How To Find a Leak in A Hot Tub

Water can leak through several places in a hot tub. Because hot tub leaks are difficult to locate, you could spend an entire afternoon trying to find one without any success.

A hot tub leak should be addressed as soon as possible so that things do not spiral out of hand.

Finding a leak in a hot tub can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can pinpoint the issue and get back to enjoying your spa. Quick hot tub leak detection is key to preventing water loss, equipment damage, and costly repairs.

We’re sharing how to spot hot tub leaks and fix them so you can spend more time relaxing in your spa.

Table of Contents

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2. 1How Do I Find a Leak in My Hot Tub?
3. 2Common Hot Tub Leak Sources at a Glance
4. 3Troubleshooting Tips for Finding a Hot Tub Leak
5. 4Advanced Hot Tub Leak Detection Techniques
6. 5Most Common Places for Hot Tub Leaks and How to Fix Them
7. 6How to Prevent Hot Tub Leaking
8. 7When to Call a Professional for Hot Tub Leaks
9. 8FAQs About Hot Tub Leak Detection and Repair
10. 9DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Leak Repair
11. 10Let Us Fix Your Leaky Problem!

How Do I Find a Leak in My Hot Tub?

Leaks in hot tubs can occur from a variety of sources, not simply the shell. There may even be numerous leaks at the same time in rare circumstances.

To figure out where the extra water is coming from, you’ll have to investigate the area for the source of the leak.

• Begin by turning off the power to the hot tub.
• Remove the side panels to get access to the equipment compartment and check for any evidence of leaks or moisture. For better visibility, inspect the pump using a flashlight. Make sure the tub’s seals are in good shape.
• Examine all of the pipes, fittings, and pressure switches. Make sure the joints aren’t leaking. Some of the fittings on a new hot tub might loosen during shipment, so tighten anything that seems loose.
• In the water in front of a jet, sprinkle a drop of dark food coloring. Water takes the path of least resistance, so keep an eye on the food coloring to see where it travels. You may have discovered your leak if it comes out in a jet. On the exterior of the spa’s shell, look for colored water leaking out. Carry on with the rest of the jets in the same manner.
• Turn the tub off and wait for the water to drain from the leak spot. You’ll know the leak is someplace above where the water leveled off if it ultimately levels out.

Common Hot Tub Leak Sources at a Glance

Hot tub leak detection starts with knowing where leaks are most likely to occur. The table below outlines the most common areas for hot tub leaks, why they happen, and quick tips for finding a leak in your hot tub, helping you narrow down the source efficiently.

Leak Source	Common Causes	Detection Tips
Jets	Worn O-rings, loose fittings, or cracks from pressure	Use food coloring near jets to see if it’s drawn in or leaks out
Heater	Degraded O-rings, rusted heater tube, or loose unions	Check for water pooling or rust around heater components
Pump	Failed shaft seal or worn gaskets	Look for moisture under the pump or on the faceplate
Pipes	Cracks in flexible PVC from temperature changes	Inspect plumbing joints and run water to spot drips
Valves	Faulty gaskets or loose bolts	Check for water seeping from shutoff or diverter valves

Troubleshooting Tips for Finding a Hot Tub Leak

Finding a hot tub leak can be frustrating, especially if the source isn’t immediately obvious. These troubleshooting tips can help you narrow down the issue and get closer to a solution, whether you’re dealing with a slow drip or a more significant problem.

• Check for Evaporation First: Before assuming a leak, confirm that water loss isn’t due to evaporation. Cover the hot tub tightly for 24 hours and monitor the water level. If it drops significantly, you’re likely dealing with a leak.
• Inspect the Shell for Cracks: Small cracks in the hot tub shell can cause leaks. Run your hand along the interior surface while the tub is full to feel for water escaping, especially around seams or jet mounts.
• Listen for Hiss or Gurgle Sounds: When the hot tub is running, unusual noises like hissing or gurgling near the equipment compartment can indicate air being pulled through a leak in the plumbing. Use these sounds to guide your search.
• Test with a Dry Cloth: For suspected leaks in fittings or valves, wipe the area with a dry cloth while the system is off. Then, turn the hot tub on and check the cloth for moisture to confirm the leak’s location.

