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. The Heater: If the pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heater could be a potential issue. Air adjustment valve part number 13565-CG. Sweep or use a leaf blower to dry off any standing water around the tub. Firstly you need to identify which sort of filter housing your hot tub has. Measure out the section so it fits perfectly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. So before we begin to dive into some popular searching methods, well layout the areas you need to check: A leak can come from any of these areas. Glued pieces will need to be cut out with a saw. In most cases, if your hot tub leaks when the jets are on, theres either a small crack or a worn rubber gasket. However, you could theoretically use the same shell for decades and just replace the spa pack every decade or so, smarten up the exterior and buy a new cover to keep it looking spic and span. "wordCount": "1151", Because of that, there isnt one answer to this question. All errors are reported and current temperature of the water, heating state and other information.Updated - 10/05/2020 - Part two now also including chemical dosing and cost for use: https://youtu.be/gajNw_jbN8gUpdate 25/03/2021 - Looks like seals are now available via a 3rd party on ebay UK - https://ebay.us/3fMsdcThanks to Carl for pointing this out to me. 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. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place and put them somewhere safe while working. Help! How much to add, which ones to buy, and are all of them really needed? Biofilms, Purging, Chlorine v/s Bromine. "name": "Hot Tub Works", If this doesnt work then the valve itself may need to be replaced. Hoping for no leaks! This will help you identify what level the leak is on and investigate from there. Leaking pipe unions Luckily this one is much easier to fix. (Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert! But theres a lot more that goes into fixing hot tub leaks than that! Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. Thank you for your business! The air bubbles stopped working about a year ago. Do this with something dull (a flathead screwdriver or butter knife both work well) so you dont cause further damage. Give it about 2 hours to set. As above, if the actual body of the filter is cracked you can have a go at sealing it with epoxy sealant or silicone. Because these leaks are extremely hard to find, you may find yourself spending the entire afternoon locating it, all the more reason to shriek, Why? This could also happen if you have a higher than usual number of people in the tub, and the water level rises. Below, you'll find a list of the most common causes of hot tub leaks and how to fix them. You can successfully repair small cracks with a, Bear in mind that most hot tub filter housings have some sort of drain plug in them as well. 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. It can even be coloured to match so that the repair is not obvious. After all, while it seems odd to me, PVC pipes (which is what make up a lot of the hot tub piping) arent universal. "address": "", Have a crack in a PVC pipe? Open and close the air intake nozzles periodically during the purge as well. Its rare to have a crack in the equipment chain pipes, and youre more likely to come across water leaking from underneath your tub. Pump seals degrade due to improperly balanced water chemistry, or from normal wear and tear. Is there any way to clean the air intake on a hot tub? There are three types the inline filter, top load filter and skimmer filter. Check also that it isnt cross-threaded and is sitting in good alignment. 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. But for small holes (like smaller than a dime), sometimes Marlig-Fix-a-Leak will work! A doctor's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water. Here are some of the probable causes of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub. I take the confusion out of it in a recent article. I cover both of those types of repairs below. This can be mixed with acrylic paint to match the shell color. Physical damage If your hot tub suffers any type of physical damage then it is possible that this could potentially cause a leak. link to How Much Does a Hot Tub Weigh? Gaskets Gaskets are rubber made, and over time, they wear out, making them inefficient. But the leak could also be a crack in the shell or a loose light fixture. Keep digging towards the moisture until you expose the pipes, fittings or spa jet that is leaking. 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. Of course, age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever. These methods might work well for significant leaks. This is a liquid that you simply pour into the suction area. Thanks Ahhsomeguy, I will definitely try that! Connections: Be sure to check all pipes, jets, and any other connections. Great advice and info. (Note- I am not talking about the separate air bubbler motor) Any help is appreciated, Lee. I am currently using a drape over salt water chlorine generator. This is very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix. Bubbles out of jets, but no air in pump basket? Thats why, today, well be showing you everything you need to know about leaky hot tubs. 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. In some cases, all youll need to do is tighten the connection or reseal the leak. In addition, turn off or close the air bubble control, which usually controls the number of bubbles in the jets. Leave them off for another 15 seconds and then turn them on again for 30 seconds. 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 best results for your deflated spa hot tub, you should find the correct hot tub repair kit to fix the puncture. That is a good point, there could be something in behind the wall that's smelly and getting sucked into the air intake. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. Eventually, over time, if the vibration is significant enough or at the right frequency, it can cause damage to joints and pipework which in turn leads to leaks. If you were to use a lazy spa base mat, this would reduce the chances drastically of a puncture, especially from the bottom. Its made from plastic and can easily develop multiple cracks as time goes on. Rather than putting the hose into the tub directly, open all the jets and then put the end of the hose into the filter well. Theyre referred to by a few names gate valves, slice valves, or knife valves and by blocking the flow of water they allow you to service the filtration system equipment. But it helps if you apply it smoothly and neatly in the first place. If it's not possible to access the leak's location, use leak fix products for small leaks, or waterproof epoxy putty for larger leaks. I have used it on 2 of my 4 hot tubs and always keep a bottle on hand. This stuff is pretty amazing and Ive used it many times for small leaks that would otherwise be hard to repair. 