Hot tub repair - eliminating major breakdowns

Judging by the number of advertisements offering hot tub repairs, hot tub breakdowns are quite common. Meanwhile, not a single advertisement says that in most cases it is quite possible to identify and eliminate the problem without the involvement of specialists.

The main thing is to at least approximately understand the design features of the system and be ready to carry out simple plumbing operations. This is exactly what we will discuss in our article, after reading which you will be familiar with the main breakdowns that most often occur when operating a Jacuzzi. You will also be able to handle most of the problems yourself.

We supplemented the presented material with visual photos and videos, which set out in an accessible form the rules for operating and repairing a hot tub.

Installation of a hydromassage bath

The main structural elements of a hydromassage bath are represented by the body, as well as the installed equipment, the main unit of which is a fairly powerful electric pump, which is responsible for the uninterrupted circular circulation of water.

The main elements of equipment for a bathtub equipped with a hydromassage function include several devices presented

nozzles that form and direct water jets;
check valves that prevent water from flowing in the opposite direction;
a compressor responsible for supplying air masses into the system;
a thermostat that controls the temperature of the water.

Calibrated holes or nozzles are equipped with special linings, which can be made of plastic or metal.

Particular attention is paid to pumping equipment, the power indicators of which affect not only the amount of water pressure, but also the cost of the hot tub.

How to clean your pipe yourself

A Jacuzzi massage system consists of a pump and a set of pipes that supply water to a container. With prolonged use, they become covered with plaque and biofilms, which cannot always be removed using household chemicals.

To check and service the hydromassage system you must:

remove the screen that covers the space under the bathtub;
study the dismantling instructions, photograph or write down the order of connecting the tubes;
loosen the nuts and remove the hoses where possible;
wash the dismantled parts with running water, rinse the internal dirt filters;
if the inner surface of the tubes remains slippery, soak them in a special solution for a Jacuzzi, and then clean them with a brush;
reassemble the system in reverse order;
Check the tightness of the connections by wrapping them in toilet paper and turning on the hydromassage.

Remove the screen and wash the dismantled parts.
If individual tubes are very clogged, you can clear them using a thick wire wrapped in damp gauze.

Main causes of breakdowns

Specialists in the repair of hydromassage structures note a number of the most common breakdowns that occur due to:

blockages in main communications;
formation of cracks, chips or scratches on the surface;
failure of pumping equipment;
failure of devices represented by water collectors, aero compressors and nozzles.

Before starting repair work, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause and the most effective way to correct it.

Breakage of the bathtub can be represented by the use of chemicals that are not recommended for cleaning the system, aggressive and destructive detergents, as well as low quality water characteristics and improper care of the plumbing fixture.

Recommendations for regular cleaning of your Jacuzzi

The tasks of cleaning a massage bath can be divided into several stages. Superficial cleaning is carried out daily or after each water procedure. Cleaning the pipes and disinfecting the system is required no more than once a month.

Quick daily procedure

After each bath, you need to rinse the surface from dirt and soap residues with warm water. Slippery deposits are cleaned with a soft sponge. There is no need to use detergents daily. Wipe the empty bathtub, faucets and the outside of the nozzles with a dry, clean cloth.

A daily procedure allows you to avoid the appearance of limescale, mold, rusty streaks, etc.

Monthly care

It is recommended to flush the hydromassage system monthly. How to clean a jacuzzi:

fill the bath 10-15 cm above the guide holes;
add a hot tub cleaner or dish soap that does not create a lot of foam to the water;
turn off the air supply (some Jacuzzi models are cleaned with the compressor on, as indicated in the instructions);
start the massage for 15 minutes;
if the jacuzzi has several programs in which different nozzles operate, you need to turn on each mode for 10 minutes;
drain the water, fill the bath again, turn on the massage for another 10-15 minutes without adding product;
empty the container, rinse it and wipe dry.

It is recommended to flush your hot tub monthly.
During the procedure, the water acquires an unpleasant color and odor. If you do not regularly maintain your hot tub, it may require 2-3 cleanings with detergent.

Metal nozzles and mixers are washed with a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid. To protect parts from water drops, they are wiped with protective wax or baking paper.

