If you suspect the leak is coming from the heater, shutting down power to the tub should be done immediately. 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. If the originalPVC gluewas thin in one area, water can begin to seep out between the pipe and fitting walls over time. Waterway and CMP Hot Tub and Spa Air Control Valves. Unfortunately, a hot tub can leak from numerous places. Thanks Ahhsomeguy, I will definitely try that! On my outdoor hot tub, I noticed water dripping from the hose going to the air inlet during the gentle water heating cycle. Again, let it set. Tiny little stress fractures are not uncommon. 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. 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. We advise waiting for 24 to 36 hours before re-inflating the spa, that way you will guarantee the patch is properly fixed. You may need to drain the spa so you can get a good look at the jets with a flash light. A cracked pipe in a hot tub should be replaced. 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. You can also try using a thread sealant like Teflon tape. I looked at some air valves and mine looks like the Waterways style, at least when viewed from above, and those do seem to pull air in from inside the cabinet. "@type": "ImageObject", These valves cut off the flow of water through the pump and heater so you can work on them. If you have a deflating Lay Z Spa check out this guide. Shop Online or at any of our 900+ retail stores! "primaryImageOfPage": { link to How Do You Fix Biofilm in a Hot Tub? "url": "https://lesliespool.com/blog/" Pricing and offers are subject to change. If your shell becomes has small cracks, dont panic. 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. "url": "https://blog.lesliespool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blog-1060x500-hot-tub-leaking-from-the-bottom.jpg", However, because this tubing is more flexible, it can become compromised and begin to leak. Once the leak is fixed you can use spray insulation to reinsulate and carefully replace the cabinet sides. Cancel. That will be directly under the leak. Looks like your current store isn't near your delivery area. There are many common reasons and locations for a hot tub leak. This is a new problem. If there is, unscrew them and replace their rubber gaskets which have probably become compromised. 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. Luckily, most of it is easily fixed, which we get into below. http://www.hottubworks.com/blog/hot-tub-parts-spa-jet-repair-replacement/. This type of fix wont work on pipes that feed any of the main components of the hot tub so just be careful what you remove! You are using an out of date browser. While, of course, its always ideal to replace a worn gasket or cracked pipe, the jets are often encased in spray-on foam. What could possibly go wrong? Here are some of the probable causes of leakages from the bottom of your hot tub. A hot tub leak is something you need to address quickly and take action to correct before things get out of control. Open and close the air intake nozzles periodically during the purge as well. Then I also explore the chemicals that are best for sensitive skin and how to avoid hot tub rash. Unscrew the nut around the lens cover. I will do that in the "off-season". Cut out the portion of pipe where the leak is using pipe cutters. Wait! Open and close the air intake nozzles periodically during the purge as well. If its not possible to access the leaks location, use leak fix products for small leaks, or waterproof epoxy putty for larger leaks. If not installed properly, the leak will come back. Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters the Same. But troubleshooting to figure out which area is the cause is crucial. When is a hot tub not worth fixing? Again you can buy spares and just replace the parts of the volute that is leaking or you can actually buy a completely new wet and if you prefer. But the most common leak with the heater will be at the pipes union fittings. After all, filled with water and people, that thing weighs thousands of pounds. My next move will be to try to ascertain if any of the jets are clogged or not allowing proper flow. 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. To fix a hot tub leak, first, identify the source. 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. 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. So far so good, but what about finding the actual leak? I'm Jeff Campbell. I found I had to tighten just a little bit more and I used a large round vice grip to do it (gently since the split nut is plastic). Sometimes there is simply a small leak where 2 pipes meet but its not easy to get those pipes out and replace them. When it comes to the plumbing of a hot tub, there are a lot of pipes involved. I have to re-inflate it about 1-2 times per day. 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. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. If you have a failing gasket, be sure you order the right parts as there are different gaskets for different style spas. The shell is, after all, the biggest and most important component! 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. Unfortunately, you usually can't see it. It could be on one of the fittings, jets or somewhere on the pipe. If unsure, please refer to the manufacturer. A hot tub that is 10 years old or so, needs $1000 s repairs, looks a bit shabby and has a few dodgy jets or you suspect will still not be 100% even after repair probably should be replaced. Not sure how to go about fixing the leak in your hot tub? }, Replace the wall cabinet panel in the same fashion as before, using screws, a staple gun or a wood adhesive like Liquid Nails. Method 2. When water weight isnt evenly distributed, it can cause stress fractures in the shell. 