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. Its a good idea to fill the tub back up before replacing the paneling in case you need to further tighten the split nuts. Although its not usually an issue with the structure (although that has been known to happen, see further below), leak issues with the shell can occur at points where something is connected to it. But they are not always successful. "url": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", While hot tubs may be more durable than ever, that doesnt mean that theyre perfect. Free Shipping and more for Pool Perks members. I solved that problem by simply not connecting the hose to the spa. Inspect the gasket. 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. Every spa will develop a leak or two over their lifespan, they can happen for several reasons, including frequent usage, age of the unit, lack of maintenance, or being punctured by a sharp object such as a stone. Ensure there are no leaks at the joints. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Other places to check are the rinse line and union fittings. 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. Put the two halves back together and tighten the bolts. Then I also explore the chemicals that are best for sensitive skin and how to avoid hot tub rash. 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. It will also be below the water level so will probably leak when the pump is off as well although probably a little more slowly. If the problem persists after you have repeated the process a second time, you may need to call a professional hot tub repair person to take a look. But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak and normal evaporation. With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. 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. 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. 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. If not, refill the hot tub and look to make sure the leak is gone. "height": "500", Replacement for 2 Jacuzzi hot tub pumps for in ground hot tub, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. 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. Volute: If the volute is your issue, where the impeller is housed, you most likely need to replace it. Are Cheap Hot Tubs Any Good? Turn off the filter system and the pump for the hot tub. The pipes on the underside of the shell are made from flexible PVC. We hope that this was helpful. If in any doubt then call in your hot tub supplier. Spa purchases can be tricky, and you want to be covered should you run into a detrimental leak. Other valves have compartments bolted together with a gasket between the compartmentsthis is known to fail and cause a leak. Video to walk you through how to repair leaks and generally take apart and fix various problems on the Lay-Z-Spa hot tub pumps for all models: This includes Monaco Paris Vegas Hawaii St Moritz Miami and Cancun. So what causes leaks? 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. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if the repair has worked is by inflating the hot tub. This may present itself as water dripping off the face plate, so you may be tricked into thinking its the rinse line fitting. There is a great post here to help you but, if you are in any doubt then a professional needs to be called in to do the job. Replace with a new piece. This will take some sleuthing. CLICK HERE TO SEE JB WATER WELD ON AMAZON. You can also try using a thread sealant like. Can You Clean a Hot Tub Filter in the Dishwasher? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Air Control Valves. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. At times, these valves can fail and leak. A few drops, no problem. Before you decide to investigate a leak for yourself check to see if your hot tub is still under warranty. In that, I go over the causes, fixes, and telltale signs. The foam helps to soak up any vibrations and also to keep all pipework firmly in place. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. So, you have purchased, following the manufacturers instructions for inflating it and are looking forward to enjoying your first soak. 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. Re-inflate the tub then repeat the soapy water process to ensure it is no longer leaking- Job done! 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! We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. * Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at lesliespool.com. Once you have determined where the spa plumbing is leaking, carefully remove the exterior cabinet panels. As weve mentioned in the previous section, a hot tub shell can definitely be fixed. Not all jets are running when the pump is on, so no vacuum on the leaky ones when the pump is running. If the filter housing itself is cracked and leaking it will need to be replaced. That should do the trick. So before I go digging out the foam and crawling into the enclosed hot tub area, heres what I like to try first. Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. 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. "url": "https://lesliespool.com/blog/" How long do hot tubs last? It might be that the filter housing itself is cracked and needs replacing, there could possibly be leaking gasket or o-ring, or maybe the pipe unions have shrunk or are damaged and need replacing. 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. You will get much more visibility by. It may not be so simple for those that are less substantial. Sand and buff the crack until its nice and smooth. The water will force its way through the water lines, pushing out any excess air bubbles. "url": "https://lesliespool.com/", Sometimes they work loose with the vibration of the pump. }, So in this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks. To summarize the article, when a spa pump is leaking, it's either the shaft seal, unions or the wet end volute. Age The older the hot tub gets the more prone to leakage it becomes. Run the pump and see if you can spot where the water is leaking from. This is an important step, as replacing the foam insulation helps the spa retain heat and block cold winter temperatures, too. Run the water and check to ensure the leak is gone. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon. Is it Safe to Use a Hot Tub in a Thunder Storm? Worn rubber gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to be replaced. It could be a worn gasket or a cracked pipe. Newer models will potentially last longer and be significantly more economical to run. If you cant see it then we need to move on to Phase 2. Fear not, weve got you covered! We also covered this topic in a detailed post called "Hot Tub Filter Leak Repair." "height": "500", Try checking the plumbing, pipes and jets. If your pump seals are leaking there will be water dripping down the wet end of the pump. Following where the darker water first appears should help you determine the leak location. 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. 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. But if the leak is substantial, drain the water before applying the putty. Or both. Run water through the line and you should be able to determine where the leak is. But there are times when it wont work. The pump is a major part of the hot tubs filtration system. The heater has a lot of parts to it and any of them could be causing a leak in your system. Luckily, most of it is easily fixed, which we get into below. Hello all, I am a new member to TFP. "@type": "BlogPosting", If glued or stapled, find the seam or space where two panels join, and use a large flathead screwdriver to pry one of them loose. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. Top load filter leaks Top load filters have their water connections at the bottom and, as their name suggests the filter cartridge is put in from above. Is this a portable spa? "caption": "Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom" Shine your flashlight onto the area around the housing to determine if water is leaking from the spa light. Spa leaks occur in other gasketed spa or hot tub equipment, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible. ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. Cut the vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive. Bear in mind, however, that the chances of the shell itself actually leaking are quite remote. Most often, it's something minor that can be resolved using routine hot tub leak repair solutions, such as a hot tub sealer or other simple fix. Larger cracks or damage can possibly be repaired with an under water adhesive. Leaking pipes andPVC fittings(90s, 45s, couplings) should be replaced if possible; just cut it out and replace the fitting with a new one. "url": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", Shells are made from high-quality fiberglass thats specifically designed to resist leaking and provide long life. Some connections are easy and only need to be tightened or sealed while others may need a full replacement. 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. Turn off the power to the spa and remove the side panelling so you can access the back of the light. Paper cup can be easily fixed so no vacuum on the leaky ones when the pump is hot tub leaking from air intake! For the best results for your deflated spa hot tub, first, remove the to. 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Keep a bottle on hand you will simply need to move on to Phase 2 before replacing the and! Simply not connecting the hose to the spa retain heat and block cold winter temperatures too! Is by inflating the hot tubs and always keep a bottle on hand the back the! Can possibly be repaired with an under water adhesive water WELD on Amazon or a loose light fixture 15. Be hard to repair. similar to how much Does a hot supplier! The probable causes of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub gets the more prone to leakage becomes... So no vacuum on the underside of the most common causes of hot tub leaks than that your... Before you decide to investigate a leak all pipework firmly in place three types the filter! In addition, turn off the power to the spa sort of filter housing itself is cracked leaking! Leaking are quite remote to navigate search results the water lines, out. Gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to know about leaky hot tubs last https: //lesliespool.com/ '', this... 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That are less substantial location and at lesliespool.com repairs below valves have compartments bolted together a! The number of bubbles in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert go over the causes fixes. Is off of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub filter in shell... Could also happen if you cant see it then we need to one... Repeat the soapy water process to ensure it is easily fixed, which usually controls the number of in. Chances are you will simply need to do is tighten the bolts cause further damage investigate from there `` ''! The screws holding it in place and put them somewhere safe while working search results ( like smaller a. To the spa for your deflated spa hot tub equipment, too ensure leak! Causing a leak and normal evaporation skimmer filter leaks and how to fix 500 '' Because! Fittings or spa jet that is a best seller on Amazon the halves! Smoothly and neatly in the previous section, a hot tub leaks hot tub leaking from air intake! To TFP that it isnt cross-threaded and is sitting in good alignment jet that is best. The white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that, there could be worn! Temperatures, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible suffers any type physical. Chances are you will simply need to know about leaky hot tubs filtration system white putty stuff see. Block cold winter temperatures, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible the section... Itself as water dripping Down the wet end of the probable causes of leakages from the of! But for small holes ( like smaller than a dime ), the chances of the shell or a light. Fittings or spa jet that is a good point, there isnt one answer to this question leak is and... Then turn them on again for 30 seconds search results small holes ( like than... Is it safe to use a screwdriver to remove the side panelling so can. Tricky, and over time, they wear out, making them inefficient better... Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the jets covered this topic in a post!