problem with spa

[davidms12]

My pool/spa was built 10 years ago and it's worked fairly well with notwithstanding the typical problems. However, last season I had the spa side remote replaced as it was cracked. They used a fair bit of the slimy wire pulling lubricant, some of which went into the water. Although I do think most of it was scooped out. This may not have anything to do with my issue but I thought I'd mention it. Since that time the spa no longer works correctly. Sometimes when you turn on the jets you get no air bubbling and fairly weak jets. Sometimes you turn it on and it seems relatively normal. I've had two companies come and look at it. The first one said I need to add a spa blower. The second company said they will blow out the line with compressed air and that will fix it, which it didn't. They then said I need to add a spa blower. I should note the second company is the company who built the pool in the first place. They said over time the lines will build up calcification and the only way to get more air to the spa now is to add a spa blower. I don't know what to think. It worked fine up until a point and now it's hit and miss. My variable speed pump has been tested and it's also fine (pentiar). So I'm looking for suggestions or validation that I have no other option other than to add a spa blower.

Thanks to everyone.

 

[mknauss]

One thing that can effect the jet action is any debris or compromised orings in the jet nozzles. You might try removing them, running the system to clean it out, and then inspecting / repairing the nozzles and carefully reinstalling them.

 

[davidms12]

thanks for your reply Marty. I had removed the jet nozzles prior to having the first pool company come and look at it and they appeared to be free of any debris. I did run the spa anyway with them out just in case there was something in the line. I had placed small butterfly nets over the exits just in case I could catch something if anything case out but it was clear.

 

[davidms12]

Back looking for any other suggestions. The fact that it works fine sometimes but not all the time leads me to believe it has nothing to do with pipes plugging with calcium over time. If this were the case I believe the problem would be there every time i turn on the spa. I have made a diagram of the plumbing to see if that helps troubleshoot my issue.

thank you

 

[mknauss]

Next step is to check the return side valve. May want to get rebuild kits for them before you pull them apart.

 

[davidms12]

Thanks Marty. Do you mean the 3 way valve on the left of my diagram that splits into spa return or pool return?

 

[mknauss]

Correct.

You are sure the valve actuators are fully turning each time you switch to spa?

 

[davidms12]

They do appear to be fully turning. The return side actuator was replaced last year. Is there any way the valve inside is not fully turning even with the handle appearing to fully turn?

 

[mknauss]

You can manually actuate the valve for a test. Use the toggle switch on the actuator. Make sure it is fully traveling. Return the toggle to the position it was after your test.

Yes - the internals of the valve. Might be a seal that is rolled over, etc. But you would want a rebuild kit for it when you open it up.

 

[davidms12]

Ok I have manually engaged the actuator a few times. To my eye the inside piece in the following video (the actual valve) does not appear to be turning at the same rate as the actuator. The valve doesn’t engage right away and when it does turn there appears to be a point at which it slows down. Is it possible the valve is not actually fully closing?

 

[mknauss]

Take the actuator off and manually turn the valve. See if something does not feel right.

 

[davidms12]

Took actuator off and tried vice grips. It feels seized. In fact I can get it to go clockwise with some force but it does not want to go counterclockwise (the way the actuator needs to turn it for the spa return)

 

[mknauss]

In your video it appeared to be moving. Take the actual handle off the actuator and try using it.

 

[davidms12]

Ok my error in the direction of the turn. To have spa return the valve turns clockwise half a turn. The first couple of times I manually turned the valve (I switched to using the handle) with the spa turned on the jets did not work. After trying it a few times (opening and closing the valve to spa return) the jets started working. The valve is still difficult to turn and feels very stiff. Would you think a rebuild kit is a good way to go?

 

[mknauss]

The valve should not be that stiff. I would suggest a rebuild kit. Get some pool lube too.

 

[davidms12]

Thank you Marty. Is it just a universal diverter valve rebuild kit I should look for? I don’t see any identifying marks on this one to determine the brand.

 

[mknauss]

Look on the handle. It looked like a Pentair model.

 

[mknauss]

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[davidms12]

Thanks yes it is Pentair. How do I tell which kit to order? I see 1.5”, 2”, 2.5” etc. I’m not sure which valve this is.

 

[mknauss]

They are either 1 1/2" - 2" or 2" - 2 1/2". What is the size of your lines running to to the valve? It appears the valve is glued to a collar that the pipe is glued to?