hot tub leaking from air intake

Most spa leaks are minor and can be easily fixed. The bubbler started leaking last year due to a cheapo ball valve. Theres a gem called Plast-Aid that seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself! This stuff is great as it can literally be applied in wet conditions or even underwater! Leaks in the plumbing can occur either underneath the shell of the tub, or in the equipment chain. Leaks from jets, unions and connectors might just need tightening or replacement gaskets. This obviously takes a little longer but will be a much more secure and permanent repair. For urgent questions, you can reach us directly at That allows it to open enough to release the air in the water lines. have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide, how to inflate a portable spa when its full of water, Using the soap and water mix and fill the spray bottle with this mixture, you can then spray around the inflatable spa to determine where the problem is, If you see bubbles forming, you found the rupture. Turn on the system and check for any leaks. Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands! "primaryImageOfPage": { Hot tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, and air control valves. Spray the soapy water onto the patch and look for the bubbles again. Leaks from the shell can be repaired using Plast-Aid as well. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Access the equipment compartment by removing the side panels and look for any signs of leaks or dampness. The shell is the tub itself, and leaks/cracks in it are rare. Physical damage If your hot tub suffers any type of physical damage then it is possible that this could potentially cause a leak. Afterwards, dry with a paper towel making sure no wetness remains before continuing with the next step. With the control panel still exposed, look for the air-bleed screw on the face of the pump. Since I have trouble-shooted many leaks over the years of owning hot tubs, Ive had to deal with most of these. This is a liquid that you simply pour into the suction area. Spa Air Control Valves. If these are the cause of leakage, then you'll want to replace them. 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. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. Sometimes, no matter what you do, youll end up with a leak. If your pump seals are leaking there will be water dripping down the wet end of the pump. or an in-ground? Re-inflate the tub then repeat the soapy water process to ensure it is no longer leaking- Job done! In fact it got pretty low before I realized I had a problem, and it even leaked with the water level too low. If you were to use a lazy spa base mat, this would reduce the chances drastically of a puncture, especially from the bottom. 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. 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. Ensure there are no leaks at the joints. Thanks for any insights you may provide. 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. Free Shipping and more for Pool Perks members. It can even be coloured to match so that the repair is not obvious. (Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert! Make the job easier by using oil filter pliers to get a better grip on the nut. 99K views 2 years ago 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. Some hot tubs may stop leaking altogether when the pump is off. The leak can come from a crack in the light fixture itself or the gasket behind it. To fix, drill a small hole at each end of the crack to stop it from spreading. 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. "identifier": "" It may not display this or other websites correctly. Open and close the air intake nozzles periodically during the purge as well. 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. "address": "", After identifying where the crack is, drill two small holes on either end of it. Its rarely an issue with the spa shell. 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. 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.??? Its a rubber sleeve (2 is typical for a lot of hot tubs, but I did once have an older one that was 1.5). Carefully pick out the installation with a large screwdriver again making sure that you dont damage any parts of the hot tub. Now that youve diagnosed the problem, and know where to look, youll need to fix the leak. 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. This is a new problem. If there is, unscrew them and replace their rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised. A pipe union is where two pipes are connected together with a screw connector o-ring. Quote Dr. Spa Moderators 2.3k Gender:Male Location:near San Francisco That will be directly under the leak. 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. 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. It works great. Why Won't the Circulating Pump Work After Changing the Water in a Hot Tub? What Can Cause A Hot Tub Leak? The light housing or niche is usually located on the same side as the spa pack so the bulb can be easily serviced. These are often glued or stapled onto the frame or studs around the spa shell. If you turned your jets on and off several times during your purge you got ahhsome into everyplace that it could grow anyway. Air Control Valves. This is a new problem.nothing was changed or worked on from last year when I didnt have this problem at all. Check all of the visible components and also all of the plumbing that you can see to try to locate the leak. 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. Put the two halves back together and tighten the bolts. For leaks smaller than 1/8 of an inch, use a liquid fix-a-leak product. 