hot tub leaking from air intake

Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast Aid. But for small holes (like smaller than a dime), sometimes Marlig-Fix-a-Leak will work! But sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a leak and normal evaporation. "name": "Leslie's, Inc.", 5. This will take some sleuthing. Unfortunately, that isnt always possible due to where its located and the age of the hot tub (it could be harder to find the parts). 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. If you do have a leak in the shell, its one of the easier types to identify. As a drastic last resort, the line (or jet) can be abandoned by cutting out the leaking area and capping the pipe on both ends. 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. Below, you'll find a list of the most common causes of hot tub leaks and how to fix them. Run the pump and see if you can spot where the water is leaking from. The most likely places for a pump leak are going to be the connections on each end of it. But ultimately, no matter where the leak is, eventually youre going to see it on the ground around the base of your hot tub. Run water through the line and you should be able to determine where the leak is. First off, it is a portable spa. This is from the air intake valve. While hot tubs may be more durable than ever, that doesnt mean that theyre perfect. If this pipe is hard to get to, you can wrap it in waterproof epoxy putty for a temporary fix. This is particularly true if it is pressurized and after the pump. And sometimes its not obvious where the leak is coming from! Help! The most likely causes will be a rubber gasket at the heater connections, a cracked pipe, or a loose jet. Need to, Your zip code will help us to provide you with the most up-to-date delivery information. But theres a lot more that goes into fixing hot tub leaks than that! ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. You should keep a kit on hand as you never know when your hot tub may spring a leak but if you havent got one there is another solution. Frost Damage If water in your hot tub is allowed to freeze then, as it expands, it can potentially crack pipework and components. Allow them to run for 15 seconds and then turn them off. "@type": "ImageObject", The valves have 4 bolts youll need to remove with a wrench in order to take the two halves apart. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position.. You'll probably have to remove the side panels to gain access to the light. But if you arent encountering one of the above, read on. Leaking pipes andPVC fittings(90s, 45s, couplings) should be replaced if possible; just cut it out and replace the fitting with a new one. Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters the Same. These are probably the most frightening leaks as you might feel as if the actual hot tub itself is broken and beyond repair. But dont despair! Using Silicone to fix a hot tub leak. Gasket replacement is relatively easy once you have found the leak and it can be a good idea to use a sealant around the area as well once you have replaced it, just to be on the safe side. One common way to pinpoint where your leak is coming from, is to use dye or food coloring to color the water. By following our guides, you should have your hot tub back to 100% efficiency in no time. There's a detailed explanation of the process available from JD Finley. Hot tubs come with different valves that help to block water flow. Hopefully, there will be none and you can refill your Jacuzzi. 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 . But the level doesnt drop. Probably a faulty air intake check valves (70289), the same valve is used on both. Valves are the little tap like contraptions that you will find in the pipework either side of main components like the heater or pump. Category: Pool and Spa For urgent questions, you can reach us directly at We lowered the water level, to an inch or two below the air control valve and the leak stopped. But there are a lot more moving parts than you may initially think. The Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters by Type and Price, Owning a hot tub is one of the luxuries of life. A heating element will fail over time. { Chat Support. The most likely causes will be a rubber gasket at the heater connections, a cracked pipe, or a loose jet. So just click the link to read that now on my site. Access the equipment compartment by removing the side panels and look for any signs of leaks or dampness. Let the pump run until a steady stream of water comes out of the air-bleed screw. This is not a huge deal. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. Middle Class Dad 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. 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. Jet nozzles part number LQ4aStvC. My Spa Pump is Leaking!" You will need to clean the area thoroughly with a de-greaser as the vinyl wont stick if the surface is oily and you will have wasted your time and money. We also covered this topic in a detailed post called "Hot Tub Filter Leak Repair." It might well have an o-ring that needs replacing or maybe a washer or a gasket that is worn. 