Annual cleaning

Annual maintenance of your hot tub includes antifungal treatment and flushing of the system and removal of the pipes. A weak vinegar solution is suitable for cleaning mold.

Sequence of the procedure:

fill the bathtub with warm water 5-7 cm above the nozzles;
add 1-2 liters of table vinegar;
turn on the pump for a few minutes;
turn off the equipment, drain the water and rinse the surface;
wipe the bathtub dry.

Antifungal treatment is carried out after surface cleaning of the Jacuzzi.

Annual maintenance includes flushing the system.

As part of your annual cleaning process, it is recommended that you check the filters located in front of your hot tub. The cartridge service life is 2-5 years depending on its type and resource. However, if the water is heavily polluted, old pipes in the house and frequent use of the jacuzzi, the period of use is reduced by 1.5-2 times.

Timely replacement of filters allows you to soften the water, clean it from rust and slow down the accumulation of dirt in the pipes.

General rules for repairing hot tubs

As practice shows, self-repair of a bathtub with hydromassage equipment is advisable only if free service and repairs in a special center are impossible. You can fix it yourself:

cracks, chips and scratches;
clogged drain;
presence of limescale;
breakdown of the air compressor;
incorrect pump operation;
failure of injectors;
sticking of the pneumatic button;
problems associated with the water collector.

Acrylic bathtub repair

Initially, you should correctly determine the cause of the breakdown. Most often, blockages or failures of the cartridge are detected, so sometimes it is enough to simply remove this part from the device and clean it, but in some cases it will be necessary to completely replace the devices.

Excessive water pressure may be the result of clogged supply filters, but before you start cleaning, you need to check the pressure in the main pipeline.

Review of popular models

A portable hydromassage spa pool where you can relax and enjoy the warm rays of the sun.

The variety of shapes and sizes of Jacuzzis allows them to be placed in almost any summer cottage.

Let's consider the most popular and inexpensive models on the domestic market.

"Triton Troy"

Not very large and compact corner Jacuzzi bathtub. The depth of the bowl itself will allow you to carry out procedures half-sitting. The model has a corner seat. Sprayers are located around the entire circumference of the bath. There are also nozzles at the bottom of the bowl.

"BAS Nicole"

Asymmetrical Jacuzzi with a comfortable corner seat. The bowl contains 8 nozzles made of high-quality plastic, which are entirely covered with chrome. The bottom is noticeably structured to enhance the massage properties of the structure.

"Triton Catherine"

The Jacuzzi bowl has a familiar rectangular shape. It is distinguished by the presence of 4 nozzles for back massage, 6 on the sides of the bowl. The product is suitable for installation on sites in country cottages or dachas.

"BAS Evita"

It has a rather strict shape in the form of a rectangle. It features increased dimensions both in length and width. The product can be adjusted in height.

"Aquatek Betta"

Hydromassage asymmetrical corner bathtub. There are comfortable armrests. Ergonomic contours that go under the back will contribute to high-quality relaxation. With their help, you can massage the back and other parts of the human body.

1Marka Love

A product made in the shape of a heart. It has significant volume and depth. The original ergonomics and placement of nozzles will contribute to quality rest and a relaxing massage.

Aquatika "Akvarama"

Corner bowl with asymmetrical shape. Ideal for installation in open areas. Equipped with a good drive for high-quality hydromassage operation. There is a turbo mode, as well as chromotherapy with the ability to select and fix the desired color.

Removing blockages

As a rule, household Jacuzzis cease to fulfill their functional load as a result of blockages. In this case, the cartridge is initially cleaned, and then the entire system.

Performing such an operation independently is not too difficult, but directly depends on the characteristics of the system.

If you have hydromassage equipment equipped with a built-in disinfection unit, a special cleaning agent is poured in that can independently remove blockages formed inside the pipe. If there is no self-cleaning system, then it is advisable to use cleaning tablets immersed directly in water when operating the hydromassage equipment.

Prevention of clogging of a hot tub is to prevent threads and hair, organic fibers and wool from getting into the bowl of the sanitary fixture.

