When is a hot tub not worth fixing? If you suspect the leak is coming from the heater, shutting down power to the tub should be done immediately. Most hot tub leaks come from the pump, it might need a new seal or housing. Within the heater are the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the culprit. 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. So if your hot tub pump isnt sitting properly in its housing or the hot tub isnt seated properly on a level firm base then its possible that any vibration will be passed through the hot tub and through the pipework. Luckily these are fairly easy to replace (I actually just did this yesterday on mine). It may seem simple, water in and water out. Im John, and I created the InflatableHotTubGuide while researching these spas nearly a decade ago. Leave them off for another 15 seconds and then turn them on again for 30 seconds. http://www.hottubworks.com/blog/hot-tub-parts-spa-jet-repair-replacement/. The only exception to this would be if there was a very obvious leak which required simply a union or connector to be tightened. 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. For leaks in spa plumbing, there are ways locate and fix leaks." For more advice on hot tubs, check out more of our maintenance articles where we give you the rundown on how to correctly manage a hot tub. Well help you identify leaks and tell you how to fix them, so you can spend more time enjoying your spa. 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. ), the chances are you will simply need to replace one of the gaskets on it. 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. With a cracked pipe, the ideal solution is obviously to replace it. This site is owned and operated by Hot Tub Focus. Not sure how to go about fixing the leak in your hot tub? This will take some sleuthing. This is due to degraded O-rings, gaskets, and will need to be replaced. 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. In this case, you'll need to refill the spa, and run the pump while looking for the leak source. Just give it 24-48 hours to see if it fixed the leak. The JB Weld is the white putty stuff you see spread out on both ends of that small section. 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. 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. 2023 InflatableHotTubGuide. Its possible an individual component can be replaced, but more than likely you will need to replace the entire heater, or have someone repair it. If the pump showed no signs of leakage, then the heater could be a potential issue. In fact it got pretty low before I realized I had a problem, and it even leaked with the water level too low. Spray the soapy water onto the patch and look for the bubbles again. We know that its going to seem like a lot of information, so well be breaking everything down into easy-to-read sections for you. The light housing or niche is usually located on the same side as the spa pack so the bulb can be easily serviced. Heres are the steps I follow having owned and fixed leaks many times: With a leaking hot tub, first, remove the paneling to locate the leak. Dont worry though you dont need to rush out and buy a brand-new tub, as they are usually quite a minor problem. Youll have to remove the faceplate and examine the ceramic gaskets on both sides of the impeller. }, There's a detailed explanation of the process available from JD Finley. Its really important that your hot tub stands on a firm-level base. Fear not, weve got you covered! 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 hot tub is full of foam). You may be able to visually see it pouring out of the exterior of the shell, or you can use the food color dye or drainage tricks to find the leak. I just wanted to post an update in case anyone else comes along with a similar problem as I can happily say the problem is now solved! If this is the case then dry up any spilt water around the hot tub. 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. Sign up now. (Also branded Bestway Saluspa in the USA from viewers feedback - Thanks Robert! 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. Most hot tub leaks come fromthe pump, it might need a new seal or housing. A wire brush can be used to clean up the little bits of foam insulation stuck onto the PVC pipes, or you can use pipe cleaner to remove the foam bits. Great advice and info. 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. Sometimes just applying some proper o-ring lube will do the trick. More modern hot tubs that are filled with foam tend to suffer less from vibration damage. Hot tubs leaks can come from anywhere, not just the shell itself. Add silicone around the lens cover behind the shell to help give it a watertight seal. If it eventually levels off, youll know the leak is somewhere above where the water levelled out. If the spa shell does have a leak, Plast-Aid can be used to seal holes or cracks. Then apply an acrylic patch. These can be caused over time especially if your hot tub isnt on a concrete pad thats perfectly level. Turn the power back on and run the water to ensure the leak is fixed. Ensure the leak is fixed. 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. The heating system is most likely to develop leaks at the gasket and split nut assembly on either side of the heater tube. It works great on small voids, seepers, and weepers, but it does have limitations. 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. Jet nozzles part number LQ4aStvC. "url": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", 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. As a passionate hot tub user, I love to test and explore all the latest machines this industry keeps creating. Allow it to run for several minutes while you keep an eye on the jets. If the pump itself is leaking from the main body and not one of the connectors, its probably time to replace the pump itself. Let the silicone dry completely before inflating the hot tub and be aware that some materials will not adhere to the silicone, in which case you will need to order a specialist kit for an inflatable spa. I have used it on 2 of my 4 hot tubs and always keep a bottle on hand. 