Hot Tub, Spa, Whirlpool Bath Diagnostic FAQs

Weak air flow at some outlets of a Jacuzzi type Bath

I have an Izzi bath spa with 6 air spouts.

The 2 spouts on the right and left sides of bath work perfect. The ones and the front and back are very, very, very low air pressure. When I cover/block the 2 spouts on each side, air comes through the front and back. Any ideas? On 2018-06-13 by Joyce

by (mod) -

Sounds like a clogged or leaky line or tubing to the weak outlets.

It's not likely to be a problem with the air pump itself as that would affect all air outlets not just some of them.

How to fix leaky air inlet on an MTI Whirlpool Bath Tub

We have an MTI brand whirlpool bathtub that leaks out the air inlet valve which is normally supposed to be loose.

When it is tightened, water leaks under the tub housing at the top of the air inlet fitting.

When I fill the tub and run the jets, water also wants to spill out of the air inlet and the pump also is making loud and erratic sounds.

Can anyone help me diagnose this? On 2018-11-20 by Pine Grove Park BnB

by (mod) - MTI whirlpool tub cleaning system & repairs

Pine

I'm reluctant to recommend gobbing on a sealant before understanding exactly what's wrong.

I'd give MTI a call directly.

MTI Baths, Inc.
670 North Price Road
Sugar Hill, GA 30518 USA
Tel: (800) 783-8827
Website: https://mtibaths.com

Also see this MTI DESIGNER AIR BATH WHIRLPOOL MANUAL [PDF]

Diagnose leaks at air flow valve on jetted tub

I have a jetted tub and when I turn the jets off there is a water leak that seems to be coming from the air flow control on one side of the tub. It doesn't leak until I turn off the jets then water spews out the pipe where the air control button is located.

If I close that air flow valve, the water doesn't leak out. I cant seem to find any answers through my internet searches so I am hoping you can help. Thank you On 2021-05-13 by Kathy Frey

by danjoefriedman (mod) - check valve may be cause of jetted tub water leak

@Kathy Frey,

Because the exact details of how controls work on your spa or hot tub very by brand and model it would be helpful to have that information and then to examine the control specifics in the installation and owners manual.

Therefore I can only offer a general suggestion that the way the air control works is essentially a mixing valve LOL some are to enter the water being pumped through the Jets on your system. Some systems use a check valve to prevent water backflow when the pump and the air pump are stopped.

So it may be that you have a defective check valve.

How to Diagnose, Repair, or Replace Hot Tub Air Button Switches

Jacuzzi Air Switch to Turn on the Pump Won't Work

I have a whirlpool jacuzzi bath tub, and am having issues with the air switch to turn on the pump.

When I press the switch the pump turns on, but as soon as I release it the pump turns off.

If I remove the hose from the switch and blow in the hose the same thing occurs as soon as I release air pressure from the hose the pump turns off. On 2019-12-27 by George J

by (mod) -

George

Often the problem you describe can be fixed by replacing a loose, leaky air line (try that first) .

You need sufficient air pressure to actually trip the relay control switch that turns the pump motor on or off.

The second common failure is with the electrical relay control itself. So if you're confident that the problem isn't the air button nor the air tubing and its connections, then I'd replace the relay control.

by George

I tightened team hose fitting at the pump, and still having the issue.

Do you know if the switch at the motor is supposed to latch after pressing the air button switch, and then unmatched after pressing the button again?

I think I may have an issue with the switch on the motor?

by (mod) -

Yes typically the switch latches on or off in response to depression up a remote control switch, so as I said before, that's the next part I'd replace.

Replace Air Switch Tube Fittings / Connections

My Espree 536 (pump probably HB21000).

The plastic fitting that connects the air hose to the on-off button became brittle and broke (and it leaked then broke off). Is it possible to repair it without purchasing a new pump? Can the air switch be purchased separately? On 2021-04-22 00: by Richard W Ainsley

by (mod) - where to buy replacement air switch for controlling spa or hot tub pump

@Richard W Ainsley,

Sure. There are dozens of air control switch replacement parts sold on the after-market parts for spas and hot tubs.