Final system disinfection

With regular maintenance, the system is disinfected simultaneously with monthly cleaning. In case of severe contamination, longer exposure to antiseptics is required to destroy fungi and bacteria.

Algorithm for disinfecting a hot tub:

wash the surface of the bathtub and the guide elements with liquid soap or a product for the appropriate type of surface;
fill the bath with hot water (+40...+45°C) so that its level is 5-10 cm above the nozzles;
add 200-300 ml of detergent to the container to disinfect the jacuzzi;
turn on the hydromassage at maximum power for 15-20 minutes;
let the solution stand for 25-30 minutes;
drain the liquid, refill the bath with cool water;
turn on the massage for an additional 5-7 minutes;
empty the container, wash its walls with a soft sponge and wipe dry.

Some hot tub models have a self-cleaning mode. If this function is available, the disinfectant liquid is poured into a special hole in the wall of the bathtub.

The following products are suitable for killing fungi and bacteria:

"Wonder Worker Hot Tub";
"Bagi Jacuzzi";
Triton Disinfectant;
Relisan.

Elimination of shallow and through cracks

As a rule, during operation, the owner of a bathtub encounters the formation of not only shallow or superficial, but also so-called through cracks in the sanitary ware.

To eliminate them, you need to perform the following, not too complicated, measures:

The technology for eliminating shallow chips involves initially expanding the damage itself with sandpaper, and then performing high-quality degreasing and applying an acrylic mixture, followed by removing the excess mixture with emery and sanding.
If you have a special repair kit, which many manufacturers supplement their products with, surface cracks can be eliminated very easily and simply. If the plumbing equipment is made by injection molding, then it is advisable to use liquid acrylic to eliminate small and shallow cracks.
Through chips and cracks are more complex, growing most often in two directions. In this case, in order to prevent further increase in size of the damage, you need to drill holes with a thin drill at a couple of points of the crack farthest from the center, and then degrease the surface.

Deep or through cracks must be sealed with adhesive tape, and only after that they are treated with liquid acrylic.

Despite some differences, independent removal of shallow and through cracks in the bowl requires the obligatory implementation of such actions as degreasing, “clogging” with acrylic mass and grinding.

Have you decided to install a jacuzzi in your apartment? An acrylic whirlpool bathtub is a good choice for those who value quality and design.

We’ll talk about the effectiveness of a hydromassage mat as an alternative to a hot tub here.

Did you know that hydromassage is not for everyone? Read about the health benefits and harms of the procedure in the following material.

Home Remedies for Reservoir and Hydraulics Cleaning

In the absence of professional products, 100-150 ml of “Belizna” can be used as a disinfectant for tubes and surfaces. Active chlorine destroys pathogenic microorganisms, but reduces the elasticity of rubber gaskets and harms the acrylic coating.

Remedies for removing plaque, rust and dark stains from the bathtub can be prepared at home. The most effective are the following recipes:

Mix 2 tbsp. soda ash and baking soda, pour vinegar until pasty, apply to stains, leave for 2-3 hours. After exposure, rub with a soft sponge and rinse with plenty of water.
Dissolve 20 g of citric acid in 250 ml of warm water, apply to the walls of the jacuzzi, leave for 25-30 minutes. After soaking, rub the walls of the bath with a washcloth and rinse off the composition.
Mix 1 part white wine vinegar and warm water and rinse the bath. This composition cleans the walls of acrylic bathtubs well without damaging the plastic structure.
Combine 50 ml of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and 100 ml of ammonia. Apply to dirt, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rub and rinse. This composition is only suitable for enamel baths, but works well on stubborn and old stains. When working with the composition, you should use gloves and a respirator.

When using home remedies, you must remember that you cannot use vinegar with peroxide and “White” at the same time. This combination results in the formation of peracetic acid and chlorine gas, which are toxic to humans. A mixture of concentrated vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is flammable.

Replacing the mixer

The main reason for replacing the faucet is damage to the cartridge. Quite often, such an element of hydromassage equipment can simply be cleaned, which allows you to completely restore the functionality of the plumbing fixture.

If the desired effect as a result of cleaning is not achieved, then the cartridge is dismantled and completely replaced.