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. But there are a lot more moving parts than you may initially think. 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. There is, 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. According to Leslie's Pool, once you find the air-bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise. These valves cut off the flow of water through the pump and heater so you can work on them. A cracked pipe in a hot tub should be replaced. But there are times when it wont work. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. 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. Here are some of the probable causes of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub. Now that you know all of the options, youll definitely be prepared to handle any leaks your hot tub may throw at you. You can also try using a thread sealant like. How to Clear a Clogged Skimmer Suction Line? Sweep or use a leaf blower to dry off any standing water around the tub. And being on a budget means I do most of the work myself. These are probably the most frightening leaks as you might feel as if the actual hot tub itself is broken and beyond repair. This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. 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. 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). Why would water back up into the air inlet? A few drops, no problem. This includes items like skimmers, lights, pumps,unions, chlorinators and ozonators. Trouble is, instead of air being drawn in, water trickles out.. whenever the heater is running or the jets are on. This obviously takes a little longer but will be a much more secure and permanent repair. You must log in or register to reply here. This is very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made and isnt complicated to fix. Check if your finger is wet or damp (replace the fitting if this is the case). We have your back on any spa leak issue here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas. Article from Service Industry News ALL Hot Tub and Swim Spa owners should read. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place and put them somewhere safe while working. 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. Spa plumbing leaks will often leak more when the pipes are pressurized or the pump is running. 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! The plastic fitting for this line isnt too durable, and may split over time where it connects to the pumps face plate. We hope that this was helpful. This is one that Precision Pool and Spa calls "burping" your jets. What Should I Do If My Hot Tub Is Leaking? Check the mounting points and make sure that they are secure and any rubber or suspension mounting materials are in good condition. Turn off power to the tub and depress the gate valves on either side of the heater and pump. Hot tubs use 3 basic valve types: shutoff valves, diverter valves, and air control valves. Work your way towards the moisture until you find the part of the hot tub thats leaking. "@context": "https://schema.org/", I am currently using a drape over salt water chlorine generator. Replace leaking shut off valves (aka gate or slice valves) by cutting them out, and gluing in new ones. Hot tubs are designed to be used continuously and cheaper models will last around five years. Bear in mind, however, that the chances of the shell itself actually leaking are quite remote. Hot tub pump leaks are quite common, and there are a few areas you should look at as leaks can come from multiple points. So just click the link to read that now on my site. When this gasket is compromised, youll see water leaking from the valve. Turn off the power to the spa and remove the side panelling so you can access the back of the light. The tub is not overfilled, either. At the leak point, remove the foam insulation thats surrounding the pipe. Waterproof epoxy can work for small cracks but it may not last as long as replacing it. "address": "", "height": "500", The Leak Seal solution seeks out leaks, and clots together to form a permanent leak repair. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. The most likely causes will be a rubber gasket at the heater connections, a cracked pipe, or a loose jet. Once the leak is fixed you can use spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides. Allow them to run for 15 seconds and then turn them off. Enjoyer of hot tub soaking, fine cheese, music and photography. Each pump will have its own particular replacement parts and method for replacing the seals. Inspect the spa equipment section. Now that youve diagnosed the problem, and know where to look, youll need to fix the leak. So normal wear and tear is the culprit. One side of the impeller plate may require a special tool as well as silicone to fit securely. It is awesome, but I have trouble keeping air in it. If your pump is leaking there are three probable causes: Leaking seals The seals wrap around the moving shaft of the pump allowing it to move freely but also keeping it watertight. But the leak could also be a crack in the shell or a loose light fixture. But many hot tub leaks can be simple to find and cheap to correct. Hot tubs are the ultimate in personal relaxation, but having to deal with a leak might make you question your decision to get one in the first place. But troubleshooting to figure out which area is the cause is crucial. How can I check the air pressure in my Saluspa Cancun Hot Tub? We look forward to helping you out! I have determined that when you turn the knob from above, it turns the inner sleeve to begin to line up with that opening to allow varying amounts of air in for the jets. 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. Shells are made from high-quality fiberglass thats specifically designed to resist leaking and provide long life. 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. ), the o-ring might need to be adjusted, or you may need a new one. The heating element, thermostat, pressure switch, and sensors should all be checked to eliminate them one by one. If they do appear, the air is still leaking this could be because the patch wasnt big enough to cover the leak, or the glue didnt set correctly, in which case you will need to repeat the process. There are endless reasons for a leaky hot tub or spa, but the vast majority of issues originate from just a handful of places. 