Why is my Hot Tub Leaking? [Fix in 2024]

There are several reasons why a hot tub may be leaking:

1. Worn or damaged seals: Over time, the seals around the hot tub’s jets, filter, and pump can become worn or damaged, allowing water to leak out.
2. Cracks or holes: Hot tubs that are exposed to the elements or have been in use for an extended period of time may develop cracks or holes, allowing water to leak out.
3. Clogs: A clogged filter or jet can cause water to leak out of the hot tub.
4. Incorrect water level: If the water level in the hot tub is too high, it can cause water to overflow and leak out.
5. Poor installation: If the hot tub was not installed properly, it can cause leaks.

It is important to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage or water loss. If you are not sure what is causing the leak, it is best to contact a professional for an inspection and repair.

It’s also important to note that leaks in the hot tub can cause a loss of energy and can lead to increased energy bills, and if not fixed, can cause serious damage and lead to costly repairs.

Where do Hot Tubs Usually Leak?

Hot tubs can leak from several different areas, some of the most common areas include:

1. Jets: The water jets in a hot tub can become loose or damaged, allowing water to leak out.
2. Pipes and hoses: Over time, the pipes and hoses that supply water and air to the hot tub can become worn or damaged, causing leaks.
3. Skimmers: The skimmer, which is used to remove debris from the water, can become clogged or damaged, causing water to leak out.
4. Heater: The heater is an important part of the hot tub, if it’s not working properly, it could cause water to leak.
5. Pump: If the pump is not working properly, it can cause leaks as well.
6. O-rings and gaskets: These are common areas where leaks can occur, they are used to seal various components of the hot tub and can become worn or damaged over time.
7. Drain plugs: Drain plugs are used to drain the hot tub, if they are not properly sealed, they can cause leaks.
8. Valves: Hot tubs have multiple valves that control the flow of water, if any of them are not working properly, it can cause leaks.

It’s important to note that leaks in hot tubs can be difficult to find, so it’s best to hire a professional hot tub repair service to help you locate the leak and fix it.

Is There a Tool to Detect a Water Leak?

Yes, there are tools available to detect water leaks. Some common tools include:

1. Water leak detectors: These devices are designed to detect the presence of water and can be placed near potential leak sources, such as pipes, to alert you of a leak.
2. Moisture meters: These devices measure the moisture content in a specific area and can help identify leaks in walls, floors, or ceilings.
3. Ultrasonic leak detectors: These devices use high-frequency sound waves to detect leaks and can be used to locate leaks in pipes, tanks, and other equipment.
4. Infrared cameras: These devices can be used to detect leaks by identifying temperature changes in a specific area.
5. Pressure gauge: you can use a pressure gauge to detect leaks in your hot tub by checking the pressure of the system, if the pressure is lower than normal that could indicate a leak.

It’s important to note that some of these tools may require professional training to operate them. If you suspect a leak in your hot tub and you’re not sure how to locate it or fix it, it’s best to contact a professional hot tub repair service to help you.

Why is my Hot Tub Leaking from the Bottom?

A hot tub that is leaking from the bottom can be caused by several factors. Some common causes include:

1. Worn or damaged seals: The seals around the hot tub’s jets, filter, and pump can become worn or damaged, allowing water to leak out.
2. Cracks or holes: Hot tubs that are exposed to the elements or have been in use for an extended period of time may develop cracks or holes in the shell, allowing water to leak out.
3. Incorrect water level: If the water level in the hot tub is too high, it can cause water to overflow and leak out the bottom.
4. Clogs: A clogged filter or jet can cause water to leak out of the hot tub from the bottom.
5. Leak in the plumbing: Leaks in the hot tub’s plumbing, such as in the pipes or hoses, can cause water to leak out of the bottom of the hot tub.
6. Leak in the heating system: If the hot tub’s heating system is not working properly, it can cause water to leak from the bottom of the hot tub.
7. Leak in the pump: If the hot tub’s pump is not working properly, it can cause water to leak from the bottom of the hot tub.

It’s important to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage or water loss. If you are not sure what is causing the leak, it is best to contact a professional for an inspection and repair.

How Much does it Cost to Fix a Hot Tub Leak?

The cost of repairing a hot tub leak depends on what component is faulty. If it’s just a simple part, then you may only have to spend less than $100. In some instances, the significant parts may cost even more than $500. For some, the expenses may be so high that it would be better to buy a new one altogether. Here is a guide on the cost of replacing certain aspects of a hot tub to give you an idea.

How do I Stop my Hot Tub from Leaking?

Here are some steps you can take to stop your hot tub from leaking:

1. Check the water level: Make sure the water level in the hot tub is at the proper level and adjust it as necessary.
2. Check the seals: Inspect the seals around the hot tub’s jets, filter, and pump for wear or damage and replace them as needed.
3. Check for cracks or holes: Inspect the hot tub’s shell for any cracks or holes and repair them as needed.
4. Clean the filters: Clean the hot tub’s filters to remove any debris that may be clogging the system and causing leaks.
5. Check the plumbing: Inspect the hot tub’s plumbing, such as the pipes and hoses, for any leaks and repair them as needed.
6. Check the heating system: If the hot tub’s heating system is not working properly, it can cause leaks. Have a professional to check the heating system and fix any issues.
7. Check the pump: If the hot tub’s pump is not working properly, it can cause leaks. Have a professional to check the pump and fix any issues.
8. Monitor the water chemistry: Make sure the water chemistry is balanced, an unbalanced water chemistry can cause damage to the hot tub’s components and lead to leaks.