Built-in faucet in the bathroom

Before installing an element such as a cartridge, it is very important to thoroughly clean the installation area, completely removing all remaining scale or water.

Which one to choose

A Jacuzzi is not an ordinary device for taking relaxing procedures; it is also a device that allows you to get a therapeutic effect, high-quality hydromassage and helps you completely relax. It will help you become calmer during prolonged insomnia, relieve stress and the constant feeling of fatigue. Thanks to it, blood circulation can indeed improve and metabolism is normalized.

When purchasing a Jacuzzi, you should pay attention to:

shape and parameters of the product;
material of manufacture;
installation features;
availability of additional functions.

To choose the right outdoor Jacuzzi, it is worth considering a number of nuances.

Carefully study the description of each proposed model. Think about which of the available types of massage you most need - toning or relaxing. By the way, certain models of modern Jacuzzis can be equipped with a small waterfall, which is created using a special cascade faucet.
Pay special attention to the design of the hot tub and how well it matches the design of the place where you want to install it. In this case, you should rely only on your visual sensations.
Think carefully about whether you will need all those original functions in the form of color therapy (when the colors of the water streams change), a heating system for winter or a stereo system. After all, all of them will significantly increase the cost of the structure.
Choose the most suitable shape and dimensions of the bathtub. The parameters may entirely depend on the number of people with whom you want to enjoy all types of massage together. Selecting the right shape will depend not so much on your personal taste, but on the size of the room or area where you want to install your new hydromassage pool.
Choose well-known brands, especially if the production of similar products is their main activity. It is worth remembering that the service must be located in or near your city in order to insure yourself against any troubles that may arise with the jacuzzi.

We invite you to read: Installing a wooden floor in a bathhouse with your own hands

Injector malfunction

Most often, the main root cause of a bathtub with hydromassage equipment becoming unusable is clogged nozzles. In such a situation, there is a decrease in the power and pressure level of the water jet.

To independently correct this type of breakdown, you need to unscrew the cap and thoroughly but carefully clean the inner surface with a soft cloth and a water jet.

Hydromassage jets

If the nozzle has become completely unusable, then it is advisable to dismantle it and subsequently replace it with a device with a similar design.

History of invention

The whirlpool bath was invented by the Italians.

The seven Jacuzzi brothers were all, as one, distinguished by their remarkable intelligence and intelligence.

They achieved recognition as inventors in the water pump industry.

When one day trouble happened in their family - a child fell ill and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The baby was prescribed a course of therapeutic massage, which could only be done by an experienced physiotherapist in the clinic.

Then, one of the brothers came up with a wonderful idea: to use pumps at home (Charcot’s home shower is written about here), which are produced by their family company.

Despite the fact that the equipment was originally intended for domestic needs, it began to be used as an aeration pump.

When immersed in water (read about deep pumps for water from a well in this article), the device produced a fairly strong massaging jet consisting of air and liquid bubbles.

This is the first, although not perfect, prototype of a hydromassage bath. The design had enormous potential, so it was finalized and serial production began.

A trial batch of whirlpool baths was played as prizes on a famous TV show in America, in which famous people took part.

Thanks to advertising, the product began to enjoy great success. Of course, ordinary people could not afford a whirlpool bath.

They were installed mainly in fitness centers. Only owners of expensive cottages could afford such a pleasure.

Preventative care

To prevent breakdowns of a bathtub with hydromassage equipment, it is necessary to follow preventive measures:

Rinse the surface of the bath bowl immediately after use;
After rinsing, wipe the surface of the bowl with a soft, dry cloth.

For simple, regular cleaning of such plumbing equipment, you need to fill the bowl with water and disinfectant 50 mm above the top nozzles, then turn on the pumping equipment for five minutes and drain the water after a quarter of an hour.

The heavy cast iron bathtub is highly reliable. A cast iron hot tub will last for many years. The only drawback is the limited design of the models.

For tips from craftsmen on how to make a jacuzzi with your own hands, see this page.

At the final stage of cleaning, the bowl is filled with clean water, and the pumps are turned on for two to three minutes, after which the water is drained, the filters are dismantled, cleaned and returned to their place.