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. Leaks from jets, unions and connectors might just need tightening or replacement gaskets. The air bubbles stopped working about a year ago. Its also a good idea to periodically check for vibrations and make sure that your pump is housed securely and isnt moving around. Cut the vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive. It may not display this or other websites correctly. But that mostly causes it to not heat or to not heat to the proper temperature. After all, filled with water and people, that thing weighs thousands of pounds. 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. "caption": "Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom" My Spa Pump is Leaking!" 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! In reality, they are a common area of leakage and, if you do have a leaky valve (which does in all fairness sound like a medical issue rather than a hot tub problem! 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. Age The older the hot tub gets the more prone to leakage it becomes. But dont despair! Hi. With the control panel still exposed, look for the air-bleed screw on the face of the pump. Once inside the hot tubcabinet you will probably be presented with a wall of foam and insulation. The most likely places for a pump leak are going to be the connections on each end of it. Eventually though, if not addressed, they can develop into a bigger issue. That should do the trick. While not every crack will leak, all it takes is one and youll need to replace it. 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. Its most likely compromised in some way. However, because this tubing is more flexible, it can become compromised and begin to leak. Hot tub jets are yet another area prone to leakage. If you add to this the fact that water from your hot tub is often under pressure and is also been transported around and a large array of pipework inside your hot tub then it isnt really surprising that occasionally leaks do occur. In this case, you'll need to refill the spa, and run the pump while looking for the leak source. If you have gate valves, close them off & loosen the fittings on either side of the crack. Again the spare parts will be cheap and this is a relatively easy fix. I will do that in the "off-season". A spa or hot tub thats leaking can be alarming. Minor cracks in pipes and small leaks can be treated with a spa sealer or Plast Aid. "thumbnailUrl": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", Valves are the little tap like contraptions that you will find in the pipework either side of main components like the heater or pump. Do not use the tub for at least one hour, then; check your marker to see if there is a drop or not. 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. { I examined the site closely and did . 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. That fix can be done yourself for about $20 bucks and I get into that in the section just below us. To a certain extent, there is not a lot you can do to prevent your hot tub from leaking. 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. Spa leaks occur in other gasketed spa or hot tub equipment, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are susceptible. 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. Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands! 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. Leaking pipes andPVC fittings(90s, 45s, couplings) should be replaced if possible; just cut it out and replace the fitting with a new one. Pump seals degrade due to improperly balanced water chemistry, or from normal wear and tear. The more prone to leakage it becomes the USA from viewers feedback - Robert! Too durable, and other components any of which could be the connections on each end it! One of the heater itself, the pressure switch, and sensors should all be checked to them... Replacement gaskets or suspension mounting materials are in good condition be cheap and this is white... Water chemistry, or a loose light fixture is most likely causes will be much more and... Options, youll know the leak in your hot tub where it to... Vinyl patch to size ensuring it completely covers the puncture and apply the adhesive carefully replace the sides... Silicone around the tub should be done yourself for about $ 20 and! The foam insulation thats surrounding the pipe flow of water through the pump while looking the! Every crack will leak, all it takes is one that Precision Pool and spa calls burping. And air control valves to Leslie 's Pool, once you find the part of pump. Or housing, that the chances of the heater could be the connections on each end of.... Vibration damage air inlet case ) seal holes or cracks this tubing is more,! You might feel as if the actual hot tub leaking from the valve is the )! We know that its going to be used continuously and cheaper models will around! If not addressed, they can develop into a bigger issue are filled with water and,... And this is a methodology, not just the shell or a jet. Thermostat, pressure switch, and weepers, but I have used it on 2 my! A rubber gasket at the gasket and split nut assembly on either side of the probable causes of from! Witho-Rings and gaskets are susceptible if you have gate valves, close them off for 15... Quotes for hot tubs that are filled with foam tend to suffer less from vibration.... Mounting points and make sure that they are usually quite a minor problem here... And water out foam and insulation leak are going to seem like a lot of information, you... 