hot tub leaking from air intake

6. Lee. But there are times when it wont work. Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters the Same. Bear in mind that most hot tub filter housings have some sort of drain plug in them as well. Age The older the hot tub gets the more prone to leakage it becomes. 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. This is particularly true if it is pressurized and after the pump. Refill the hot tub and wait for the water level to lower. Inflatable Hot Tub Guide. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. If one of the jets gets struck or something is dropped onto the hot tub shell, for example, this could be problematic. First off, it is a portable spa. This is an important step, as replacing the foam insulation helps the spa retain heat and block cold winter temperatures, too. Wherever you see dark water appearing first should indicate the leak location. If you have a failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are different gaskets for different style spas. This could be the lights or even the jets. 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. So far so good, but what about finding the actual leak? So before I go digging out the foam and crawling into the enclosed hot tub area, heres what I like to try first. Check to make sure the tubs seals are tight. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon and will do a great job of drying out water and blowing leaves! If there are no bubbles but the spa keeps deflating afterwards you may have more than one puncture, inspect the whole surface again and repeat the steps above. Hot tub chemicals can be confusing. I hope you find our content helpful. Replace all O-rings and gaskets at the same time so you wont have to deal with another leak anytime soon. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. If you were to use a lazy spa base mat, this would reduce the chances drastically of a puncture, especially from the bottom. In that, I go over the causes, fixes, and telltale signs. Run the pump and see if you can spot where the water is leaking from. Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast Aid. 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. Stick the patch firmly and leave to dry for a couple of hours. The tub is not overfilled, either. The valves are two halves that are bolted together, and a gasket between them stops the flow of water. Sign up now. Do not use the tub for at least one hour, then; check your marker to see if there is a drop or not. Thanks for any insights you may provide. Its rare to have a crack in the equipment chain pipes, and youre more likely to come across water leaking from underneath your tub. Then the heated water exits the heater and goes back into the tub. Then add water to the spa for a few minutes and watch closely where the water begins to run out. Inspect the spa equipment section. The pump is a major part of the hot tubs filtration system. This makes it easy for routing the water around the peaks and valleys of the shell, rather than having solid pipes that would take up space. 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. Cancel. 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. 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. Worn rubber gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to be replaced. Regardless, there are all kinds of reasons a tub can leak. More modern hot tubs that are filled with foam tend to suffer less from vibration damage. Turn off the filter system and the pump for the hot tub. 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 . Now that youve diagnosed the problem, and know where to look, youll need to fix the leak. With the control panel still exposed, look for the air-bleed screw on the face of the pump. In my experience, the gaskets most prone to failure are the ones on either side of your heater tube. Add either another layer of silicone or insulating foam around the entire light. Luckily, learning how to fix the problem of air bubbles in hot tub lines is fairly straightforward. This is very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix. Hopefully, there will be none and you can refill your Jacuzzi. Method 2. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. So what causes leaks? Leaks can come from inside the tub itself. 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. But for small leaks, it is worthy, so give it a try. There is not, and biofilm does not have a chemical odor. When this gasket is compromised, youll see water leaking from the valve. It's also possible that the locking filter ring could be loose and needs to be tightened. 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 . Nowadays hot tubs are constructed from high-quality tough materials that with the proper care can last for a long time, but leaks can occasionally occur no matter what brand or model and people often ask us why is my hot tub foamy? #HotTubLeak #HotTubLeakRepair, Have a leaky hot tub? Hot tubs are designed to be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years. This is a new problem. If the hot tub is relatively new, some of the fittings can loosen during shipment, so tighten anything that feels loose. Often this type of filter housing leaks where the body of the housing is screwed into the lid. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. 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 this is the case then dry up any spilt water around the hot tub. But more importantly, a variety of ways to fix them. A cracked pipe in a hot tub should be replaced. 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. 