Hot tub level drops low when the pool is off, help troubleshooting

[mknauss]

That is the goal. As I said, there is another check valve on the small line off that three way valve. What does that line do?

 

[Katygreys]

I know you’re still investigating. I had a somewhat similar issue and it ended up being the check valve flapper, specifically its seal, for my spa returns. Pic of damaged seal below. It was an easy fix.

 

[Katygreys]

Here’s a pic of a new check valve flapper with soft, supple black seal around

 

[1poolman1]

Ok yeah, that is the one I highlighted yellow in the first pic.

Do the handle directions look correct?

Handle should be "down" to completely close the two pipes from the rest of the system.

 

[Pharbehind]

I think you guys are saying that this handle needs to be turned 180 degrees, but as you can see on the valve there are stoppers that prevent me from turning it that direction. I can only turn it 90 degrees in either direction that it is currently.

Mknauss, attached a photo of what I think you’re referring to. It’s a water fall near the spa that flows off the roof of the outdoor bbq. I’ll attach a photo of the entire pool for reference. The black cylindrical water feature in front of me is completely independent of the pools system.

 

[Katygreys]

That’s a great pool! Wait, does water really flow of the bbq roof?!?

 

[mknauss]

Loosen the thumbscrew on the handle and rotate past the stops. This is for testing purposes only.

 

[Pharbehind]

That’s a great pool! Wait, does water really flow of the bbq roof?!?

Thank you, and yes but it’s hardly ever used.

 

[Pharbehind]

Loosen the thumbscrew on the handle and rotate past the stops. This is for testing purposes only.

Got it! I will try that tonight.

 

[Pharbehind]

Rotated the handle so that off was facing the correct way, but unfortunately the spa still drained overnight. It didn’t drain completely however

What are my other things to check?

 

[mknauss]

When the water level stops dropping, is it level with the pool water level?

 

[Pharbehind]

No, it’s still about a good foot or 2 higher, I’d say.

 

[mknauss]

Hmm - then the only connection between the pool and spa is on the return side. Run through all the piping and see what could be open or leaking.

 

[1poolman1]

No, it’s still about a good foot or 2 higher, I’d say.

With the spa full and the return side shut off, take some food coloring and place it in front of each jet to see if water is flowing back through them.
If everything on the return is in good order, its time to start thinking about the suction side. Are you sure the suction valve is completely in the "spa off" position. Even a slight misalignment can allow water to drain to the pool through the pump. What is the condition of the diverter in that valve?

 

[Pharbehind]

i didn’t see any leaks, and I will try the food color test.

In the meantime, I did go ahead and replace the check valve. Attaching some photos here. It seemed to be in good condition? There is one tiny crack in the seal of the flapper. Also including a picture of inside the plumbing to see if that looks normal to you.

Then I moved the handle back to its original position. Is that correct?

 

[Pharbehind]

Follow up… the pool has been off and the spa is still draining some.

 

[Pharbehind]

I think I’ll replace the suction check next

 

[mknauss]

Worth a shot I guess. Have you tracked all the plumbing? There can only be a few points that can drain between pool and spa bodies.

 

[Pharbehind]

I have… I don’t see anything unusual. The suction check was flawless so I just reinstalled and didn’t replace it.

I’m resorting to having a tech come out tomorrow and have them look, as well as walk me through my setup. Will report back…

 

[1poolman1]

I think I’ll replace the suction check next

No check valve in suction line.