If you can't buy the exact part from your Espree 536 manufacturer, you can probably find one of the right dimensions from an online vendor.

The example I show below is from https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/

If you don't have it grab a copy of the IO manual for your Espree 536 - I think this Jacuzzi Cetra 536 manual is the same or very similar device

JACUZZI Cetra 536 WHIRLPOOL BATH MANUAL [PDF] https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Espree-536-Spa-Manual.pdf that you're welcome to download

or contact Jaccuzzi directly at Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, 14880 Monte Vista Avenue,Chino, CA 91710 USA Website: www.jacuzzi.com

Where to get access into the tub to repair an air-actuated jettd tub switch

There is a air like switch that runs from pump. Can I get to the hose from the top of the tub Or do I have to open enclosure of the tub?

My whirlpool tub has a switch on it that is stuck in the ON position. I can't get it to cut off. On 2018-10-10 by Jim

by (mod) -

Jim

If your switch is air-actuated, as many are on whirlpool or jetted tubs, an air leak in the switch or tubing will prevent it from working.

There should be a removeable panel either at one end of the tub (or in the wall in an adjoining room) or a removeable side panel along the tub that lifts up and out to give access to the tubing and connections, pump, etc.

Just take a sample of the tubing to your local hardware store and buy a sufficient length to replace the old tube; see if that fixes the trouble.

How to Fix a Jacuzzi Whirlpool Tub On-Off Switch - Motor won't stay on

Jacuzzi whirlpool on/off switch - depressing the switch starts the motor but it won't stay on - releasing the button and the motor stops Could it be the bellow or the switch ? On 2021-03-07 by MIKE WARD

by (mod) -

@MIKE WARD, Yes, the air switch may need replacement or you will want to replace a bad pump motor relay.

But first look for a leaky or loose or kinked air tube between the on-off switch on the tub and the actual relay that converts that air pressure to activate a physiucal on-off switch found inside the tub: follow the tubing and wires. - Daniel

Also check for an overheating motor that's tripping off due to thermal overload.

Jacuzzi whirlpool jetted tub won't stay on if I release the ON/Off button

I have a jacuzzi whirlpool jetted tub that will only stay on while the on/off button is depressed. But once released jetts turn off. Help! On 2020-12-02 by Tom

by (mod) -

Tom

I would look for a leaky or crimped air tube between the button and the actual electrical switch; if you're certain there's no problem with the actual tub button itself nor its tubing then I'd replace the electrical relay switch.

by Tom

I’ve replaced the air hose and was still having the same issue. I’ll replace the relay next and hope that fixes the problem. Thanks!

Our hot tub will turn ON but Won't turn OFF

I can turn the tub on but it will not shut off On 2020-07-11 by rolfex2@yahoo.com

by (mod) -

Rolf

What's not shutting off: water into the tub or the pump.

If the pump, find the main breaker powering the pump system for your spa or hot tub and turn that off and leave it off pending repair, as the system is unsafe.

If the water supply, you'll want to find a local water shutoff under or near the tub itself or you'll have to shut off your building's water supply and get repair help from a plumber, replacing a bad shutoff valve at the tub.

Jacuzzi Spa Whirlpool Tub Noise Complaint Diagnosis

Jacuzzi making horrible noise like an out of balance washing machine

Our Jacuzzi whirlpool tub sounds like a washing machine out of balance when we are filling it with water. Does anyone know if this is a tub problem or water pipe problem? On 2019-11-26 by Tracye

by (mod) -

Look for a loose motor mount first. Then for a loose pump assembly.

Pump noise from our Jacuzzi even when it's not in use

We have a Jacuzzi Whirlpool bath. It is all sealed up and no model number visible. It make noises now and then and for no apparent reason.

The bath rarely gets used. The noise is NOT connected to the use of the bath.

The noise which is a like a pump just come on for no reason for about 5 seconds, off again and then on again for maybe 20 minutes total.