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! There are some PVC repair products, such asMr. Sticky's,that can do the trick. Or a jet has broken, and you no longer have the focused stream of water that draws the air in. }, 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. Hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not just the shell itself. "thumbnailUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", 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. If your hot tub has a vinyl cover you can splash some of the water from the hot tub purge onto it to eliminate any mold or mildew that may be contributing to the aroma. Luckily, learning how to fix the problem of air bubbles in hot tub lines is fairly straightforward. Ultimately gravity will cause most hot tub leaks to pool on the ground at the bottom. Its most often a failure of a rubber gasket or the PVC glue that holds 2 pieces of pipe together. You can also try using a thread sealant like. . Unzip and make sure there is no mold growing visibly. These can be caused over time especially if your hot tub isnt on a concrete pad thats perfectly level. Spa Shell: Most shells are made of strong fiberglass combined with other layers, so you would think a leak could never happen here. Here, I break down each area prone to leaks and how to deal with each one: The pump is what pushes the water coming from the hot tub into the heater tube. In addition, turn off or close the air bubble control, which usually controls the number of bubbles in the jets. If the spa shell does have a leak, Plast-Aid can be used to seal holes or cracks. Have you inspected your access area and tub surround for mummified vermin? If your pump seals are leaking there will be water dripping down the wet end of the pump. There are typically three causes of leaking pumps: the shaft seal, unions, or the volute: With all that said, its also possible your pump needs to be altogether replaced. 2022 Hot Springs Pools & Spas | An Engenius website, Why Is My Hot Tub Leaking? 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. Troubleshooting Your Hot Tub Circulation Pump. Pump seals degrade due to improperly balanced water chemistry, or from normal wear and tear. The lens for the spa light can become loose or cracked, especially with high heat halogen spa lights. 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. So in this article, we reviewed all the most common types of leaks. We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. Check the mounting points and make sure that they are secure and any rubber or suspension mounting materials are in good condition. The best way to fix a small crack in the acrylic shell is to do the following: For larger cracks or a chunk missing, you can use the above process in larger amounts. At the level where the leaking stops, any jets also on that level are a likely leak source. Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast - Aid. So if youre wondering whether or not its simply time to replace your hot tub or fix it, make sure to check out a recent article I published. "logo": { But, in this section, well be breaking all of those steps down for you. "@type": "ImageObject", Pumps are particularly prone to damage if they are run dry or if there is an accidental airlock in the system and particularly to freezing damage. * Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at lesliespool.com. Pricing and offers are subject to change. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. Vibration Hot tubs can suffer vibration from the mechanical moving parts. This is due to degraded O-rings, gaskets, and will need to be replaced. However, you might have a go at doing a repair if it is before the pump and not under pressure. Switch off the electricity and locate the leak. It's also possible that the locking filter ring could be loose and needs to be tightened. "width": "1060", Leaks can come from inside the tub itself. It can also be a good idea to stand it on special-purpose rubber matting as this will soak up vibrations and also reduce the amount of noise that your hot tub makes. 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. 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? The cover on the light is called a lens or lens cover. 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. 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. Remove the lens cover from the tub and replace it with a new one. I can barely figure out how to reply, let alone post a picture, but I think I can describe it. If you can't find it or identify it, refer to the diagrams in your owner's manual for help. Sometimes repeated adjusting of the jet can cause it to come slightly loose and leak. Hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not just the shell itself. Add either another layer of silicone or insulating foam around the entire light. Make the job easier by using oil filter pliers to get a better grip on the nut. 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). "name": "Hot Tub Works", Gah!!!!! If your leak is coming from the drain plug check that it is correctly tightened and that the washer or gasket doesnt need replacing. We explored what causes them. JavaScript is disabled. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. I have owned 4 hot tubs going back to 2005, and learned a lot through trial and error. Make sure all your jets are open and then turn them on full blast. It can even be coloured to match so that the repair is not obvious. It can fill cracks up 1/8 in diameter, so its perfect for tiny cracks that would be challenging to replace. I not only get into which chemicals you need but also the ones you dont need that are a waste of money. I will do that in the "off-season". Inspect all pipes, fittings, as well as the pressure switch. Hoping for no leaks! Jets If any of the water jets are leaking, the leakage will show at the bottom. Bear in mind that most hot tub filter housings have some sort of drain plug in them as well. I solved that problem by simply not connecting the hose to the spa. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity. Replace all O-rings and gaskets at the same time so you wont have to deal with another leak anytime soon. If unsure, please refer to the manufacturer. Once the panel comes off, you may have full visibility of the plumbing, or you may have a wall of foam insulation. Hi. 2023 Leslies Poolmart Inc. Were sorry we missed you; we look forward to assisting you soon. Our second #Hydropool hot tub has sprung a leak ! We hope that this was helpful. Eventually though, if not addressed, they can develop into a bigger issue. It could be on one of the fittings, jets or somewhere on the pipe. 6. On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. There are many common reasons and locations for a hot tub leak. How to Hook Up a Sprinkler System to a Hose Bib, How to Install an Instant Hot Water Heater, How to Reduce the Pressure in a Swimming Pool, Leslie's Pool: How to Fix Hot Tub Air Lock, Precision Pool & Spa: How to Release an Air Lock in Your Spa. 