward to helping you out! Thanks for any insights you may provide. First, check if the air valve is leaking. "keywords": "hot tub leak", This site is owned and operated by Hot Tub Focus. Butwhere? That will be directly under the 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. If not installed properly, the leak will come back. I use Marlig Fix-a-Leak (click to see on Amazon). If youre going to check this location, be sure to turn off the power and check under the pump for leaking water. If not, refill the hot tub and look to make sure the leak is gone. 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. Old pipes are much more prone to cracking and old gaskets become brittle and less effective with age. 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. But many hot tub leaks can be simple to find and cheap to correct. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon. Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. That fix can be done yourself for about $20 bucks and I get into that in the section just below us. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Inside the zippered halves of the cover there are wrapped insulator inserts. 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 water going through the equipment is often upwards of 104 F. Thats also a lot of heat being applied to everything, often 24/7. "width": "1060", "image": { What Are The Best Hot Tub Bargains? Middle Class Dad also participates in affiliate programs with Siteground, Clickbank, BuyerZone, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. It won't fix large cracks or stop major spa leaks. What could possibly go wrong? Check all of the visible components and also all of the plumbing that you can see to try to locate the leak. One other note before we dive in: make sure you know your warranty options when you set out to buy a hot tub. Basically, you dose the water with the solution, run the hot tub until the leak stops, drain it to let the sealer harden and then refill and carry on as normal leak-free. For leaks smaller than 1/8 of an inch, use a liquid fix-a-leak product. One common way to pinpoint where your leak is coming from, is to use dye or food coloring to color the water. Or a jet has broken, and you no longer have the focused stream of water that draws the air in. Enjoyer of hot tub soaking, fine cheese, music and photography. 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. Hi. The pipes on the underside of the shell are made from flexible PVC. "caption": "Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom" 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. There are typically three causes of leaking pumps: the shaft seal, unions, or the volute: With all that said, its also possible your pump needs to be altogether replaced. 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. Because of that, there isnt one answer to this question. There are three types the inline filter, top load filter and skimmer filter. You are using an out of date browser. 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. "url": "https://lesliespool.com/blog/" { If this doesnt work then the valve itself may need to be replaced. Shut the power off and let it set for 30 minutes or so as well so the water rises to the top of the air tube. One side of the impeller plate may require a special tool as well as silicone to fit securely. 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.??? Switch off the electricity and locate the leak. Once you find the leak, you'll need to address it. A cracked pipe in a hot tub should be replaced. Hot Tub Air Control Valves. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position. The shell is the tub itself, and leaks/cracks in it are rare. Then apply an acrylic patch. Inspect the gasket. If you notice one of your pipe unions leaking then it might just be a simple case of tightening it up. Try turning off the tub and wait for the water drain out of the leak point. It can also be a good idea to stand it on special-purpose rubber matting as this will soak up vibrations and also reduce the amount of noise that your hot tub makes. Replace the insulation around the pipe by spraying expanding foam on it. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. }, ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. 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. Of course, age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever. Most DIYers will have someSiliconein their tool kits and this works as a temporary solution for those who dont have a puncture kit to hand to fix the spa deflation. Theres a gem called Plast-Aid that seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself! 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. You will get much more visibility by. Its not a great feeling realising that your hot tub is leaking water. The heating element, thermostat, pressure switch, and sensors should all be checked to eliminate them one by one. Is this a portable spa? 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. This is due to degraded O-rings, gaskets, and will need to be replaced. It could be on one of the fittings, jets or somewhere on the pipe. If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. In some cases, you'll find screws under the trim on the top and bottom of the cabinet panels. Getting it level (or at least within half an inch), will alleviate this problem, as more stress fractures can occur the longer it remains unbalanced. Valves: There are multiple valve styles on hot tubs, each having its own unique way of being repaired. As far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump seals is probably one of the most difficult fixes to achieve. 