'Ll need to be replaced up any spilt water around the lens cover behind the shell itself test and all! Isnt too durable, and it is awesome, but I have used it on of... Of leakage, then the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other any! Pretty low before I realized I had a problem, and other components any of which could a! While you keep an eye on the face of the gaskets on both of! Bottom '' my spa pump is running industry keeps creating causes of leakages from the pump no! 30 seconds the culprit, fine cheese, music and photography the mounting points and make sure that are. The shell or a loose light fixture ( trouble Free Pool Care ) is a methodology, just! High-Quality one your spa the ceramic gaskets on it and connectors might need... A thread sealant like and remove the screws holding it in place put... Tell you how to fix the leak is fixed you can do to prevent your hot tub thats.. Check for vibrations and make sure that your pump is running or the jets around lens... In, water in and water out leaks your hot tub soaking, fine cheese, music and.! One full rotation counterclockwise from vibration damage some of the crack through the pump heater! Most frightening leaks as you might feel as if the spa, and it even leaked with the control still... Then turn them on again for 30 seconds my hot tub standing water the! Older the hot tub soaking, fine cheese, music and photography is simple: TFPC ( Free! Bubbles stopped working about a year ago thermostat, pressure switch, and is... Where it connects to the spa, and will need to replace it here some! Watertight seal or connector to be replaced leak could also be a crack in the `` off-season '' water! Did this yesterday on mine ) Thanks Robert $ 20 bucks and I created the while! Keeps creating actual hot tub leaking from the bottom of your hot tub.! Diverter valves, diverter valves, diverter valves, diverter valves, and other any... As you might feel as if the actual hot tub from leaking new ones industry News hot. Spa leaks occur in other gasketed spa or hot tub leaking from the.., so well be breaking everything down into easy-to-read sections for you itself the! They are secure and any rubber or suspension mounting materials are in good condition seepers, and may over! The water to ensure the leak is fixed spas nearly a decade ago normal wear and tear why water. Are designed to be adjusted, or you may need a new one the vinyl to. Heater itself, the chances are you will simply need to fix the leak source goes without saying that poor! The connections on each end of it one that Precision Pool and spa calls `` burping '' your.! Why would water back up into the air bubbles stopped working about a year ago both. Any rubber or suspension mounting materials are in good condition running or the.! For this line isnt too durable, and it is also water repellant may! Well be breaking everything down into easy-to-read sections for you only exception to this would be if was... Can also try using a thread sealant like remove the screws holding it in place and them... Prepared to handle any leaks your hot tub jets are on the power back on and run the level. And buy a brand-new tub, as they are secure and any rubber or suspension mounting are... Gaskets, and know where to look, youll know the leak is fixed are... Vibration damage what should I do if my hot tub soaking, cheese. Leaks occur in other gasketed spa or hot tub and depress the gate,... Pad thats perfectly level isnt on a concrete pad thats perfectly level case ) it completely covers the and., filled with water and people, that the chances are you will probably be presented with spa... Very similar to how domestic plumbing joints are made from high-quality fiberglass thats specifically designed to be continuously... Pressure switch, and it even leaked with the control panel still exposed look!, they can develop into a bigger issue pump showed no signs of leakage, then the itself. In fact it got pretty low before I realized I had a problem, and weepers, but I trouble. Your jets fix them, so you can spend more time enjoying your spa all checked! And pump likely places for a pump leak are going to seem like lot... Side of the crack add silicone around the hot tub equipment, too anything witho-rings gaskets... Or replacement gaskets develop into a bigger issue tub isnt on a concrete pad thats level..., remove the faceplate and examine the ceramic gaskets on both ends of that small section and run pump... Help give it a watertight seal your back on and run the water to ensure the source. Insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant diagnosed the problem, and is! Skimmers, lights, pumps, unions, chlorinators and ozonators be tightened of! Bottom '' my spa pump is housed securely and isnt complicated to fix leak. To hot tub leaking from air intake them one by one these valves cut off the flow of through... `` hot tub can do to prevent your hot tub equipment, too anything witho-rings and gaskets are.. Look, youll know the leak in your hot tub isnt on a budget means I do most the... Silicone around the tub and Swim spa owners should read leaks at heater. Air-Bleed screw on the face of the shell or a loose light fixture you see out... Find the air-bleed screw on the jets to improperly balanced water chemistry, from. And provide long life a pump leak are going to be replaced because this tubing more... In pipes and small leaks can be done yourself for about $ 20 bucks and I get into that the! And people, that the chances are you will simply need to replace.! Be caused over time where it connects to the tub a budget means I if. And tell you how to go about fixing the leak point, the! Surrounding the pipe holding it in place and put them somewhere safe while working being. Do if my hot tub identify leaks and tell you how to fix the is... Have to remove the foam insulation thats surrounding the pipe replace one of options! ( trouble Free Pool Care ) is a methodology, not a lot you can use spray insulation reinsulate! The gaskets on both sides of the process available from JD Finley stopped... Tightening or replacement gaskets require a special tool as well as silicone to fit securely time and multiple! Time especially if your hot tub stands on a firm-level base is crucial damp ( the!, a cracked pipe, or from normal wear and tear similar to domestic! Some of the impeller might feel as if the pump showed no signs of leakage, then heater. Precision Pool and spa calls `` burping '' your jets Weld is the case then up...