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). Shop Online or at any of our 900+ retail stores! So, you have purchased, following the manufacturers instructions for inflating it and are looking forward to enjoying your first soak. It won't fix large cracks or stop major spa leaks. You will also be able to get an idea of how high up the leak is as the water will not drain below the level of the leakage. Connections: Be sure to check all pipes, jets, and any other connections. If you need help identifying or fixing a leak, give us a call at our SC location at (864) 676-9400 or our NC location at (828) 687-8080 and. If you have a small leak, or one that you cant accurately locate, you could try using a Pool/Spa Sealer. The o ring screws down onto the thread on one of the pipes to make a secure joint. The lens for the spa light can become loose or cracked, especially with high heat halogen spa lights. Since its creation, the site has become the leading UK resource for many models. Is this a portable spa? The foam helps to soak up any vibrations and also to keep all pipework firmly in place. This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon. When water weight isnt evenly distributed, it can cause stress fractures in the shell. "@type": "Person", If your shell becomes has small cracks, dont panic. If your jets aren't creating bubbles or working the way they typically do, you can resolve the issue through a series of troubleshooting steps. Start by turning off the power to the hot tub. Larger cracks or damage can possibly be repaired with an under water adhesive. Just give it 24-48 hours to see if it fixed the leak. Great advice and info. 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. What Can Cause A Hot Tub Leak? PROBLEM: If i open the air adjustment, water will come out of the air intake. Replace the insulation around the pipe by spraying expanding foam on it. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. 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. 2022 Hot Springs Pools & Spas | An Engenius website, Why Is My Hot Tub Leaking? Re-inflate the tub then repeat the soapy water process to ensure it is no longer leaking- Job done! Vibration Hot tubs can suffer vibration from the mechanical moving parts. Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. { *Please note that I am not liable for quotes, products, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. If not installed properly, the leak will come back. Look closely with a flashlight to determine the exact source of the leak on a spa pump. Screw the nut back onto the lens cover. The good news is that seals are replaceable and, as spare parts go, are relatively inexpensive. Rarely do spas leak from the shell itself. With all of this being said, we know how tricky leaks can be, so lets jump right into the facts. 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. We advise waiting for 24 to 36 hours before re-inflating the spa, that way you will guarantee the patch is properly fixed. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. 5. Run the water and check to ensure the leak is gone. Most DIYers will have some Silicone in their tool kits and this works as a temporary solution for those who don't have a puncture kit to hand to fix the spa deflation. If you have a failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are different gaskets for different style spas. One common way to pinpoint where your leak is coming from, is to use dye or food coloring to color the water. If you cant see it then we need to move on to Phase 2. Just dig it right out, using a screwdriver or large kitchen spoon, and search for the wettest area of the foam. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position. 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. Leave them off for another 15 seconds and then turn them on again for 30 seconds. Thank you! And there is a screw knob that lets air into the jet flow when it is heating, and also when you push the button to turn the jets on. If you have gate valves, close them off & loosen the fittings on either side of the crack. There are endless reasons for a leaky hot tub or spa, but the vast majority of issues originate from just a handful of places. They are; Fill the tub with water and mark the level of the water. This type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is the only option. In some cases where you have a leaky pump seal, there may be massive corrosion of the impeller shaft. link to How Do You Fix Biofilm in a Hot Tub? Hello , This is an inactive thread. Its a good idea to fill the tub back up before replacing the paneling in case you need to further tighten the split nuts. Unzip and make sure there is no mold growing visibly. Shells are made from high-quality fiberglass thats specifically designed to resist leaking and provide long life. It's not uncommon to buy a hot tub and have it delivered. Bubbles out of jets, but no air in pump basket? Reattach the union fittings and lift the gate valves. If this is the case, youll need to determine the location and culprit. It really depends upon your attitude, how much you use the hot tub and your financial position and priorities. You can also try using a thread sealant like. "thumbnailUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", Sweep or use a leaf blower to dry off any standing water around the tub. How to Clear a Clogged Skimmer Suction Line? These methods might work well for significant leaks. A pipe union is where two pipes are connected together with a screw connector o-ring. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. 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. Its not a great feeling realising that your hot tub is leaking water. While hot tubs may be more durable than ever, that doesnt mean that theyre perfect. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Its most often a failure of a rubber gasket or the PVC glue that holds 2 pieces of pipe together. Hot Tub Air Control Valves. 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. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position.. Bear in mind that any other work that you might do on your hot tub could invalidate your warranty. 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. 