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. Shop Online or at any of our 900+ retail stores! Sweep or use a leaf blower to dry off any standing water around the tub. In it, I cover the lifespan of hot tubs, including all the different types. Hopefully, you will now be able to locate a wet patch on the floor by the side of the hot tub which will give you an idea of the location of the leak. "height": "500", I thought maybe back pressure due to a clogged filter, but totally removing the filter to test this didnt stop it. But that mostly causes it to not heat or to not heat to the proper temperature. Air Control Valves. Make the job easier by using oil filter pliers to get a better grip on the nut. This is very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix. With all of this being said, we know how tricky leaks can be, so lets jump right into the facts. On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. Is it Safe to Use a Hot Tub in a Thunder Storm? 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. 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. Hottubfocus.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Replace with a new piece. The first thing to do is to open the cabinet and have a look at the pump. I have used it on 2 of my 4 hot tubs and always keep a bottle on hand. It's also possible that the locking filter ring could be loose and needs to be tightened. 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). If you add to this the fact that water from your hot tub is often under pressure and is also been transported around and a large array of pipework inside your hot tub then it isnt really surprising that occasionally leaks do occur. For urgent questions, you can reach us directly at What Can Cause A Hot Tub Leak? Check the O-ring and gasket. But the level doesnt drop. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. "contentUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", Tiny little stress fractures are not uncommon. With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. Think of them like cell phone chargers in 2002; each one can be a little different. It can fill cracks up 1/8 in diameter, so its perfect for tiny cracks that would be challenging to replace. The products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use. PROBLEM: If i open the air adjustment, water will come out of the air intake. 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 will take some sleuthing. The disadvantage with doing this is that if your hot tub does spring a leak you will need to dig out all of the foam in order to find it and fix it. Unfortunately, you usually can't see it. Again make sure that did the filter lid isnt cross-threaded and is sitting properly on the filter housing. Click here to read my guide on exactly how to know the difference between a leak and water evaporation in your hot tub. According to Leslie's Pool, once you find the air-bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise. I might add that it isnt actually coming out above the deck, but rather it is coming from the opening in the twist fitting that is where the air is introduced when turned to that position. Yes. When you do, allow the hot tub to run for several minutes. 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. In addition, turn off or close the air bubble control, which usually controls the number of bubbles in the jets. So, what should I do If my hot tub is leaking? Cut out the portion of pipe where the leak is using pipe cutters. 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. For the fitting, the rubber gaskets degrade with wear and tear, so the leak could be coming from there. Try checking the plumbing, pipes and jets. Another knob for a secondary set of jets is identical and does not let water out. If unsure, please refer to the manufacturer. My Spa Pump is Leaking!" Todays inflatable style hot tubs are made from quality materials which boast state-of-the-art technology. Refill the hot tub and wait for the water level to lower. Then, replace the access panel. This stuff is pretty amazing and Ive used it many times for small leaks that would otherwise be hard to repair. Category: Pool and Spa The fix for a leaking spa light is usually a newspa light kit, or the locknut just needs tightening. This is usually due to temperature fluctuations, as exposure to extremely cold winters can wear it down and cracks can appear. 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. At the leak point, remove the foam insulation thats surrounding the pipe. They are there so that you can shut off the water to an individual component whilst you replace it or work on it and dont have to drain the whole hot tub of water. 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 . Inspect the spa equipment section. It could be a worn gasket or a cracked pipe. 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. For leaks in spa plumbing, there are ways locate and fix leaks." It has to be said thats water is unpredictable and rather fickle. "thumbnailUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", Spa plumbing leaks will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump is running. If the gaskets need replacing, do so. Great advice and info. This is not a huge deal. To fix a hot tub leak, first, identify the source. Run the water and check to ensure the leak is gone. In that, I go over the causes, fixes, and telltale signs. If you cant see it then we need to move on to Phase 2. This will help you identify what level the leak is on and investigate from there. (Empty, people & water). However, because this tubing is more flexible, it can become compromised and begin to leak. We look forward to helping you out! But it helps if you apply it smoothly and neatly in the first place. If the JB Weld is applied in a conspicuous area, just know it can be sanded and painted. Pump seals degrade due to improperly balanced water chemistry, or from normal wear and tear. 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. Nothing is broken or cracked, etc. There are some PVC repair products, such asMr. Sticky's,that can do the trick.
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