Spa blower check valve

[deanrinehart]

My 1.5 hp spa blower seems to be hampered by my Lowes purchased spring check valve. Leaving the valve in place produces fair bubbling and a nice moaning sound from the valve. Locking the valve open with a small screwdriver produces better results. I have to assume the complete removal would be even better. As my jets are 2 path (air and water mix outside the jet, producing no water induced pressure in the blower line), the check valve seems kinda useless. If water backs up into the air line, I imagine I have bigger problems than a wet blower.

Though...as I write this, I imagine 4 kids with 2 fingers each could block up all jets, forcing water up thru the blower line...hmmm...

What kind of check valve is on your blower?

 

[Guest]

You want to use a special spa blower check valve. They are usually under $20.
Here is what they look like
http://cgi.ebay.com/Spa-Blower-Check-Va ... otohosting
http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Blower-Che ... 1C151.aspx
http://www.spaguts.com/Product.aspx?ID=1
http://www.onestopspashop.com/check%20valves.htm (first one is a blower check valve).

If you use the wrong kind of check valve in a blower it will not work, as you found out!

BTW, check valves are installed with a 'Hartford Loop" to prevent water syphoning back out to the blower and draining out of the spa, not as a protection against blocked jets.

 

[deanrinehart]

Thanks, waterbear...my hero as always.

My blower is mounted 18" above waterline...do I still need a check valve?

 

[Guest]

Thanks, waterbear...my hero as always.

My blower is mounted 18" above waterline...do I still need a check valve?

If you installed a Hartford Loop probably not but it is cheap insurance.
Remember, the main reason for the check valve is to keep water from draining out of the spa more so than to protect the blower.