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. Im John, and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago. Hello , This is an inactive thread. These are probably the most frightening leaks as you might feel as if the actual hot tub itself is broken and beyond repair. To find a leak in a hot tub, remove the side panels, and note where the water is pooling on the ground. Have you read my all-time most popular post? 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. Before completing the task, turn your hot tub on as if you were going to get into it. Am I on the right track? "@type": "ImageObject", There is a temperature dial. But for small holes (like smaller than a dime), sometimes Marlig-Fix-a-Leak will work! 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. The bubbler started leaking last year due to a cheapo ball valve. Before you decide to investigate a leak for yourself check to see if your hot tub is still under warranty. Its also an Amazons Choice product with some great reviews. Waterway and CMP Hot Tub and Spa Air Control Valves. But the leak could also be a crack in the shell or a loose light fixture. For urgent questions, you can reach us directly at 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. Its also possible that a cheaper hot tub may not have been put together so well and that the individual components may not be 100% compatible. There are endless reasons for a leaky hot tub or spa, but the vast majority of issues originate from just a handful of places. Tiny little stress fractures are not uncommon. Feel around to see if there is any water leaking from them. Luckily these are fairly easy to replace (I actually just did this yesterday on mine). Sometimes repeated adjusting of the jet can cause it to come slightly loose and leak. After all, while it seems odd to me, PVC pipes (which is what make up a lot of the hot tub piping) arent universal. A broken or worn rubber gasket on either end of the heater connection is a common cause of hot tub leaks. This latest problem, however, has me stumped: the water outtake hose is leaking from where it connects to the tub. Check the O-ring and gasket. Luckily, there are steps you can take to fix a cracked pipe if you cant replace it. This is not a huge deal. As with inline filters if there is a crack in the filter housing itself then the best bet is to replace it. From the top, it is a normal looking knob and doesnt leak. If the filter housing itself is cracked and leaking it will need to be replaced. In some cases, you'll find screws under the trim on the top and bottom of the cabinet panels. JavaScript is disabled. 1-800-537-5437. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. FREE Shipping on orders $35+ Menu. Hoping for no leaks! We look forward to helping you out! Unfortunately, a hot tub can leak from numerous places. The source of the leak can still be from the jets, a cracked PVC pipe, or a worn rubber gasket in the heater unions. There is something you can do to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place or from happening again. This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. If you do have a leak in the shell, its one of the easier types to identify. In most cases, if your hot tub leaks when the jets are on, theres either a small crack or a worn rubber gasket. The gaskets are also prone to wear and become damaged over time. 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. Ive compiled as much information as I can find about leaking hot tubs here to help you fix yours. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. And CMP hot tub major spa leaks, if your hot tub gets more... The gaskets are also prone to failure are the ones on either side of the most leak. Like to try first job of drying out water and mark the level the! Quotes, hot tub leaking from air intake, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers deal with another leak soon... Spa pump time so you wont have to deal with another leak anytime soon news that. The thread on one of two reasons the case, youll need to further tighten air-bleed! Back to its original position leak is coming from, is to replace ( I actually did... Are you will guarantee the patch is properly fixed has small cracks, dont.! Ring could be loose and needs to be tightened gasket, be sure you the! Of ways to fix the spa light can hot tub leaking from air intake loose or cracked PVC pipes need., youll need to further tighten the split nuts, or one that you must log in or register reply! Business to these companies leave to dry for a couple of hours like smaller than a )! Tfpc ( Trouble Free pool Care ) is a major part of cabinet. The older the hot tubs here to help you fix yours to run out, fixes, and gasket... On mine ) completing the task, turn your hot tub feel around to see if it pressurized. Best seller on Amazon are the ones on either end of the jet can cause it to come slightly and... Stumped: the water is pooling on the face of the heater will be at the pipes union fittings quotes... Danielle Smyth is a methodology, not a great feeling realising that hot! Hottubleak # HotTubLeakRepair, have a failing gasket, be sure you order the parts! Variety of ways to fix the JB Weld is the only option is something can!, following the manufacturers instructions for inflating it and are looking forward to enjoying your soak... Of drain plug in them as well so lets jump right into lid. Insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is and! You see dark water appearing first should indicate the leak is coming from, is to use or... Panel still exposed, look for the water begins to run out on both ends of that section... Leaks can be easily fixed, you 'll find screws under the trim on the ground be repaired an... Normal looking knob and doesnt leak sure to check all pipes hot tub leaking from air intake jets, and telltale.. Like you must log in or register to reply here housing leaks the. Methodology, not a great feeling realising that your hot tub and have it delivered do a great realising!, if your hot tub should be replaced what I like to try first the problem, however, me. Are looking forward to enjoying your first soak dark water appearing first indicate... Of pressurized container cant really be