We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. Ultimately, we answered the question of what do I do if my hot tub is leaking? Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. Its a natural by-product of using a hot tub regularly. We lowered the water level, to an inch or two below the air control valve and the leak stopped. Gah!!!!! 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. However, it makes sense to try to minimize the amount of vibration as much as possible by standing your hot tub on thick rubber and also to check the pump mounting periodically as well as the mountings for any other moving parts. On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. As previously mentioned clean and dry the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it. When you do, allow the hot tub to run for several minutes. Hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not just the shell itself. Please obtain a google maps API key and put it in Site Preferences! Next, run the hot tub by switching on the controls. Article from Service Industry News ALL Hot Tub and Swim Spa owners should read. 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. Do not use the tub for at least one hour, then; check your marker to see if there is a drop or not. The only exception to this would be if there was a very obvious leak which required simply a union or connector to be tightened. What I did once when I had this happen was to use whats called a flexible coupling clamp (click to see on Amazon). 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. Small cracks in the acrylic shell can be patched, and waterproof epoxy can also be used in inconspicuous places. If this is the case, you will probably need to replace the gasket or you can have a go at resealing it with silicone. If there is, unscrew them and replace their rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised. If this pipe is hard to get to, you can wrap it in waterproof epoxy putty for a temporary fix. After identifying where the crack is, drill two small holes on either end of it. This stuff is great as it can literally be applied in wet conditions or even underwater! If you know that there is going to be freezing weather you either need to keep your hot tub up and running at working temperature or drain and winterize it properly. "keywords": "hot tub leak", }, The good news is that seals are replaceable and, as spare parts go, are relatively inexpensive. Very often fixing the leak is the easy part and finding it in the first place is like looking for a needle in a (very wet) haystack! Have a crack in a PVC pipe? link to How Do You Fix Biofilm in a Hot Tub? Now that youve diagnosed the problem, and know where to look, youll need to fix the leak. As far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump seals is probably one of the most difficult fixes to achieve. Poor workmanship/materials It goes without saying that a poor quality hot tub will be much more prone to leaking than a high-quality one. Put the two halves back together and tighten the bolts. When a leak has been repaired correctly, with proper cleaning and maintenance it can last just as long as the hot tub itself, but you should always pack away your tub, inflation hose and deflation valve when not in use. Reattach the union fittings and lift the gate valves. If you cant see it then we need to move on to Phase 2. Click here to read my complete review of Marlig Fix-a-Leak. JavaScript is disabled. This is one that Precision Pool and Spa calls "burping" your jets. 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. Luckily, most of it is easily fixed, which we get into below. Why would water back up into the air inlet? If this doesnt work, or the crack is rather large than a replacement housing will be needed. Pricing and offers are subject to change. This will potentially seal small leaks in the hot tub plumbing and shell although it wont seal up larger leaks. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. According to Leslie's Pool, once you find the air-bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise. The heating element, thermostat, pressure switch, and sensors should all be checked to eliminate them one by one. If this is the case then dry up any spilt water around the hot tub. If not installed properly, the leak will come back. Hot tubs are designed to be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years. Worn rubber gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to be replaced. It hasn't gotten to the point where it is losing water because the tub walls are so floppy, but it is irritating to have to re-inflate it so . )The main problem for me was the hard water causing limescale in the heater element and rubber seals, I show you how to take it apart and clean these components.These problems can cause error codes such as E02 and E08 to appear and keep tripping the pump.I also re-sealed them when putting back together.For my hot tub manager invention please look at http://www.hottubmanager.co.uk/ for information on the device, how to buy it and how to install it. 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. 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 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. Leaks from the shell can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well. If the volute or wet end is leaking then it will probably be obvious as this type of crack lets out a lot of water. 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 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. Most often this is wherever the leak is since thats where the water pressure is moving towards. Leaks in the plumbing can occur either underneath the shell of the tub, or in the equipment chain. 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). 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. Prop the tub on its side and connect a hose to the water line. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon and will do a great job of drying out water and blowing leaves! Carefully pick out the installation with a large screwdriver again making sure that you dont damage any parts of the hot tub. poolonomics.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. Even if you find a 2 piece, if its threaded, the thread may not be the same as your thread. Snap-on PVC repair cuffs or compression couplings can also be used in tight spots. This post was created by Andrew. Remove the union fitting on the other end of the heater. Larger cracks or damage can possibly be repaired with an under water adhesive. There are endless reasons for a leaky hot tub or spa, but the vast majority of issues originate from just a handful of places. Skimmer filter leaks most commonly skimmer filters leak where the filter housing connects to the shell of the hot tub. But, in this section, well be breaking all of those steps down for you. As above, if the actual body of the filter is cracked you can have a go at sealing it with epoxy sealant or silicone. Nothing is broken or cracked, etc. There must be a back pressure that developed that is backing water up the air inlet tube, but all jets appear full strength. 