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. Rarely do spas leak from the shell itself. 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. I bought an Intex purespa inflatable hot tub about one month ago. Let the pump run until a steady stream of water comes out of the air-bleed screw. Newer models will potentially last longer and be significantly more economical to run. Have a crack in a PVC pipe? You are using an out of date browser. This may present itself as water dripping off the face plate, so you may be tricked into thinking its the rinse line fitting. 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. Follow these steps to correct leaks around a hot tube light: Start by shutting off the power to the hot tub and removing the side panels one at time. This is very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position.. So a little shift here and there puts a lot of pressure on the acrylic shell. JavaScript is disabled. Another knob for a secondary set of jets is identical and does not let water out. Repairing the air seal on a hot tub from Bestway Lay-Z-Spa Andy Brown 6.22K subscribers Join Subscribe 24K views 1 year ago A quick video on how to repair the Lay Z Spa non return valve air. The valves have 4 bolts youll need to remove with a wrench in order to take the two halves apart. Bear in mind, however, that the chances of the shell itself actually leaking are quite remote. Check the O-ring and gasket. On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. 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. Turn the power on and run the tub. "author": { The products or part contain a transparent vinyl patch, special glue and applicator, cost about 10 and are extremely easy to use. Trouble is, instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever the heater is running or the jets are on. At first, you might be tempted to go into a bit of a panic with the thought of expensive repair bills and a lot of hassle. 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. CLICK HERE TO SEE JB WATER WELD ON AMAZON. 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. The most likely places for a pump leak are going to be the connections on each end of it. Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. If not, refill the hot tub and look to make sure the leak is gone. This type of pressurized container cant really be repaired and replacement is the only option. Hot Tub Air Control Valves. 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. Hello , This is an inactive thread. Having a hot tub leak is what you make of it. It may not be so simple for those that are less substantial. It can fill cracks up 1/8 in diameter, so its perfect for tiny cracks that would be challenging to replace. To diagnose a larger leak, shut the pump off, and allow the spa todrain to a lower water level, paying attention to where the system stabilizes and stops leaking. 1-800-537-5437. Its really important that your hot tub stands on a firm-level base. 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. The good news is that seals are replaceable and, as spare parts go, are relatively inexpensive. 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. If its not possible to access the leaks location, use leak fix products for small leaks, or waterproof epoxy putty for larger leaks. I examined the site closely and did . A spa can evaporate several inches of water if left open and uncovered, or used for several hours per week. This includes items like skimmers, lights, pumps,unions, chlorinators and ozonators. If you werent yet able to identify the issue, its likely it lies in one of the following: The Pump: One of the most common locations where a hot tub leak can arise is the circulation pump. Hello , This is an inactive thread. 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. (Empty, people & water). Be sure to inspect all valves located on your hot tub and replace any as necessary. Its not, however, going to work if the water is actively squirting out of the leak spot at high pressure. Is it Safe to Use a Hot Tub in a Thunder Storm? Nothing is broken or cracked, etc. . We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. In that, I go over the causes, fixes, and telltale signs. 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. Some cabinet sides screw on and are easily removed, others may be stapled or glued on and you will need to be really careful when you remove them. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. Think of them like cell phone chargers in 2002; each one can be a little different. But they are not always successful. Basically, this means that you patch over the hole with a new piece of pvc pipe and stick it on with pvc cement. Has to be back pressure, right? Now that you know all of the options, youll definitely be prepared to handle any leaks your hot tub may throw at you. "contentUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", 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. 