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Air controls on a hot tub or whirlpool tub (C) Daniel FriedmanHot Tub, Spa, Whirlpool Bath Diagnostic FAQs
Q&A on Repairing Jetted Tubs

Questions & answers on diagnosing problems at jetted tub, hot tub & spa or whirlpool baths.

This article series describes the diagnosis & repair of common hot tub or spa problems at the blower unit, the spa or hot tub filter, including filter leaks, spa or hot tub heater repairs, hot tub or spa jet repairs, hot tub and spa motor or wet end troubleshooting & repair or replacement, and fixing other leaks at a hot tub or spa.

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Spa / Hot Tub Troubleshooting & Leak Repairs

MTI Baths whirlpool jetted tub cleaning system cited in detail at InspectApedia.com

These questions & answers about installing, troubleshooting, fixing hot tubs, spas, & hydro massage tubs were posted originally at SPA HOT TUB WHIRLPOOL REPAIRS - you will want to review the advice given there.

On 2020-11-21 - by (mod) -

Sounds as if your hot tub jet and tubing system need cleaning;

Also do you have hard water? Is your water softener working?

On 2020-11-20 by Ashley

When we turn on the jets- a gross sandy like and flakey substance shoots out of the jets. Thank you!

On 2020-10-10 - by (mod) -

Deborah

Thank you for an
interesting hot tub leak problem.


It's possible that there are leaks at your spa or hot tube 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.

On 2020-10-10 by Deborah

Can fill tub up, doesn't leak, I get in tub and it leaks all over floor underneith

On 2020-05-08 - by (mod) -

Sounds like a failed control or relay
.

On 2020-05-07 by Tony Bowling

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 2020-02-07 - by (mod) -

Nancy

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

On 2020-02-07 by Nancy

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 2019-12-29 by Anonymous

Thank you

On 2019-12-28 - by (mod) -

Yes typically the switch latches on or off in response to depression up a remote control switch

On 2019-12-28 by Anonymous

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?

On 2019-12-27 - by (mod) -

George

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

On 2019-12-27 by George

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 2018-11-20 by (mod) - get help from MTI Baths diagnosing & fixing leak at air inlet valve

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

You can obtain the IO manual for your MTI jetted tub directly from the company or at the MTI website we give above. This MTI Installation and Operation Manual may help you.

On 2018-11-20 by Pine Grove Park BnB - MTI brand whirlpool bathtub that leaks out the air inlet valve

We have an MTI brand whirlpool bathtub that leaks out the air inlet valve which is normally suppose 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 2018-10-10 by (mod) - repair an air-actuated jettd tub switch

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. 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.

On 2018-10-10 by Jim

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 2018-07-05 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.

On 2018-07-05 by Brinks75

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 2018-06-26 by (mod) -

Ian

What's needed is the hot tub brand and model number. Wuth that you can contact the manufacturer to obtain a manual that will include explanation of the units displsy codes - needed since those are product-dependent.

If you cant find the msnual online, with thst info we can help you look.

On 2018-06-26 by ian

I have a 336 model hot tub and all pumps are working but when I go to heat the tub up it runs for about 30 seconds then it stops and a single symbol on pump 3 shows out of three symbols and the ozane light comes on any help would be appriciated

On 2018-06-26 by (mod) -

If the Jets are tubing or themselves not blocked and there are no leaks anywhere I would suspect that the pump impeller is damaged or debris clogged.

On 2018-06-25 by peter

We have a corner bath with water jets 6in all it is a few years old now and the pressure when we turn the jets on is quite poor it used to be very powerful any ideas please

On 2018-05-14 by Anonymous

Comes on and then kicks of only runs for about minutes but keeps cycling

On 2018-05-10 by (mod) -

Heat will drop, as you doubtless understand in concept, because heat is being lost out of the water: to the air above, through the tub sides, or through piping passing through cooler air. But I suspect as well that your heater is not working properly. The problem could be one of several heater elements burnt out or a temperature sensor that's not working properly.

On 2018-05-09 by John W.

Jazuzzi Z135 unit. Hot tub set at 102, will heat up if I hit button for circulation/jets but temperature keeps dropping on it's own. I replaced the 96" therm. line, I assume the heater is working since it will heat. The board looks clean, no burns or warping. Why would the heat drop?

On 2018-02-18 by (mod) -

Good going.