It’s important to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage or water loss. If you are not sure what is causing the leak, it is best to contact a professional for an inspection and repair.

How can I Tell if my Hot Tub is Leaking?

If you suspect water leakage in your hot tub, use a colored pencil to mark the water level inside the hot tub. After that, run the pump for 24 hours and mark the new level. Now, fill the hot tub with water to the original mark. Turn off the pump and leave the hot tub for 24 hours and mark the new water level after that.

If the water level drops while pumping, it means there is a leakage between the pump and the shell. The rapid drop of the water level after the pump stops running means presence of a leakage on the shell.

Is it Worth Fixing a Hot Tub?

Yes, it’s worth repairing a hot tub, depending on how long it has served you. A quality hot tub can perform for 10-15 years. If your hot tub has worked perfectly for say 7 years, repairs are worth it because it can go for another 3-10 years. However, if your hot tub breaks down after about 10 years, then it’s not worth repairing it. Instead, it’s recommended to replace it with another one.

Does Fix-a-leak for Hot Tubs Work?

Yes, fix-a-leak works fine to seal leaks from cracks or holes not more than 1/8 inch wide. Fix a leak is a sealant that works for hot tubs and pools. The sealant can repair most minor leakage issues. With fix-a-leak, you don’t have to go for costly repairs.

Once you apply the sealant, it dries on the crack or hole, forming a permanent solution. However, in some situations, the expansion and contraction of the pipes can reopen the cracks.

Does Flex Seal Work on Hot Tubs?

Yes, flex seals work on hot tubs. The seal comes either in spray form or tape form. As much as flex seals can stop leaks on a bathtub, it’s not a long-term solution but can buy you time before you perform repairs. When installing a flex seal, don’t use it on pressurized pipes because it won’t hold.

How Many Years does Flex Seal Last?

Flex seal is durable and can go for 1-5 years without losing any of its sealing properties. The durability of the flex seal depends on the surface where it’s used, maintenance, temperatures, and pressure around the sealant. Higher temperatures and a lot of pressure on the object where the seal is applied may make it sag, reopening the crack.

How do I Fix a Leaking Hot Tub Pump?

A pump can leak due to a faulty shaft seal or from the unions that connect the pump to the plumbing works. If the crack is on the o-rings of the union, replacement isn’t complex, and you can do it yourself.

A shaft seal prevents water from getting to the motor of the pump. Water getting into the motor is dangerous because it makes it rust and eventually breaks down. To replace a shaft seal, you’ll need to remove the wet end of the pump completely. If you’ve never done it before, we recommend hiring a professional to avoid mistakes that can cost you even more.

How can you Tell where a Water Leak is Coming from?

Some leaks are pretty obvious, and it won’t take you long to spot where they come from. In some cases, the leaks are too tiny, and finding them can be daunting. The dye test works magic in helping you determine where a link is coming from.

Identify all jet openings and place a colored dye at the opening. Watch to see whether the colored dye flows to the outside of the shell or through the jet itself. The point at which the dye flows indicates a leakage. If the test doesn’t work and you still cannot locate a leak point, then you can hire a professional to inspect your hot tub.

Do Plumbers Fix Hot Tubs?

Yes, plumbers can fix hot tubs. Plumbers are trained to work with water and gas systems and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair leaks, clogs, and other issues with hot tubs. They can also help with the installation and maintenance of hot tubs, such as connecting the hot tub to a water supply, installing the proper drainage and ventilation, and providing advice on how to keep the hot tub in good working condition.

However, it’s important to note that not all plumbers have the same level of expertise when it comes to hot tubs, some plumbers may have more experience and knowledge in dealing with hot tubs than others, so it’s always a good idea to check their credentials and ask for references before hiring a plumber to fix your hot tub. Additionally, some hot tubs may require specialized knowledge and equipment that a general plumber may not possess, in this case it’s advisable to contact a specialized hot tub repair service.

Can Plumbers Detect Leaks?

Yes, a plumber can help you detect leaks in your spa. Plumbers can quickly check the plumbing work of the hot tub for any leakages.

Hot Tub Leaking From the Filter Housing

Leaks from the filter housing could mean that you have to replace the filters, or you need to make quick fixes. The first step is to drain the water to a level below the filters. If you’re dealing with a minor crack, use a sealant to fix it. Press the sealant with your fingers to make sure it gets into all the gaps. Give the sealant time to cure before filling the spa with water. 

As you make repairs on the filter housing, be careful not to damage anything because the filter house is quite delicate. You don’t want to cause more problems that could cost you more money in repairs or replacements.

Hot Tub Leaking at Union Fitting

If a hot tub leaks from the union fitting, the main culprit is the o-rings. To fix the leak, you’ll want to replace the o-rings. The first step to replacing faulty o-rings is draining all the water from the hot tub. Then, unscrew all the union fittings and inspect the o-rings. Replace accordingly, and your spa should work fine after that.