Advanced Hot Tub Leak Detection Techniques

If you’re struggling to find a hot tub leak using basic methods, advanced techniques can help pinpoint tricky issues, especially when learning how to find a leak in hot tub plumbing. These methods are designed to save time and ensure you locate even the smallest leaks.

• Dye Tablets: Use specialized dye tablets from leak detection kits. Add them to the water while the hot tub is running, and watch for colored water escaping from cracks or fittings, making it easier to find hot tub leaks in hidden areas.
• Water Level Observation: Turn off the hot tub and monitor the water level over 24 hours. If it stabilizes at a certain point, the leak is likely above that level, helping you focus your search for a hot tub leak.
• Insulation Check: For leaks behind foam insulation, run the hot tub and use a flashlight to spot wet foam or drips. Carefully cut away minimal foam with a spackle knife to expose the leak, ensuring you don’t damage other components.

Most Common Places for Hot Tub Leaks and How to Fix Them

A hot tub leak can occur for a variety of causes and in a variety of locations. Some common places where a hot tub leak can occur are:

Hot Tub Jets

Why Is It Common?

When the pumps are functioning, jets are subjected to tremendous pressure, and they might degrade over time if the water quality is not optimal.

How to Fix Leaks From Hot Tub Jets?

• Turn the outer valve jet anticlockwise until it is entirely closed, then continue rotating anticlockwise. You will hear a click as the hot tub jet winds down. You may then remove it.
• If the jet is leaking from the back, use a set of pipe wrenches to tighten the locking nut even further. If the hot tub jet continues to leak, you will need to empty the spa and replace the faulty jet.
• Remove the jet locking screw completely before removing the hot tub jet. Get a new O-ring or silicone seal for the hot tub jet flange. Tighten the locking nut and let the hot tub empty for 24 hours to allow the silicone to solidify.

Heater

Why Is It Common?

There are several parts to the heater, and any of them might be producing a leak in your system. To eliminate them one by one, the heating element, thermostat, pressure switch, and sensors should all be tested.

Many times, leaky parts inside the heater may need to be replaced. However, the most typical heater leak will be at the pipe’s union fittings. This is due to worn-out O-rings and gaskets, which will need to be replaced.

How to Fix Leaks From the Heater

• Turn off the tub’s electricity and close the gate valves on each side of the heater and pump. These valves prevent water from flowing through the pump and heater while you work on them.
• Remove the union fittings that are causing the leak. Because the fitting may be difficult to release, use oil filter pliers for added power.
• Examine the O-ring and gasket. One or all of them have most likely degenerated. This indicates that other O-rings and gaskets may also need to be replaced.
• Unscrew the union fitting on one end of your heater.
• The best way to keep your water heater working efficiently and safely is by making sure all of the O-rings, gaskets & other parts are replaced at once.
• Lift the gate valves and reattach the union connections.
• Go ahead and turn the power on. Run your tub and ensure the leaks have been fixed.

Pumps

Why Is It Common?

The circulation pump is one of the most typical places where a hot tub leak might occur. Pump seals deteriorate as a result of inadequately balanced water chemistry or typical wear and tear. If you’re going to inspect this spot, make sure the power is turned off and that there’s no water seeping under the pump.

How to Fix the Pump Leak

• Let the pump run to see if you can find the source of the leak.
• Turn the pump off and insert your finger beneath the rinse line fitting on the faceplate of the pump. Check to see if your finger is moist or wet.
• The union connections to and from the pump should be checked next. Examine the area to check if there is any water seeping from them. If so, unscrew them and replace the rubber gaskets that have most likely gotten degraded.
• Examine the pump seal. This might appear like water leaking off the faceplate, leading you to believe it’s the rinse line fitting. After removing the faceplate take a look at the ceramic gaskets.
• Replace the gaskets if necessary. To fit properly, one side of the impeller plate may require a specific tool as well as silicone. The leak will return if not correctly placed.
• Reassemble the pump and switch on the system to check for leaks.

PVC Pipes

Why Is It Common?

Plumbing leaks can occur either beneath the shell of the tub or in the equipment chain.

The pipes on the shell’s bottom are constructed of flexible PVC. This makes it simple to route water around the shell’s peaks and valleys rather than having solid pipes that take up space.