On 2018-02-15 by Dan

never mind.....used a shop vac and sucked them back out the way they went in....thanks anyway

On 2018-02-15 by Dan

while cleaning out the jets in jacuzzi oasis tub, a couple of the little white things that sit in the jets got sucked in.....what do i do?

On 2017-12-30 by (mod) -

Check that wiring oh s co treat nd that the air tube from on button to electricswitch is connectrd

On 2017-12-28 by Marty

Just installed Cabrllo model 025-0142R/L. Filled with water pushed on/off button to turn on and nothing happened. Did not come on

On 2017-11-29 2 by (mod) -

If the motor starts but won't keep running I suspect a seizing motor or perhaps a bad electrical switch. The button is usually an air-switch that in turn operates the on-off switch at the motor. DO NOT try working on electrical stuff yourself as you could be shocked or killed.

On 2017-11-29 by DEBORAH

When I push button to start jets in my spatub it won't stay on. I replaced the button but that's not it. Jets and everything else works great.

On 2017-09-26 by (mod) -

Michael,

The meaning of the lights on the control for a spa or hot tub vary by manufacturer but typically indicate power, heat, pump.

Do you hear a humming? That would tell me a motor is seized - TURN OFF the power promptly to avoid a possible electrical fire or short, or in the lucky case that the pump motor is not seized but needs a new start/run capacitor, that might avoid further damage to the motor itself.

IF you hear nothing and the pump isn't running it's a safe bet it has no power or has tripped a thermal reset. On spa systems usually the motor has a thermal reset that will work to re-set itself automatically when the motor cools down.

So if after a period of cool down the motor doesn't run we're back at needing to confirm that it has power, then diagnose the motor.

Search InspectApedia.com using the box above to find ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSIS if needed.

Watch out: for fatal electrical shock hazards. Turn power off before poking around.

On 2017-09-26 by michael

The red and blue lights come on...so does the yellow light but the jets don't come on.

On 2017-07-12 by (mod) -

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.

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 I'll add a link to their installation manual in REFERENCES section of the article above - https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Spa_Hot_Tub_Diagnosis.php#reviewers

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

On 2017-07-12 by Sarah

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 (mod) re: why no water comes out of the tub spout of a Hydro Massage tub

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.

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 I'll add a link to their installation manual in REFERENCES section of the article above - https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Spa_Hot_Tub_Diagnosis.php#reviewers

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

On 2017-07-12 by Sarah

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 2017-06-13 by (mod) re: hot tub was kicking off the circuit breaker

Excellent going David, do keep me posted; if you want to send along photos of what you found I'd be interested in seeing it, and that info may help other readers.

Dan

On 2017-06-13 by David

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.

On 2017-06-12 by (mod) re Captiva hot tub. It will hold water for months and then suddenly loose water.

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.

On 2017-06-11 by David

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 2017-05-19 by (mod) re: what do the tubes do on a spa or hot tub

Julie,

I am flying blind, at night, in a fog here, having no information about what sort of tube, its locations, connections.

If the tube is under or inside the mechanicals area of the tub, my guess is that it was intended to connect a pneumatic tub control button or switch to a control or switch in the mechanicals of the tub that turns something on or off: an aerator, motor, etc.

Tubing is also used to deliver air to jets and of course larger tubing moves water.

On 2017-05-18 by Julie

I've a new whirlpool bath and seem to have a loose small clear tube any ideas not been used yet

On 2017-05-02 by Steve

I have a jacuzzi tub model LE35 and when I push the start button I hear the motor hum but the motor doesn't run it just hums
Any help

On 2017-04-24 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.

On 2017-04-24 by (mod) re Americast Stratford whirlpool tub front left jet leaking

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.

On 2017-04-24 by Anonymous

Americast Stratford whirlpool tub front left jet leaking.
leaking outside of unit.

On 2017-04-23 Americast Stratford whirlpool tub front left jet leaking

by Candi

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.

On 2017-04-18 by (mod) What causes jet tub to stop after approx.30min. of use?

A timer, or perhaps a motor that's overheating.

On 2017-04-18 by Ike Burant

What causes jet tub to stop after approx.30min. of use?

On 2017-04-18 by (mod) What causes leaks when the tub isn't in use

Look for a leak in water supply piping to the tub

On 2016-10-13 by Anonymous

Water keeps leaking under my whirpool tub even tho no water on the tub


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