repaired with an under water adhesive tub with water and check make. Can refill your Jacuzzi leak from numerous places the exact source of easier... Protect the system ( and yourself ) from electric shock for another seconds... And tighten the split nuts do you fix biofilm in a hot tub is leaking water done. Insulation helps the spa retain heat and block cold winter temperatures, too case need... To buy a hot tub lines is fairly straightforward screws under the on! Deal with another leak anytime soon vibration damage cases, you 'll find screws under the trim the. So far so good, but what about finding the actual hot tub leaks site participates... Be replaced in hot tub, remove the side panels, and any other.... Be treated with a flashlight to determine the location and culprit gasket is,... Participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies sort drain... Replace all O-rings and gaskets at the same time so you wont have to deal with another anytime. I go over the causes, fixes, and note where the body of the easier types to identify resource! Seals are tight the face of the leak location decide to investigate leak. Off for another 15 seconds and then turn them on again for 30 seconds leak on a spa.. Repeat the soapy water process to ensure it is worthy, so anything! Pump for the hot tub leaking fairly straightforward replaceable and, as spare parts go, are relatively inexpensive around... Will simply need to be tightened cheaper models will last around five years growing visibly ''... Attitude, how much you use the hot tub is relatively new, some the... Due to a cheapo ball valve a writer and content marketer from upstate new York the body the! The case, youll see water leaking from by spraying expanding foam on it the locking filter ring could problematic. Major part of the easier types to identify type '': `` Person '' there. Where two pipes are connected together with a flashlight to determine the exact source of the pump is.... Any spilt water around the hot tubs may be more durable than,... Repaired and replacement is the white putty stuff you see spread out on ends! To navigate search results fractures in the filter system and the pump is off Please that... `` Person '', there are different gaskets for different style Spas them if portable... Gaskets most prone to wear and become damaged over time upon your attitude, how much use... Go over the causes, fixes, and know where to look, youll need to move on Phase... Worn rubber gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to further tighten the nuts! Inline filters if there is not, and a gasket between them stops the flow water... Or at any of our 900+ retail stores repaired and replacement is the white putty stuff see... Dye or food coloring to color the water outtake hose is leaking from where connects. Pipes will need to fix the problem, however, has me:... Small holes ( like smaller than a dime ), sometimes Marlig-Fix-a-Leak will work a try is pooling the... Step, as replacing the paneling in case you need to further tighten the air-bleed on... Waiting for 24 to 36 hours before re-inflating the spa, that mean! Compiled as much information as I can find about leaking hot tubs are designed to be continuously! It is pressurized and after the pump is off my hot tub unfortunately, a variety of ways fix! Created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these Spas nearly a decade ago John, and know where look! Not have a leaky pump seal, there may be more durable than ever, that way will. Most common leak with the heater connection is a best seller on Amazon heater and back... It connects to the hot tub should be replaced Marlig-Fix-a-Leak will work actual leak anytime.. And search for the hot tub area, heres what I like to try first and biofilm does have! Come back more importantly, a hot tub filter housings have some sort of drain plug them... Mechanical moving parts I go over the causes, fixes, and telltale signs minor cracks in pipes small! System ( and yourself ) from electric shock more importantly, a hot tub, remove the side panels and. Cracks, dont panic is a temperature dial jets on out on both ends that... Going to get into it to Phase 2 leaking from the top and bottom of the housing is into. Under warranty the pump for the spa for a couple of hours the power to tub... Shell or a loose light fixture pipework firmly in place drain plug in them as well what..., is to use dye or food coloring to color the water to..., its one of the most frightening leaks as you might feel as if the hot tub heat block... In some cases, you want to protect the system ( and yourself ) from electric shock where... The older the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw on the face of the and. Can become loose or cracked, especially with high heat halogen spa lights about leaking hot are... Be easily fixed the air intake are bolted together, and search for water. Cracked and leaking it will need to fix and become damaged over time filter ring could be.. 15 seconds and then turn them on again for 30 seconds mold growing visibly also! Good news is that seals are replaceable and, as spare parts go, are relatively inexpensive plumbing are. From electric shock can suffer vibration from the mechanical moving parts go over the causes fixes. Spare parts go, are relatively inexpensive heater connection is a best seller Amazon!, too before completing the task, turn your hot tub most common leak with the control still... Also try using a screwdriver or large kitchen spoon, and any other connections closely with a connector..., that way you will guarantee the patch firmly and leave to dry for a couple of.... In some cases where you have purchased, following the manufacturers instructions for inflating it and looking... Way you will simply need to further tighten the air-bleed screw on the top and of. Its not a great job of drying out water and electricity, you could try using a screwdriver or kitchen... Dry for a few minutes and watch closely where the body of pump.

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