Then there could nothing for a week or so. It is just not triggered by anything we can find. The noise comes from the back side against the wall. The bath works fine otherwise. On 2020-05-07 by Tony Bowling P

by (mod) -

Sounds like a failed control or relay switch at the water inlet solenoid, pump control, or air pump.

Watch out: you don't describe the quality of the noise, but some electricl noises such as humming or buzzing point to a failing control relay or electric motor.

Try turning off the circuit breaker that powers the tub when you're hearing the noise. If it stops, it's an electrical problem and in that case

Watch out: for safety you should leave the whirlpool bath turned OFF until it can be repaired.

As an important aside: if your tub is really installed with no access to the motor and controls under and around the tub, in my opinion that's an improper and possibly even unsafe installation as over its life the tub components are going to need inspection and repair. If there is an accessible wall at either end of the tub that can be opened by cutting drywall, I'd make an access opening with a removable panel to permit further inspection and repair.

See additional help we offer at NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE 

Jacuzzi tub makes a thumping noise if the bathroom door is shut

My Jacuzzi tub makes a thumping noise when the bathroom door is shut. When I open the door, the noise stops.

The tub is not in operation when the noise occurs. Do you have any idea what could be causing that? On 2018-07-05 by Brinks75

by (mod) -

Brinks

that's certainly an interesting noise complaint. I would start by removing power completely from the jacuzzi to be sure that there's no control or switch trying to turn on and off.

if the noise continues I would look for something that's perhaps causing a pressure change in the bathroom such as a fan running or side of a metal or fiberglass tub flexing.

Keep me posted and we'll proceed from there.

How to fix leaky air inlet on an MTI Whirlpool Bath Tub

We have an MTI brand whirlpool bathtub that leaks out the air inlet valve which is normally supposed to be loose.

When it is tightened, water leaks under the tub housing at the top of the air inlet fitting.

When I fill the tub and run the jets, water also wants to spill out of the air inlet and the pump also is making loud and erratic sounds.

Can anyone help me diagnose this? On 2018-11-20 by Pine Grove Park BnB

by (mod) - MTI whirlpool tub cleaning system & repairs

Pine

I'm reluctant to recommend gobbing on a sealant before understanding exactly what's wrong.

I'd give MTI a call directly.

MTI Baths, Inc.
670 North Price Road
Sugar Hill, GA 30518 USA
Tel: (800) 783-8827
Website: https://mtibaths.com

Also see this MTI DESIGNER AIR BATH WHIRLPOOL MANUAL [PDF]

Air Volume Control Repair on an MTI Jetted Tub

MTI jetted tub - The air volume control wont turn. I contacted MTI and got a new part.

Parts dept said I could screw out the old one and screw in the new one.

Looking at the new part that does appear correct but the old one will not budge. How do I replace it? On 2020-02-07 by Nancy

by (mod) -

Nancy

Watch out: don't want to go prying or pulling on a control before we know how it is attached and thus how it is removed.

Look inside the tub wall at the back of that control and you should be able to see how it's attached.

I will be glad to help but need to see more to have an opinion; take a look at (or attach a photo, one per comment) of the old part, new part, and any instructions or parts explosion.

Water Flow into Bathtub is Weak

Hydromassage Tub Spout Water Just Trickles In

I have a hydromassage bathtub in a newly purchased house (I've never used it). The water from the tub faucet only trickles out.

I called a plumber and they said that the bathtub is not filling because the pump is not working.

Does this make sense? I did not think the pump would have anything to do with just filling the tub with water. On 2017-07-12 by Sarah

by (mod) - don't confuse water from the tub spout or faucet with water from the Hydromassage jets.

Sarah,

I agree with you - normally the pump's job is just to circulate water from in the tub through tubing and back out jets back into the tub.

I don't know of a hydromassage tub whose incoming water would run first through its circulating pump before water enters the tub through the tub spout.

