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

[Pharbehind]

When the pool pump is off, the hot tub drains low. It does seem to refill when the pump is turned back on. I don’t know where to begin to troubleshoot.

 

[mknauss]

Looks like it is stopping at the returns.
Likely a faulty check valve on the return plumbing to the spa.

Take some pictures of the equipment pad and post if you need help pointing out what may need maintenance.

 

[Pharbehind]

The check valve is down where it’s labeled Suction, correct? Should I get new check valve parts?

 

[Pharbehind]

Just realized I have two. I’m learning Here’s the second one.

 

[mknauss]

The return one is the likely one with the issue.
Shut the valve below it after refilling the spa and see if the level drops over night.

 

[Pharbehind]

The return one is the likely one with the issue.
Shut the valve below it after refilling the spa and see if the level drops over night.

Bear with me, can you confirm that I have it in the correct position for Off?

 

[mknauss]

The handle should be parellel with the pipe.

The tab opposite of the handle should have OFF on it. You point that at the pipe you wish to shut.

 

[Pharbehind]

The handle should be parellel with the pipe.

The tab opposite of the handle should have OFF on it. You point that at the pipe you wish to shut.

Got it. Thank you. Will report back in the AM.

 

[mknauss]

That should work.

 

[Pharbehind]

So if the water level holds, I should replace that specific check valve?

 

[mknauss]

That would likely result in fixing it. You can get rebuild kits for the check. So just replace the internals, seals, etc.

 

[Pharbehind]

That would likely result in fixing it. You can get rebuild kits for the check. So just replace the internals, seals, etc.

Just checked that water level again in the spa, and it has already gone down another 3in or so. I guess with the valve position off on that return, the water still wants to drain.

 

[1poolman1]

Just checked that water level again in the spa, and it has already gone down another 3in or so. I guess with the valve position off on that return, the water still wants to drain.

Where does the water go in the open port, to the right in the picture, the one that was closed before you moved the handle? You closed one and opened another. If it is open to the spa and the check valve above the 3-way is bad, the spa will still drain. Close the port at the top of the valve and see if the spa drains. If not, likely the check valve is bad.

 

[Pharbehind]

I really appreciate the help on this, but need more direction. I’m attaching some new photos, one that’s zoomed out and then some closeups. I have 3 check valves, the one highlighted yellow is the one you both suspect is bad, correct?

Then, if you wouldn’t mind double checking the direction I have the handles and telling me if they’re in the optimal position for a spillover spa.

 

[1poolman1]

No, that's your pool side. It is the one labeled "spa" below the label "return" to the left of your pump.

 

[Pharbehind]

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

Do the handle directions look correct?

 

[mknauss]

What is Fountain? Is that in the spa?

 

[Pharbehind]

No, fountain is a separate water feature item. The only other thing related to spa in here is the Blower.

 

[mknauss]

OK -- so the valve you set last time, it is a three way valve. The line that runs off it also has a check valve in it (different type). Try turning the valve handle so the OFF points UP. That should shut off both of the lines that come off that valve.

 

[Pharbehind]

Ok, and when I do that what are we hoping the outcome will be? Is it that the spa should no longer drain, and we can definitively pinpoint the check as the issue?