I have a small leak in my hot tub (Hot Springs Spas, Grandee model) which I can't locate and was thinking of trying Marlig's Fix-a-Leak. The reviews on Amazon range from "amazing" to "horrible", with many people saying "make sure you follow the instructions"
The instructions say to remove the filters, pour it in, run the pump to let it circulate until the leak stops, then give it the proper cure time (24-48 hours). Then it says once you've determined the leak has stopped, drain the tub for 4-5 days for a proper cure. (I'll post the actual instructions at the bottom for reference).
Back to the Amazon reviews......most people said follow the directions, but a couple people said not to drain it at all after treatment, and one even said his leak was fixed until he drained it, then the leak came back!
My questions are:
1. Should I, or should I not use this?
2. Do I run the risk of hurting the spa, the heater, the pump, the filters, etc?
3. Can I put the filters back in after I treat it and run the pump for a few hours?
4. If the leak stops without draining it, should I just let it be and not drain it?
5. If I can't drain it for fear of freeze damage, should even bother trying it?
Any other tips, suggestions, or words of wisdom from someone who used this stuff would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Bart
PS - Here are the actual instructions from the "Fix-A-Leak" site:
DIRECTIONS
*Shake Well Before Using*
1. Bypass Filter before adding FIX-A-LEAK to water.
2. With pump running add FIX-A-LEAK slowly through skimmer or in front of any other suction intake.
3. FIX-A-LEAK is very heavy and will sink to the lowest point rather quickly. It must be stirred back into suspension every 4-6 hrs. during circulation of water.
4. Continue to recirculate water until the leak has stopped.
5. After the leak has stopped, give it the proper time to cure (24-48 hrs.). You may then return to normal filtration.
6. Treatment can be repeated if necessary.
*NOTE* Never allow cartridges or DE elements to dry before they are
cleaned. Rinse clean with water.
It is advisable, if your spa is a foam insulated type and has been leaking for a long period of time:
Once you determine the leak has stopped, drain your tub. Properly wipe down the spa with a wet cloth, nothing abrasive. Allow to dry for 4-5 days to all FIX A LEAK to properly cure.
The instructions say to remove the filters, pour it in, run the pump to let it circulate until the leak stops, then give it the proper cure time (24-48 hours). Then it says once you've determined the leak has stopped, drain the tub for 4-5 days for a proper cure. (I'll post the actual instructions at the bottom for reference).
Back to the Amazon reviews......most people said follow the directions, but a couple people said not to drain it at all after treatment, and one even said his leak was fixed until he drained it, then the leak came back!
My questions are:
1. Should I, or should I not use this?
2. Do I run the risk of hurting the spa, the heater, the pump, the filters, etc?
3. Can I put the filters back in after I treat it and run the pump for a few hours?
4. If the leak stops without draining it, should I just let it be and not drain it?
5. If I can't drain it for fear of freeze damage, should even bother trying it?
Any other tips, suggestions, or words of wisdom from someone who used this stuff would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Bart
PS - Here are the actual instructions from the "Fix-A-Leak" site:
DIRECTIONS
*Shake Well Before Using*
1. Bypass Filter before adding FIX-A-LEAK to water.
2. With pump running add FIX-A-LEAK slowly through skimmer or in front of any other suction intake.
3. FIX-A-LEAK is very heavy and will sink to the lowest point rather quickly. It must be stirred back into suspension every 4-6 hrs. during circulation of water.
4. Continue to recirculate water until the leak has stopped.
5. After the leak has stopped, give it the proper time to cure (24-48 hrs.). You may then return to normal filtration.
6. Treatment can be repeated if necessary.
*NOTE* Never allow cartridges or DE elements to dry before they are
cleaned. Rinse clean with water.
It is advisable, if your spa is a foam insulated type and has been leaking for a long period of time:
Once you determine the leak has stopped, drain your tub. Properly wipe down the spa with a wet cloth, nothing abrasive. Allow to dry for 4-5 days to all FIX A LEAK to properly cure.