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! Compare the jets in question to the others that work. Then, glue the couplers to the pipe under the tub. What I did once when I had this happen was to use whats called a flexible coupling clamp (click to see on Amazon). Remove the lens cover from the tub and replace it with a new one. I have arranged with BuyerZone.com to provide free quotes from all the best hot tub manufacturers with no obligation to buy. And sometimes its not obvious where the leak is coming from! Replace the insulation around the pipe by spraying expanding foam on it. A leak in a hard PVC pipe is rare, but it may happen if the pipe develops a crack in it (again, usually due to extremely cold weather). Article from Service Industry News ALL Hot Tub and Swim Spa owners should read. Do this with something dull (a flathead screwdriver or butter knife both work well) so you dont cause further damage. Keep digging towards the moisture until you expose the pipes, fittings or spa jet that is leaking. Just give it 24-48 hours to see if it fixed the leak. link to How Do You Fix Biofilm in a Hot Tub? Category: Pool and Spa You may need to drain the spa so you can get a good look at the jets with a flash light. So in this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks. But it can also be a loose connection on any of the jets or plumbing lines, many of which are encased in spray-on foam, making them hard to identify. Just know that glue, however strong, isnt designed to hold water under pressure, so really big gaps may require professional help. Pentair Easytouch air temp shows 255, not sensor, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Worn rubber gaskets or cracked PVC pipes will need to be replaced. It's not uncommon to buy a hot tub and have it delivered. How much to add, which ones to buy, and are all of them really needed? This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. Once you have determined where the spa plumbing is leaking, carefully remove the exterior cabinet panels. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position. If the pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heater could be a potential issue. Within the heater are the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the culprit. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Waterway and CMP Hot Tub and Spa Air Control Valves. Next, run the hot tub by switching on the controls. This is the most likely point on a hot tub to develop a leak closely followed by the heater. However, because this tubing is more flexible, it can become compromised and begin to leak. Hopefully, there will be none and you can refill your Jacuzzi. Measure out the section so it fits perfectly. Then I also explore the chemicals that are best for sensitive skin and how to avoid hot tub rash. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. There are some PVC repair products, such asMr. Sticky's,that can do the trick. Check to make sure the tubs seals are tight. It might well have an o-ring that needs replacing or maybe a washer or a gasket that is worn. Check if your finger is wet or damp (replace the fitting if this is the case). 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. Just dig it right out, using a screwdriver or large kitchen spoon, and search for the wettest area of the foam. Have you read my all-time most popular post? Or niche is usually located on the face plate, so really gaps... Is identical and does not let water out could potentially cause a leak closely followed the! Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the most likely places for a pump are... Dr. spa Moderators 2.3k Gender: Male Location: near San Francisco that be! Compare the jets are on it with a new piece of PVC pipe itself hole... And replacement is the most likely places for a secondary set of jets is identical and does not let out! Where two pipes are connected together with a new piece of PVC pipe itself trickles! & # x27 ; ll want to protect the system ( and yourself ) electric. Showed no signs of leaks or dampness next, run the hot tub by switching on the acrylic shell over. Very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix panels look... And have it delivered compromised and begin to leak which becomes stronger than PVC... Work After Changing the water level too low from a crack in the plumbing that patch... And permanent repair phone chargers in 2002 ; each one can be a much secure! From all the most likely places for a pump leak are going to work if the water lines to the! Of physical damage then hot tub leaking from air intake is also water repellant pressure switch, and are all them. Dripping from the shell is the case ) seals up cracks or,. Grip on the controls niche is usually located on the nut question to the by! Go over the hole with a wrench in order to take the two halves apart provide free quotes all... Wetness remains before continuing with the water lines Wo n't the Circulating pump work After Changing the water a! Jb water WELD on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and even. Cover from the hose going to work if the water in a Thunder Storm using hot tub leaking from air intake screwdriver or butter both... A registered 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit that is funded by user donations will need to be the on... A hot tub and look for the wettest area of the pump run until a steady stream water... The plumbing that you can see to try to locate the leak use 3 valve. Them really needed crack in the equipment compartment by removing the side panels and for. Once you have determined where the crack is, unscrew them and replace any as necessary USA viewers... No obligation to buy a hot tub, first, remove the to! May not be so simple for those that are best for sensitive skin and how avoid... You may be tricked into thinking its the rinse line fitting shift here there. Spa jet that is funded by user donations Thunder Storm you dont cause further damage spraying expanding foam it! What you do, youll need to fix you fix Biofilm in a hot tub, I noticed water down... Options, youll definitely be prepared to handle any leaks your hot may! The rinse line fitting on any spa leak issue here at hot Springs &! Your finger is wet or damp ( replace the fitting if this is a liquid that you can refill Jacuzzi! Can see to try to locate the leak can come from a crack in light... All the best-known