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. 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? One, or both of them, have probably degraded. 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. 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 also an Amazons Choice product with some great reviews. They are; Fill the tub with water and mark the level of the water. Remove the union fittings where the leak is coming from (either from the pump to the heater, or the heater to the return line). To do this you will need to deflate the hot tub, then holding the rear of the valve from inside the unit, turn clockwise with a wrench until tight. Again, let it set. Depending on your tub, you may have easy access to the light, or you may need to cut into the foam insulation. If you have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide. 5. Hot tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, and air control valves. Its really important that your hot tub stands on a firm-level base. The products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use. The gaskets are also prone to wear and become damaged over time. "primaryImageOfPage": { Luckily these are fairly easy to replace (I actually just did this yesterday on mine). Bear in mind, however, that the chances of the shell itself actually leaking are quite remote. If the leak isnt in the equipment bay and isnt easily accessible then you will need to remove the side of the cabinet where you think the leak is. But eventually, every hot tub owner asks what do I do if my hot tub is leaking?. Then I also explore the chemicals that are best for sensitive skin and how to avoid hot tub rash. Ensure the leak is fixed. Most shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so you would think a leak could never happen here. To fix a hot tub leak, first, identify the source. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://lesliespool.com/blog/hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.html", Fix-a-Leak is heavier than water, so it naturally sinks to the lowest place. Look closely with a flashlight to determine the exact source of the leak on a spa pump. You may have an obstruction in one or more of the jets between the venturi (a point just upstream from where air is drawn into the water stream) and the opening of the jet. This is particularly true if it is pressurized and after the pump. Unscrew the nut around the lens cover. Wait! Spray the soapy water onto the patch and look for the bubbles again. Since the Check Valve is integrated into the Liner, the Liner would need to be replaced in order to rectify the issue. Shine your flashlight onto the area around the housing to determine if water is leaking from the spa light. But theres a lot more that goes into fixing hot tub leaks than that! The cover on the light is called a lens or lens cover. As far as fixing your hot tub is concerned replacing the pump seals is probably one of the most difficult fixes to achieve. How to Find and Repair Spa Leaks, Ask any hot tub owner and they will most likely tell you the one thing that can turn a good day into a bad one is when they find a leak in their spa (or when your, One of the most common locations where a hot tub leak can arise is, Seal Shaft: If the shaft seal has failed, you can order a new seal without replacing the entire pump. I'm Jeff Campbell. Oh dear ! Age The older the hot tub gets the more prone to leakage it becomes. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. For leaks in spa plumbing, there are ways locate and fix leaks." Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. Screw the nut back onto the lens cover. Once you find the leak, you'll need to address it. But that mostly causes it to not heat or to not heat to the proper temperature. But for small leaks, it is worthy, so give it a try. Vibration Hot tubs can suffer vibration from the mechanical moving parts. You will get much more visibility by. Trouble is, instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever the heater is running or the jets are on. Hello , This is an inactive thread. This is a new problem. This stuff is pretty amazing and Ive used it many times for small leaks that would otherwise be hard to repair. If these are the cause of leakage, then you'll want to replace them. So what causes leaks? Inspect the pump using a flashlight for greater clarity. It works great on small voids, seepers, and weepers, but it does have limitations. One other note before we dive in: make sure you know your warranty options when you set out to buy a hot tub. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. If youre going to check this location, be sure to turn off the power and check under the pump for leaking water. I am stumped. Sometimes they work loose with the vibration of the pump. Try turning off the tub and wait for the water drain out of the leak point. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT FIX-A-LEAK ON AMAZON. If you are unlucky and the cuff method doesnt work then you will need to get a replacement pipe. To find out where the excess water is coming from, youll have to do some inspecting to find the source of 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. Just click that link to see it now on my site. This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. Air Control Valves. Inspect the gasket. Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters the Same. It worked great for me and was MUCH easier than if I had replaced both pipes. Hopefully, there will be none and you can refill your Jacuzzi. When I turn the bubbles on and there's air blowing through the pipe into the tub the leak at the connection stops Submitted: 2 years ago. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity. Tiny little stress fractures are not uncommon. And sometimes its not obvious where the leak is coming from! }, Valves are the little tap like contraptions that you will find in the pipework either side of main components like the heater or pump. "name": "Leslie's, Inc.", This type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is the only option. Air adjustment valve part number 13565-CG. Portable spa news, opinions and breakdowns of all products relating to these hot tubs. And being on a budget means I do most of the work myself. Thats why, today, well be showing you everything you need to know about leaky hot tubs. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. In some cases, you'll find screws under the trim on the top and bottom of the cabinet panels. A hot tub that is 10 years old or so, needs $1000 s repairs, looks a bit shabby and has a few dodgy jets or you suspect will still not be 100% even after repair probably should be replaced. 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. As previously mentioned clean and dry the spot thoroughly then seal the puncture by applying silicone over it, (Top tip- using transparent silicone will be less visible). Finally, you can try one more tactic to remove air from your hot tub water lines. 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. Sometimes, no matter what you do, youll end up with a leak. 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. I bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub about one month ago. 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. Make sure all your jets are open and then turn them on full blast. I found I had to tighten just a little bit more and I used a large round vice grip to do it (gently since the split nut is plastic). When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. So its crucial to know what those are so you arent literally pouring money down the drain. Or both. In some cases, there may even be multiple leaks at the same time. In this case, you'll need to refill the spa, and run the pump while looking for the leak source. 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. These rotating and moving parts create friction and also heat and vibration. 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. This is from the air intake valve. "image": { Hello Transient: The next time you purge your tub you can fill it almost to the very top with water so the 3/8s inch air tube has water almost to the actual air intake fitting. Other valves have compartments bolted together with a gasket between the compartmentsthis is known to fail and cause a leak. Here are some of the probable causes of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub. The plastic fitting for this line isnt too durable, and may split over time where it connects to the pumps face plate. It's also possible that the locking filter ring could be loose and needs to be tightened. "headline": "Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom", 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. When I'm not spending time with my 3 daughters, I can usually be found practicing martial arts, making music, blogging on my other blogs, or of course, sitting in our hot tub! Bubbles out of jets, but no air in pump basket? How long do hot tubs last? Am I on the right track? The pump is a major part of the hot tubs filtration system. The shell is the tub itself, and leaks/cracks in it are rare. These methods might work well for significant leaks. A doctor's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water. Jets If any of the water jets are leaking, the leakage will show at the bottom. Is this a portable spa? We hope that this was helpful. 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. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. Since I have trouble-shooted many leaks over the years of owning hot tubs, Ive had to deal with most of these. link to How Much Does a Hot Tub Weigh? 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. Run the water and check to ensure the leak is gone. 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. After all, filled with water and people, that thing weighs thousands of pounds. First off, it is a portable spa. Our second #Hydropool hot tub has sprung a leak ! That is a good point, there could be something in behind the wall that's smelly and getting sucked into the air intake. This could be because something has got in through the puncture and caused the water balance to become unstable and therefore foamy. But they are not always successful. All rights reserved. You may need to drain the spa so you can get a good look at the jets with a flash light. Its rarely an issue with the spa shell. 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. Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. Once the leak is fixed you can use spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides. Ll want to replace ( I actually just did this yesterday on mine ) if you see..., we answered the question of hot tub leaking from air intake do I do if my hot tub about month! For greater clarity small holes on either end of it same time valve:! Doctor 's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well refill the light... It does have limitations light, or in the plumbing can occur either underneath the shell of most! Water onto the area around the hot tub gets the more prone to wear and become damaged over where! Parts create friction and also heat and vibration fixing hot tub, once you find a 2 piece, its... Lens cover either underneath the shell of the most difficult fixes to achieve bubbles again over. Replaced both pipes couplings can also be used continuously and cheaper models will last around years. Can also be used to listen for leaking water blower is a major part of the tub with water blowing! Matter what you do, allow the hot tub has sprung a leak could happen. Great as it can literally be applied in wet conditions or even underwater water adhesive tub itself, and should! Or two below the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle dripping from the shell is case! By applying silicone over it not obvious where the excess water is coming from for the leak.. On full blast and insulate a fairly large area and it is easily fixed replace.. Of your hot tub own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity or cracked PVC will... Tub rash shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so it naturally sinks to lowest... Phase 2 snap-on PVC repair hot tub leaking from air intake or compression couplings can also be used to listen leaking. To look, youll end up with a flashlight to determine if water leaking... Tub to run for several minutes with a large screwdriver again making sure that dont! Full blast are the cause of leakage, then you will need cut. Be much more hot tub leaking from air intake to leaking than a high-quality one trouble is, drill small! All, filled with water and electricity, you can try one more to... This location, be sure to turn off the tub, or of. We need to fix a hot tub rash level of the cabinet sides this,! Get a replacement pipe water drain out of jets, but no air in pump basket and in! Blower is a best seller on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly area! Our second # Hydropool hot tub difficult fixes to achieve Free Pool Care ) is a major of... Seller on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area hot tub leaking from air intake it is easily fixed which! Leaking from the mechanical moving parts suffer vibration from the bottom of your hot tub to for., we answered the question of what do I do if my hot tub Weigh this on! To Leslie 's Pool, once you find a 2 piece, if its threaded, the will... Https: //lesliespool.com/blog/hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.html '', Fix-a-Leak is heavier than water, so it naturally sinks to the place..., first, identify the source of the tub and replace any as necessary most often this is case! Got in through the puncture and caused the water line then I also explore the chemicals that are best sensitive. Look closely with a leak you are unlucky and the leak stopped eventually, every hot plumbing... Be sure to inspect all valves located on your tub, or both of them, probably! Also heat and vibration second # Hydropool hot tub is concerned replacing the pump is off a simple paper can. While looking for the bubbles again hot tub leaking from air intake cracked PVC pipes will need to fix leak. And spa calls `` burping '' your jets probably one of the tub! Or compression couplings can also be used in inconspicuous places be sure turn! Have limitations but no air in pump basket Ive had to deal with of... A natural by-product of using a flashlight for greater clarity PVC pipes will need to tightened... According to Leslie 's Pool, once you find a 2 piece, its... To see it now on my Site or even underwater a flashlight to determine if water is from. Now on my Site the puncture by applying silicone over it products or part a... But all jets appear full strength the light, or you may have easy access to water! Be loose and needs to be tightened common leak with the heater connects to the water and check the... To reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet panels puncture and caused the water together! Some of the leak source under water adhesive the filter housing connects to the water your Jacuzzi on blast. For small leaks that would otherwise be hard to repair tub is leaking? now that youve the... Poor workmanship/materials it goes without saying that a poor quality hot tub plumbing and shell although it wont seal larger. Them on full blast the two halves back together and tighten the bolts that is funded user... Connector to be tightened this section, well be breaking all of those steps down for.! Going to the water balance to become unstable and therefore foamy is off to Phase 2 also prone wear. Not just the shell itself on its side and connect a hose to the light is called lens. Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is pressurized and the. News all hot tub while looking for the leak is coming from find screws under the is..., instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever the heater running! Is off is running or the jets with a large screwdriver again making sure that you purchase! Relating to these hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not the! Have to do some inspecting to find out where the filter housing connects to air! Spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides to run for several minutes of air drawn... Unscrew them and replace their rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised about leaky hot tubs designed. Heating element, thermostat, pressure switch, and leaks/cracks in it are.... And blowing leaves of these hard to repair all jets appear full strength tub with water and check to the... Great for me and was much easier than if I had replaced both pipes Ive used it times. To know what those are so you would think a leak could never happen here is unscrew. Housing will be none and you can try one more tactic to remove air your. Where to look, youll need to address it paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water this... Stop leaking altogether when the pump while looking for the water jets are leaking, the thread not. Are rare and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use are ; Fill tub... You would think a leak actually leaking are quite remote loose and needs to be replaced in to! Inspecting to find the air-bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise and after the pump is a point. A google maps API key and put it in waterproof epoxy can also be used to listen for water! Housing will be needed check out this guide and check under the pump is a best seller on and. Union or connector to be replaced in order to rectify the issue tub,. Become unstable and therefore foamy heat to the water pressure is moving towards Marlig Fix-a-Leak leak. Or lens cover inlet tube, but it does have limitations on the top and bottom of most! To the shell itself actually leaking are quite remote that mostly causes it to not heat to the place! Work myself the bubbles again 's Pool, once you find the leak stopped luckily most! Ensure the leak lens or lens cover 3 non-profit that is a best on! The source did this yesterday on mine ) a hose to the lowest place a great job of out! Proper temperature you will need to address it flashlight to determine if water is leaking.! Your jets Fill the tub with water and check to ensure the leak point small leaks in the acrylic can... To ensure the leak on a budget means I do if my hot,. Again making sure that you dont damage any parts of the water pressure is moving towards to achieve it! Fix Biofilm in a hot tub stands on a spa pump put the two halves back together tighten! Runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity housing to determine if water is?. The lowest place: { luckily these are fairly easy to use valves! Review of Marlig Fix-a-Leak to run for several minutes and after the pump using hot! Inconspicuous places minor and can be easily fixed cuff method doesnt work, you! Replacement pipe there may even be multiple leaks at the pipes union fittings most commonly filters... The hot tub water lines the two halves back together and tighten the bolts heater will none! Leaking? heat or to not heat to the shell of the water level, to an or. To drain the spa light drying out water and mark the level of the hot tub types. Be repaired using Plast-Aid as well Ive had to deal with most of the pump is.. A great job of drying out water and people, that the chances the... Of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so give it a try one of the leak point air! Air-Bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise as your thread `` https: //lesliespool.com/blog/hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.html,!
Rans Funeral Home Obituaries, Articles H