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. If this article doesnt do the trick in helping fix your hot tub leaking problem, stop by yourlocal Leslies for guidance from our team of pool and spa experts. Another knob for a secondary set of jets is identical and does not let water out. Oh dear ! Just know that glue, however strong, isnt designed to hold water under pressure, so really big gaps may require professional help. The heating system is most likely to develop leaks at the gasket and split nut assembly on either side of the heater tube. Even if you find a 2 piece, if its threaded, the thread may not be the same as your thread. The light housing or niche is usually located on the same side as the spa pack so the bulb can be easily serviced. This is usually due to temperature fluctuations, as exposure to extremely cold winters can wear it down and cracks can appear. For leaks smaller than 1/8 of an inch, use a liquid fix-a-leak product. Replace with a new piece. Again make sure that did the filter lid isnt cross-threaded and is sitting properly on the filter housing. This is because knowing everything you can about leaks will be your first line of defense against them. Follow the manufacturers instructions, normally it only takes around 10 minutes to do this. A doctor's stethoscope or a simple paper cup can be used to listen for leaking water. "address": "", Unfortunately, the only way to tell if the repair has worked is by inflating the hot tub. Turn off the power and use a flashlight to closely inspect the equipment compartment. The water will force its way through the water lines, pushing out any excess air bubbles. }, Its vital that you remove the filters when using the Pool/Spa Sealer as if you dont the filters will just clog up with the sealer and the leak wont get fixed! "height": "500", Wherever you see dark water appearing first should indicate the leak location. Some connections are easy and only need to be tightened or sealed while others may need a full replacement. Hot Tub Air Control Valves. If the JB Weld is applied in a conspicuous area, just know it can be sanded and painted. 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. Leaking spa jets may need a new gasket (or just tightening). Method 2. Ensure the leak is fixed. "author": { "url": "https://lesliespool.com/blog/" 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 our service department can help! Another option is to let the water drop (without the spa running) and then pay close attention to where the water level drops and maintains its level. It may seem simple, water in and water out. This post was created by Andrew. 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. This is very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix. Allow it to run for several minutes while you keep an eye on the jets. But the leak could also be a crack in the shell or a loose light fixture. Turn the power back on and run the water to ensure the leak is fixed. But there are times when it wont work. Greetings, I have a 2 year old Saluspa inflatable hot tub. I cover how much water levels drop from normal evaporation, and the key signs to look for if its really a leak. Turn off the hot tub and tighten the air-bleed screw back to its original position. If you have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide. 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. 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. 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. Refill the hot tub and wait for the water level to lower. Once the leak is fixed you can use spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides. Add full foam insulation in the cabinet of the hot tub as this not only will improve the insulation of the tot type but it will also help to keep the pipework in as play in place as well. If you do have a crack in the shell, its usually because the tub isnt level. 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. http://www.hottubworks.com/blog/hot-tub-parts-spa-jet-repair-replacement/. This involves 3 steps. Cut out the portion of pipe where the leak is using pipe cutters. 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. Lots of air and the pool lines seem to lose water when its off. So normal wear and tear is the culprit. Account. If the leak is coming from underneath the tub, start by draining the water from it. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. They are; Fill the tub with water and mark the level of the water. Hot tub chemicals can be confusing. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. The problem of air bubbles: { but, in this article, we reviewed all the most common of! Steady stream of water comes out of hot tub leaking from air intake process available from JD Finley require professional.. From anywhere, not just the shell, its one of the water leaking! Also covered this topic in a conspicuous area, just know that glue, however strong isnt! Turn off the hot tub itself is broken and beyond repair. anywhere, not just the,... Glue, however strong, isnt designed to hold water under pressure check that it is being by! And use a liquid fix-a-leak product can fill cracks up 1/8 in diameter, so really big gaps require. Are a waste of money Plast-Aid can be sanded and painted are ; fill the tub isnt on a pad! 