Categories: Hot Tub Problems

How to Detect A Leak In An Inflatable Hot Tub

You bought an inflatable hot tub, but after using it for a while, notice a lot of bubbles coming from it? It may be time to inspect it for leaks. Sometimes it is difficult to find the actual leak itself because you cannot see through the vinyl walls of your inflatable hot tub.

In this article, we will discuss how to find a leak in an inflatable hot tub and some ways that you can prevent them in the future.

What is the best way to avoid leaks in a hot tub? To buy the most high-quality one! Check our article and find the best Intex hot tubs.

How to determine if you have a leak in your inflatable hot tub

There are several things to look for if you suspect a leak in your inflatable hot tub. 

One of the first things to check out would be an inflated water level inside the hot tub, especially where it attaches with suction cups or other securing devices. If any sections show deflated areas, there is a strong chance of a leak in the inflatable hot tub.

Another part of this process would be to look for any air pockets or other signs where air might have leaked out from inside the lining of the spa. If you see any of these signs, then there is a good chance that the inflatable hot tub has a puncture.

Another thing to look at would be how fast it takes for air pockets to re-inflate after being compressed by water pressure inside or outside the spa. If air bubbles rise quickly and go away just as fast, then there is a good chance that one of the hoses has come loose.

How to find an underwater puncture

An underwater puncture is in the inflatable hot tub lining. Often, this kind of crack cannot be seen because it’s underwater. However, you can look for leaks by applying the soapy solution to areas that might have leaking seams or cracks and then looking carefully for bubbles that indicate a hole in your inflatable hot tub liner. If you find bubbles around the seams and you think you’ve found a hole in your inflatable hot tub liner, then try using an underwater sealant to patch it. 

If this doesn’t work, then there might be a crack or tear too big for an underwater patch to fix, and the only way is to replace the vinyl lining with a new one.

How to find a puncture on the outer wall of your hot tub

If you are having trouble finding a leak in your hot tub, look for bubbles at the seams of the outer wall. If there is no visible puncture on the outside, check inside by removing any plugs or caps. This will allow all water to escape from within, revealing where it’s originating from if air pockets are present. Be sure to check each plug or cap after removing it.

Do you feel that your old hot tub needs to be replaced with a new one? Check our article and choose the best model among all Intex hot tubs!

Common hot tub parts where leaks occur

Inflatable hot tub leaks can occur anywhere in the system, but they are easy to find if you know where to look for them.  

Inflatable hot tubs have several common parts where leaks can occur. Leaks often start at connecting two pipes or when a line enters or exits an inflatable plug. Often, these types of leakage will be visible from outside the in-ground vinyl liner, which means you may see bubbles in your pool if there is a leak.

How to repair an inflatable hot tub puncture

Step 1 – Identify the puncture

If you notice a leak in your inflatable hot tub, the first thing to do is identify where it’s coming from. You can find out by carefully submerging and then inflating the affected area with air. There’s definitely an issue if it doesn’t hold any pressure at all or only holds for a few seconds before deflating again.

Once you’ve identified the puncture, it’s time to move on to step two and start fixing things up.

Step 2 – Repair the hot tub leak

After identifying the source of the leak, you should repair it immediately. You can do so by applying a patch to your inflatable hot tub. The process is simple and doesn’t require any special skills or tools.

  • Attach an adhesive patch to the punctured area.

The first step in repairing a hole in an inflatable hot tub is to attach a patch. You can purchase adhesive patches from your local hardware store or online hot tub supply retailer.

  •  Sand the area around the puncture.

For an adhesive patch to hold, it must be attached directly onto smooth, clean fabric without bumps or ridges underneath it. This means that you need to sand the area around the puncture before applying your adhesive patch.

  • Apply glue to the back of the patch and attach it directly onto the hot tub fabric.

Once you’ve applied some fine-grit sandpaper around the hole, use a clean rag or sponge to wipe away any debris that may have accumulated during this process. Next, apply glue to the back of your adhesive patch and attach it directly onto the hot tub fabric.

  • Smooth out glue around the puncture area with a squeegee or credit card.

Make sure you smooth out any excess air bubbles to create a proper seal between your inflatable hot tub and its patch. For this, use either a rubber squeegee or a credit card.

  • Let the glue dry for 24 hours before using your inflatable hot tub again.

After letting all of this set, make sure to allow it to dry completely (for at least one day) before reinflating and testing out your hot tub. If done correctly, nothing should leak through.

Want to find a worthy replacement for your old hot tub? Check our article with Intex hot tubs and choose the best model for yourself!

How to prevent punctures to your inflatable hot tub

To prevent punctures, you need to follow these guidelines: 

  • Never leave any sharp items (such as a shell or seashell). 
  • Make sure the area around your inflatable hot tub is free of debris or other loose items that could sink into it and cause a tear or rip.  
  • Keep away from animals and small children to avoid accidental punctures.
  • Make sure the inflatable hot tub is not exposed to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or chlorine.  
  • Keep the pump in good condition so it doesn’t fail and damage the inflatable tub.  
  • Drain your inflatable hot tub when not in use, so nothing punctures or tears it accidentally while you’re away from home.  

Summary

A leak in an inflatable hot tub can be hard to find because the water coming out of the inflatable hot tub can come from one or more places. You must know where the leak in your spa comes from when trying to fix it so that you do not make any mistakes while repairing it.

When looking for leaks in an inflatable hot tub, you will want to check the seams first. This is because it is one of the most common places where a leak can happen, and it does not require much effort to fix. And our guide will help you deal with this.

FAQ

💦 How to find a leak in an inflatable hot tub?

Check the floor of your inflatable hot tub for leaks. You can do this by filling up the chamber, then waiting 30 minutes and checking for any bubbles on the surface of the water. If there is air leaking from beneath the hot tub, you will see air bubbles.

🧐 What are common hot tub parts for leaks?

Hoses and gaskets can be punctured by sharp objects if they’re not adequately protected, so check them for any damage. Check the valves and o-rings to make sure they are correctly attached if you still think there might be a leak somewhere.

🔧 How do I fix leaks in an inflatable hot tub?

You should repair any punctures as soon as possible after you notice them. If the puncture is small, use a sealant to plug it up and stop any leaks for larger holes that cannot be plugged with a sealant, patching kits for inflatable hot tubs.

🔎 How do I prevent bubbles in an inflatable hot tub?

Air bubbles in your inflatable hot tub can be due to a variety of things. If there is air escaping from the valves, check them for holes and tighten the cap to close any gaps. You may also want to turn off or unplug your pump if you are not using it, preventing the air from pumping in. If you do not have a pump or turn it off, try manually inflating your chamber to see if that stops the bubbles.

Peter Rossi

Hi, I’m Peter Rossi, a professional hot tub designer and founder of ByRossi. After having spent over 10 years designing hot tubs for Jacuzzi Group, I started a private practice. Now I design bespoke hot tubs for high-end apartments. I am based in New York, but my clients are all over the world – from San Francisco to Paris, Dubai, London and Tokyo. One thing I enjoy is writing. Hot tubs manufacturers have always been notorious for pushing cheap, subpar products for crazy prices, making profits on naive first-time buyers. So I consider it my social mission to share my expertise and educate clients on who is who in the industry. Lately, I started to work with other people who help me to develop the business. In particular, a couple of great researchers and veteran journalists help me convert my raw thoughts into beautiful articles which you might enjoy reading on ByRossi. Hope my efforts help.

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