Professional maintenance of hot tubs is an expensive pleasure, so experts recommend strictly following the operating rules, as well as systematically performing preventive cleaning and disinfection of such equipment.

Features and choice of detergents for different surfaces

The choice of cleaning products for a hot tub depends on the type of coating. Its surface can be plastic (acrylic), marble, cast iron or steel.

Acrylic coating

Acrylic is the most common material for hot tubs. Its advantages are corrosion resistance, light weight and low price. Plastic sheets are easily shaped, so acrylic bathtubs can have any shape.

At the same time, scratches easily form on the surface of polymethacrylate; the material is vulnerable to alkalis, acids, solvents, chlorine bleaches and ammonia. For daily cleaning, it is best to use liquid products that dissolve in water. To remove plaque, you can treat the surface with gel or cream for acrylic baths.

Acrylic is a well-proven material.

Products used for cleaning:

Bath Prosept Acryl;
B&B Unicum;
"Akrilan";
"Sanfor Acrylight".

If there is no special composition, you can use liquid soap, shower gel or dishwashing liquid.

It is not advisable to apply Domestos, Sanox and similar products to acrylic.

Cast marble surface

Cast marble is an expensive but durable material for a bathtub. When treated regularly, this coating repels dirt and water, so home remedies are sufficient to clean it: grated laundry soap gel, liquid soap, etc. The most stubborn stains are removed using toothpaste without abrasive components.

The following professional compounds are suitable for caring for marble surfaces:

Akemi;
Mellerud;
HG (cleaner and polish for natural stone).

Cast marble is environmentally friendly.
To clean marble, you cannot use gels with solid mineral particles (Comet, Pemolux, etc.) or acids. It is acceptable to use white vinegar diluted in water in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2.

After cleaning, the bathtub is thoroughly rinsed and dried. To add shine, a small amount of polish is applied to the marble. The treated surface is wiped with a suede cloth.

Cast iron bath

Cast iron bathtubs are heavy, but they last a long time and retain heat well. The surface of the bowl is protected from corrosion by enamel.

The following products are used to clean a cast iron Jacuzzi:

Mr. Muscle for baths;
comet;
Cif Ultra White and Cif Active Fresh creams, Cif Power&Shine spray;
“Cillit Bang Anti-plaque and shine”;
"Sanox";
"Whiteness";
Bath and shower cleaner Frosch.

Cast iron bathtubs are the most reliable, strong and durable products.

To add shine to the enamel, you can use any composition that is suitable for paint and varnish coatings: for example, car polish.

Before final treatment, wipe the surface with a towel and paper napkin. Spread the polish over the enamel with a microfiber cloth. When the surface begins to shine, the bath is rinsed with water and wiped dry again.

Steel coating

For steel baths, the same products are used as for cast iron. Enameled surfaces withstand the effects of weak acids, hydrogen peroxide, turpentine, chlorine and ammonia. For cleaning, you can use sponges with an abrasive side, but not steel wool or brushes.

The steel coating withstands acids well.

To remove rust and plaque, you can use undiluted table vinegar. Aggressive acids (for example, oxalic acid) damage the enamel coating.

What do you need to know before installation?

We have selected the tools, now we need to focus on some nuances.

The first step is to take care of the convenient location of the font. After all, the tubes and nozzles will have to be washed quite often, and the pump and air compressor will need to be maintained. You need quick and easy access to all system nodes.

Under no circumstances should you make a screen for a Jacuzzi from tiles and embed the font into the wall. Since in this case access to communications will be significantly complicated. It is better to use a removable front panel. Read about how to install a front screen in our special article.

Until the installation work is completed, do not tear off the protective film from the surface of the bowl. Especially if you are installing the bathtub not in a tiled bathroom, but against bare walls, and plan to finish it after installing the bathtub.

It is very important to provide for all electrical communications in advance. For the Jacuzzi it is necessary to make a separate socket, and there should be 3 contacts: phase, zero and ground

It is also worth taking into account the power consumption of the hydraulic system - these parameters are indicated in the technical documentation and are measured in kW.