Hydro Massage Tub Contact Information

You can contact Hydromassage directly for more help at
Hydro Massage Products, 505 Nucla Way, Aurora Colorado 80011
Phone: (303) 341-1845 • Fax: (303) 341-1850
www.hydromassageproducts.com • service@hydromassageproducts.com

and we have a link to their installation manual in SPA / HOT TUB / POOL MANUALS, PARTS, REPAIR, SUPPLIES

and in the REFERENCES section of the article SPA HOT TUB WHIRLPOOL REPAIRS

However nothing I read in that guide suggested that your plumber is right. I think there must have been a mis-communication.

If the water flow to all other bathroom fixtures is strong but is weak just at the tub, I'd look for a clogged or partly closed or damaged shutoff valve or piping supplying water to the tub.

If BOTH hot and cold water flow into the tub are weak then I suspect that the clog or blockage is in the plumbing to or in the tub spout itself.

Water Leaks Around or Under the Whirlpool Spa Tub

Whirlpool Jacuzzi leaks When I Get Into the Tub

Can fill tub up, doesn't leak, I get in tub and it leaks all over floor underneath On 2020-10-10 by Deborah

by (mod) -

Deborah

Thank you for an
interesting hot tub leak problem.

It's possible that there are leaks at your spa or hot tub because when you get in the tub you are raising the water level to a location that is leaking such as around a jet or control fitting.

More subtle is the possibility that there are one or more fine hairline cracks in the tub body that are hard to spot but that open with additional weight in the tub. You will need to empty the tub and make a close inspection for these.

Sometimes you can spot these leaks mediately by removing the access panel to the tub to look underneath.

Water Leaks under my Whirlpool Tub When the Tub is Empty

Water keeps leaking under my whirpool tub even tho no water on the tub On 2016-10-13 by Anonymous

by (mod) What causes leaks when the tub isn't in use

Look first for leaks at the water line connections to the solenoid switch control that controls water inlet to the tub and its pump.

Look for a leak in water supply piping to the tub.

Check each of the water line connectors at the pump

Check each water/air line connection between pump and the jets around the tub

Why does our Captiva Hot Tub Suddenly Drain Water From Itself?

I have a Captiva hot tub. It will hold water for months and then suddenly loose water. It can be refilled and again stay completely full and seems like just over night, it will be empty. I suspect the heater. Any suggestions would be appreciated. On 2017-06-11 by David

by (mod)

David,

Interesting question. It does sound as if a relay or control is sometimes failing.

I would remove the access panel(s) and look under and around the tub with care. You should see water marks that track back to the point of leakage. You're welcome to send me photos (page bottom CONTACT link) for further comment.

Followup by David - Ozone treatment on hot tub was causing tub to drain? Clue: hot tub was kicking off the circuit breaker

I may have found the problem just after asking the question. Right after getting the hot tub, it was kicking the breaker. The dealer sent a tech out and they took the ozonator out of line.

They plugged off the tube with a slotted tube. Maybe the reason was to allow air but, I think this is where it would suddenly drain maybe due to pressure. Thanks for the fast response. I will post an update as my fingers are crossed.

After I cleaned my Jetted Tub it Won't Hold Water

I recently cleaned my jetted bathtub and now the tub will not hold water. It seems to be draining from the water intake (?) not sure what it is but it is located on the side of tub near the bottom.

I'm not sure what are the gadgets are, but there is that drain and then another knob near the upper edge of the tub that opens and closes. I can hear the water draining out as soon as it reaches the one near the bottom. by Candi

by (mod) re: water leaking at tub jets

Candi:

If the tub water leaks out at the jets one of them is leaking - as Anon discussed below.

If water continues to leak out of the tub when it is below the jets, then I suspect that the drain is not closing. Diagnose that by placing a flat rubber sink-stopper as a drain closure over the drain opening.

Americast Stratford whirlpool tub front left jet leaking

Americast Stratford whirlpool tub front left jet leaking. It's leaking outside of the unit. On 2017-04-24 by Anonymous

by (mod)

Anon

You'll need access to the tub wall from both sides -perhaps through the removable panel. You may be able to seal the jet into the tub wall with a neat application of silicone sealant but first let's find out exactly what's leaking.