However, because this PCV tubing is more flexible, it might deteriorate and leak. Temperature changes are frequently to blame, since exposure to exceptionally cold winters may wear it down and cause fractures to form.

How to Fix PVC Pipe Leaks?

• Begin by emptying the tub if the leak is coming from below it.
• Place the tub on its side and attach a hose to the water supply. If you run water through the pipe, you should be able to pinpoint the location of the leak.
• Remove the foam insulation that is around the pipe at the leak location.
• Using pipe cutters, remove the section of the pipe where the leak is located.
• To repair the defective portion, you’ll need two PVC couplers (typically 1″ diameter) and a little piece of 1″ flexible PVC tubing. Measure the part to ensure a proper fit.

Valves

Why Is It Common?

Hot tubs are equipped with various valves that help to restrict water flow. These valves might fail and leak at times because of their designs.

The valves are two sections that are connected, with a gasket between them that prevents water passage. When this gasket fails, you’ll notice water seeping from the valve.

How to Fix Valve Leaks?

• Always turn off the hot tub before beginning.
• The valves contain four bolts that must be removed with a wrench to separate the two parts.
• There is most likely a problem with the gasket so inspect it thoroughly.
• Change the gasket to a fresh one.
• Reassemble the two sections and ensure the bolts are tightened.
• Run the hot tub’s water to make sure the leak is gone.

How to Prevent Hot Tub Leaking

If left unattended hot tub leaks can turn into bigger and more expensive problems. To keep your hot tub functioning, you should inspect your hot tub regularly for leaks and do everything you can to prevent them:

• Open the equipment cabinet and check for evidence of water after each water change.
• Examine all unions—like this—unions to make sure they are dry and sealed.
• Taking care of the pump is extremely important to prevent hot tub leaks. Look for evidence of water on the engine, such as corrosion or wet marks. Water on the pump or motor is frequently the consequence of a leaky seal.
• Maintain adequate spa water balance and sanitation Abe.

When to Call a Professional for Hot Tub Leaks

Sometimes, finding a leak in a hot tub requires more than DIY methods, especially if it’s hidden behind insulation or involves complex plumbing. If you’ve tried the steps above and still can’t locate the issue, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional technicians have specialized tools, like ultrasonic leak detectors, to find hot tub leaks quickly and safely, saving you time and preventing further damage.

FAQs About Hot Tub Leak Detection and Repair

Got questions about how to find a leak in your hot tub or what to do next? Here are answers to some of the most common queries we hear from hot tub owners.

How do you find a leak in a hot tub if it’s not visible?

If the leak isn’t obvious, start by checking the equipment compartment for moisture or puddles. Use food coloring or dye tablets to trace water movement, and monitor the water level over 24 hours to narrow down the leak’s location. For hidden leaks, advanced techniques like checking foam insulation may be necessary.

Can I use my hot tub if it has a leak?

It’s best to avoid using your hot tub until the leak is fixed. A leak can worsen, damage equipment, or cause electrical issues, leading to costly repairs. Address the issue promptly to keep your spa safe and functional.

How much does hot tub leak repair cost?

The cost of hot tub leak repair varies depending on the leak’s location and severity. Simple fixes, like replacing an O-ring, may cost under $100, while complex plumbing repairs could run higher. Contact a professional for an accurate quote based on your situation.

DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Leak Repair

Deciding whether to tackle a hot tub leak yourself or hire a professional depends on the leak’s complexity and your comfort level with maintenance. The table below compares DIY and professional repair options to help you choose the best approach for finding and fixing hot tub leaks.

Approach	Pros	Cons	Best For
DIY Repair	Cost-effective, immediate action, builds maintenance skills	Risk of misdiagnosis, potential for further damage, time-consuming	Minor leaks (e.g., loose fittings, simple gasket replacements)
Professional Repair	Expert diagnosis, specialized tools, faster resolution	Higher cost, scheduling required	Complex leaks (e.g., plumbing behind insulation, electrical issues)

Let Us Fix Your Leaky Problem!

At Epic Hot Tubs we can help find and fix any leaks in your hot tub! We want to ensure you have a relaxing and rejuvenating hot tub experience. Call us today at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form to contact our professionals.