For standard hot tubs, the power usually does not exceed 3-4 kW. Therefore, a 3-core cable with a cross-section of 1.5 square meters is suitable. mm. If the power is higher, you will have to take a cable from 2 kW. mm and thicker. We will talk more about connecting to the power grid below in the corresponding section.

Unfortunately, the water in our homes is far from ideal, and the nozzles and pipe system are very sensitive to impurities in it.

Therefore, in addition to the standard filters of the hot tub, it is necessary to install additional coarse and fine filters on the pipeline suitable for it. This will protect the system from frequent blockages.

It is very important to take into account all the nuances described above before starting the installation process. Otherwise, there is a high probability that everything will have to be redone

Compressor installation

The set of equipment that will need to be installed on a homemade jacuzzi bathtub depends on what type of massage it is designed for:

aeromassage: it is enough to install only a compressor;
aeromassage and hydromassage (supplying jets of water): in addition to the compressor, you will need a pump.

When choosing the second option, it is necessary to provide a hole in the wall of the bowl through which the pump will draw water to supply it to the massage circuit.

The equipment does not add aesthetics to the bathtub, so it should be installed hidden. To do this, a recess is made in the floor or a niche in the wall, which will be covered with a lid. The switches connected to the devices must be installed in some place convenient for the bather - on the bath itself or nearby on the wall.

Don't want to go through the hassle of installing a jacuzzi? Buy a hydromassage bath mat that does not require special installation but performs similar functions.

The types of whirlpool baths, as well as their sizes and prices are listed in the following article.

The most common mistakes when performing welding

Dirty pipe surfaces. If they are not sufficiently cleaned and free from dust and dirt, then the pipeline with such products will very quickly begin to leak. Also, incorrectly calculated soldering depth (its exact data is contained in the table provided) leads to poor quality joints. The table provides accurate data on the depth of the welding belt. If these values are not made accurate, then the result is hermetic errors in the entire pipe line. This also complicates the entire process of laying polypropylene pipes. And most importantly, the table contains the exact heating time for the pipes. It must be maintained clearly. Insufficiently melted elements do not fully bond to one another. Consequently, under such circumstances, surfacing welds of different sizes are obtained. It will not be able to withstand even a weak water hammer. The workpiece is not inserted into the fitting all the way; you must remember that there should be a gap of no more than 1 mm. Another very common mistake is applying too much force to connect the fitting and the workpiece. As a result, burr is squeezed out at the end of the pipe product, which creates a serious obstacle to the flow of liquid. Incorrect position. You have a couple of seconds to align the heated connected parts. If this time is delayed, then the deformation is no longer correctable, and a strong connection will not be formed

It is also important not to overheat the workpiece, otherwise sagging will form on it. Inexpensive material. If you use low-quality products for work, then even the most professional installation will not protect against breakage

It is recommended to buy both pipes and fittings from the same manufacturer. It must be a company with a proven good reputation. Otherwise it will turn out like the saying about the stingy man who has to pay twice. There is no need to connect pipes (even high quality ones) from different manufacturers. The constituent elements of the product material may differ and when heated, such products will behave differently.

Mistake #1 - dirt and water on the elements being connected

A professional installer must wipe all parts to be welded before starting work to remove any possible contamination.

You should also pay attention to the condition of the floor in the room where welding is performed, since the pipes are laid on the floor and dirt gets back onto them. When dismantling a faulty pipe, you can often find a clear line of dirt along the entire length of the connection.

Residual water in the pipe can be fatal to the connection. During the heating process, a few drops turn into steam, the material is deformed and loses strength. To remove water from a pipe, simply fill it with salt or push crushed bread crumbs inside. At the end of the work, the pipe should, of course, be thoroughly washed. A connection with such flaws can remain stable even when pressure tested, but after some time (sometimes a whole year can pass) a leak will definitely appear. A similar error occurs when welding stabilized pipes if the foil from the intermediate layer is removed carelessly. Even a small piece of foil at the junction will significantly deteriorate the quality of the installation.

Not only the pipes should be clean, but also the soldering iron. The master should promptly remove particles of molten polypropylene from all elements of his tool, otherwise they will end up on the next pipe.