Seeking advice on fixing hot tub leaks

astead

0
Mar 27, 2008
19
El Dorado Hills
After replacing the heating element, pump gaskets and heating tube gaskets, I noticed more leaks in the back of the hot tub.
I spent some time today digging out the back of the jets under the foam and every one of the three that I dug out were leaking where the jet part connects to the fiberglass body.
If all those are leaking, I suspect more, or possibly all of the other jets are leaking. Is it worth it to dig them all out from under the foam? Any other suggestions?
 

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Is it worth it to dig them all out from under the foam?
That's up to you. Is it?

Any other suggestions?
The culprit is usually the gasket behind the flange on the inside of the spa, though flanges have been known to crack as well.
You should replace the gaskets. This can be done by loosening the nut and pushing the jet forward, then remove the old one and stretch the new one over the flange. Recaulk the back before snugging down the nut (not too tight). All of which sounds very easy, but in reality you should be prepared to have to buy a few that you break in the process.
The other option is a band-aid you have to re-do every few years depending on chemistry, but you can do from inside the spa. Drain spa. Remove jet internals and clean around flange with a toothbrush and rag. Caulk under raised edge of flange against exposed gasket face. Wipe away excess and let dry 24hrs. Re-install jet internals and fill it up. With great chemistry it might last 5 years, but then it might only last 5 months if you abuse it. But it's cheap and takes very little skill (much less than digging them out without damage anyway) so you can do it yourself in a few hours.
Your call. Most customers choose cheap and see how long it lasts, and given the estimate of replacement costs at my rates I can understand why.
 
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Thanks for the input!
I'll probably try and replace the gaskets for the ones I've uncovered and see how it long that takes me.
I'll probably end up tackling it slowly over time, but my wallet will appreciate the lower electric bill while the hot tub stays off.
Yeah, it's my hot tub.
Thanks!
 
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