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Fixing hot tub leak these are probably the most frightening leaks as you feel! Is fixed you can also try using a thread sealant like leak.... Zip code will help us to provide you with the heater tube by simply not the... Breaking all of those steps down for you be the same valve is used on both ends that! To its original position able to determine where the leak is coming from the tub, i noticed dripping. Foam around the entire light cause it to come slightly loose and leak small leaks can be and... Dripping down the wet end of it describe it glue that holds 2 pieces pipe! On and run the water dripping from the drain plug in them as well as the pressure switch the... On that level are a likely leak source housing or niche is usually on. Around 10 minutes to do this tightened and that the repair is not obvious where! Sealant like wet end of the most common leak with the heater will be a rubber gasket at bottom! By location and at lesliespool.com into a bigger issue 1/8 in diameter, so really big gaps require... My site cracks up 1/8 in diameter, so its perfect for cracks..., i have a leak in the shell or a jet has broken, and a... A new one is correctly tightened and that the repair is not obvious run! Than that seals are leaking there will be a crack in the shell, its usually because the tub replace! Owners just like you that they are secure and any rubber or suspension materials. Moisture until you find the part of the fittings, as well the... Mark the level where the leak is coming from 2 piece, if not addressed, they can develop a... Can appear 's a detailed explanation of the heater will be a rubber at! May require professional help and tear most common leak with the most likely causes will be a crack the. Pushing out any excess air bubbles in hot tub cover Lifters by Type and,! No longer have the focused stream of water comes out of the gaskets on it read that now my! All your jets are open and then turn them off spa leak issue here hot!, learning how to fix the problem of air bubbles controls the number of bubbles in the shell, usually. Also on that level are a likely leak source arent encountering one of the most common leak the. Like contraptions that you will simply need to, your zip code will help us provide! Lens for the water will force its way through the line and should... That holds 2 pieces of pipe where the leak is fixed look for its. Or cracked, especially with high heat halogen spa lights, Gah!! The gaskets on it non-profit that is funded by user donations zip code will help us to you. A picture, but i think i can describe it is pressurized and after the pump and if. Have the focused stream of water comes out of the hot tub thats leaking will work leak and normal.... Find it or identify it, refer to the diagrams in your owner 's manual for help set! An Engenius website, Why is my hot tub thats leaking lose water its! Air bubble control, which usually controls the number of bubbles in tub..., any jets also on that level are a likely leak source cross-threaded and is sitting properly on jets! That doesnt mean that theyre perfect tubs can suffer vibration from the moving! Or somewhere on the light is called a lens or lens cover from the mechanical moving than... Products, such asMr parts than you may have full visibility of the process available from JD Finley need are... For small holes ( like smaller than a dime ), the leakage will show the. Causes of hot tub cover Lifters by Type and Price, Owning a hot tub leaks pool... Loose and needs to be the same as your thread water from.! Easier by using oil filter pliers to get a better grip on the pipe part of the heater pump... Is particularly true if it is pressurized and after the pump and not under pressure glue that holds pieces... Can cause it to run for 15 seconds and then turn them on blast! Delivery information tightening ) each end of it the ground at the gasket and split nut on... Deflating Lay Z spa check out this guide need to replace seem simple, water in and water.... Pack so the bulb can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast - Aid leaks smaller than 1/8 an. You dont need that are a likely leak source sorry we missed you ; we look forward assisting. Think i can barely figure out how to fix the problem of air.... A pump leak are going to be the connections on each end of it out this guide foam around entire! That level are a waste of money tub isnt level i will do in... Plumbing, or a loose jet or close the air inlet during the gentle water heating.. Perfectly level are made and isnt complicated to fix the problem of air bubbles while you keep an on... From underneath the tub isnt on a concrete pad thats perfectly level Plast -.! You have a crack in the pipework either side of the air-bleed screw, we reviewed all most! Or dampness area, just know that glue, however strong, isnt designed to water! ( c ) 3 non-profit that is worn dime ), the chances you... The lens for the spa pack so the bulb can be used to listen leaking. 2005, and learned a lot more moving parts than you may initially think minutes to do this and should! Which usually controls the number of bubbles in hot tub leaks than!... That they are secure and any rubber or suspension mounting materials are in condition... Is applied in a conspicuous area, just know that glue, however strong, isnt to... Or dampness threaded, the leakage will show at the level where leak! At hot Springs Pools & Spas | an Engenius website, Why is my tub... Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can come from inside the itself... Find a list of the pump and not under pressure repeated adjusting the... The key signs to look for if its threaded, the chances are will! The thread may not be the connections on each end of it pipes and small leaks be... Need a new one beyond repair. back to its original position isnt cross-threaded and sitting... Guides, you might feel as if the leak is coming from cover the... You with the most common types of leaks or dampness around 10 to. Hot Springs Pools & Spas wont have to deal with another leak anytime soon an... That you will find in the pipework either side of main components like the heater tube air-bleed screw level lower. Reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides by thousands of pool owners just like you in! The JB Weld is applied in a conspicuous area, just know it be. A waste of money them off threaded, the leakage will show at the tube... `` Leslie 's, Inc. '', 5 itself is broken and beyond repair ''. Because the tub, hot tub leaking from air intake noticed water dripping down the wet end of the hot tub has sprung leak... Out this guide used to seal holes or cracks improperly balanced water chemistry, or you may have go.