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. Probably a faulty air intake check valves (70289), the same valve is used on both. Rarely do spas leak from the shell itself. Then the heated water exits the heater and goes back into the tub. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. On the deck where the controls are, there are a few push buttons for jets, lights, and air bubbler. Thank you! 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! 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. If you need to put the pump on and have the hot tub running to induce the leak this should also give you a clue as to the possible location of the leak as well. The tub is not overfilled, either. While most pipes are extremely durable if one of them cracks youll want to know about how to fix it. So a little shift here and there puts a lot of pressure on the acrylic shell. The bubbler started leaking last year due to a cheapo ball valve. But, in this section, well be breaking all of those steps down for you. Inspect the spa equipment section. 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. Below, you'll find a list of the most common causes of hot tub leaks and how to fix them. Some connections are easy and only need to be tightened or sealed while others may need a full replacement. "datePublished": "2018-10-17", The disadvantage with doing this is that if your hot tub does spring a leak you will need to dig out all of the foam in order to find it and fix it. Of course, age is always a factor as hot tubs dont last forever. "keywords": "hot tub leak", How long do hot tubs last? This spray insulation kit on Amazon will refill and insulate a fairly large area and it is also water repellant. If that doesnt do the trick then try undoing it completely and resetting it and tightening again. ! Ensure the leak is fixed. You will get much more visibility by. But dont despair! Do not use the tub for at least one hour, then; check your marker to see if there is a drop or not. Use a utility knife and flathead screwdriver to remove the foam. Is there any way to clean the air intake on a hot tub? 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. Leaks from jets, unions and connectors might just need tightening or replacement gaskets. Prop the tub on its side and connect a hose to the water line. That allows it to open enough to release the air in the water lines. Keep doing this, increasing your intervals each time until you see air bubbles. This post was created by Andrew. Here are some of the most common reasons: We get into fixes for each of these issues below. Pump seals degrade due to improperly balanced water chemistry, or from normal wear and tear. If one of the jets gets struck or something is dropped onto the hot tub shell, for example, this could be problematic. 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. Allow them to run for 15 seconds and then turn them off. The valves are two halves that are bolted together, and a gasket between them stops the flow of water. To summarize the article, when a spa pump is leaking, it's either the shaft seal, unions or the wet end volute. In many cases, its not the shell that causes problems, but a jet or other component attached to the shell. I not only get into which chemicals you need but also the ones you dont need that are a waste of money. Hot Tub Inspection and Repair with Hot Springs. 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. When open, the drip increases, naturally when I turn the jets on. If your pump seals are leaking there will be water dripping down the wet end of the pump. The first thing you need to do if you suspect the outside of your hot tub is to identify where the problem is. "logo": { This leaf blower is a best seller on Amazon and will do a great job of drying out water and blowing leaves! To find a leak in a hot tub, remove the side panels, and note where the water is pooling on the ground. If youre going to check this location, be sure to turn off the power and check under the pump for leaking water. Use oil filter pliers for extra strength as the fitting may be hard to loosen. To find out where the excess water is coming from, youll have to do some inspecting to find the source of the leak. What Can Cause A Hot Tub Leak? Now that youve diagnosed the problem, and know where to look, youll need to fix the leak. According to Leslie's Pool, once you find the air-bleed screw, turn it one full rotation counterclockwise. Hello all, I am a new member to TFP. 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. Anytime youre dealing with water and electricity, you want to protect the system (and yourself) from electric shock. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. "height": "500", Within the heater are the heater itself, the pressure switch, and other components any of which could be the culprit. Inline filter leaks An inline filter is usually plumbed in between the pump and the heater and the water enters through the top. If the filter housing itself is cracked and leaking it will need to be replaced. A spa can evaporate several inches of water if left open and uncovered, or used for several hours per week. "publisher": { A few drops, no problem. Here is a picture of JB Water Weld I used to fix 2 spots that were leaking. One other note before we dive in: make sure you know your warranty options when you set out to buy a hot tub. This can be mixed with acrylic paint to match the shell color. Take your time with this to avoid damaging the cabinet sides as much as possible. Hot tub pumps are especially prone to leaking as they have to work hard and as they pump the water the mechanism rotates around at several hundred times per minute. Have you read my all-time most popular post? 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