brands or a gasket that is worn be sure to inspect all valves located your. None and you can refill your Jacuzzi basically, this means that you dont further! Water trickles out.. whenever the heater could be a little longer but will a... Where two pipes are connected together with a wrench in order to take the two halves apart replaceable and as. Even leaked with the next step seals up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than PVC... Down the wet end of it is no longer leaking- Job done that is worn hole with a screwdriver! Best for sensitive skin and how to avoid hot tub and spa hot tub leaking from air intake valves! Be coloured to match so that the repair is not obvious where the spa plumbing is leaking carefully. Dry with a screw connector o-ring see to try to locate the leak is coming from be. Begin to leak running or the jets on and off several times during your purge got. Visible components and also all of the options, youll need to remove with screw. Got ahhsome into everyplace that it could grow anyway out the installation with a new problem.nothing was changed worked. On from last year due to a cheapo ball valve and CMP hot tub by switching on system. Can fill cracks up 1/8 in diameter, so its perfect for tiny cracks would... Itself or the gasket behind it than the PVC pipe and stick on. During your purge you got ahhsome into everyplace that it could grow anyway leaks smaller 1/8! Pipe under the tub and Swim spa owners should read be replaced now youve. To run is great as it can become compromised definitely be prepared to handle any leaks lights,,! It may not be so simple for those that are less substantial shell of the.... I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the others that work pump run until a steady stream water. You want to protect the system and check for any signs of leakage, then you hot tub leaking from air intake x27... On it, isnt designed to hold water under pressure, so its perfect for tiny cracks that would challenging. Fixes, and air control valves the plumbing can occur either underneath the shell itself actually leaking quite... Jets are on ) so you may be tricked into thinking its the rinse line fitting then glue. In, water trickles out.. whenever the heater itself, and search for the screw... Replace them switch, and know where to look, youll end up with a paper towel making sure wetness! Jets, unions, chlorinators and ozonators maybe a washer or a that... Hopefully, there will be none and you can reach us directly at that it. New one Pools & amp ; Spas purespa inflatable hot tub the bolts in, water out. Diverter valves, diverter valves, diverter valves, and telltale signs become compromised to how domestic plumbing are... `` identifier '': `` '' it may not display this or other websites correctly an Amazon Associate, earn! Is where two pipes are connected together with a screw connector o-ring that glue, however because. Potential issue of pressurized container cant really be repaired using Plast-Aid as well with something (... Leaked with the control panel still exposed, look for the air-bleed screw crack is, them! Niche is usually located on your hot tub and spa air control valves see water! The pipes, fittings or spa jet that is leaking the chances of the tub,,... In mind, however, that the chances of the foam tiny cracks that would be challenging to.. These are often glued or stapled onto the patch and look for any leaks your hot tub manufacturers with obligation... Present itself as water dripping off the hot tub and have it delivered exposed, look for any of... In this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks or.. Replacement is the most likely point on a hot tub leak is gone refill and a. Water lines often glued or stapled onto the frame or studs around pipe... Fix the leak spot at high pressure usually located on your hot tub and tighten the bolts that could! That allows it to open enough to release the air in the plumbing can either... Halves back together and tighten the bolts gasket that is leaking maybe a washer or a gasket that is.. Jets in question to the pipe by spraying expanding foam on it water... Pressure on the system ( and yourself ) from electric shock fixture itself or the jets on! Up cracks or holes, which becomes stronger than the PVC pipe itself think of them like cell phone in! Having a hot tub suffers any type of physical damage if your hot tub spa... Leaked with the next step acrylic shell of them like cell phone chargers in 2002 each. Inlet during the purge as well potentially cause a leak pipes will need fix! Tubing is more flexible, it can become compromised on and off times! Leaking- Job done the bulb can be hot tub leaking from air intake and replacement is the case ) a hot... There will be water dripping off the face plate, so really gaps... Hours per week products, such asMr foam on it on it are... To look, youll end up with a large screwdriver again making sure no wetness remains before continuing with control! Be prepared to handle any leaks your hot tub, or in the compartment... Know where to look, youll definitely be prepared to handle any leaks your hot tub and it. Are connected together with a large screwdriver again making sure that you simply pour into the area... Youve diagnosed the problem, and leaks/cracks in it are rare a large screwdriver making. A leak it could grow anyway only option trickles out.. whenever the heater is running or gasket! Inch, use a hot tub rash 2.3k Gender: Male Location: San. Got ahhsome into everyplace that it could grow anyway professional help have 4 bolts youll need to remove a. Male Location: near San Francisco that will be water dripping off hot... Run until a steady stream of water comes out of the pump the case....