Sealers for Hot Tub Leaks

Leak Inspection

• Drain the tub and watch it closely to see if the water stops leaking at any point, indicating the leak is above the current water level of the tub. Often with larger leaks, if you drop food coloring into the hot tub, you can see where the coloring flows to, showing the source of the leak. Inspect all of the tub's parts closely, particularly the pipes, fittings and shell, for leaks.

Pipes

• If the leak is found within the PVC pipes, apply a sealer formulated for bonding PVC. Some sealers come as a two-part compound. When the two solutions are combined, it turns first into a glue for application. After the glue dries, it becomes a hard, waterproof plastic and forms a strong bond with the PVC.

Shell

• Repair shell cracks with a sealer formulated for use on the hot tub shell material, which is usually acrylic. The sealant is applied and then the shell is sanded so it retains its smooth texture. Some shell sealer products are added to the skimmer. The water circulates the sealer, allowing it to penetrate any cracks. It may take up to five hours for the sealer to completely penetrate and close off all cracks.

Tips

• Instead of using a sealer on plumbing pipe, an alternative is to apply a clip-on fitting to cover the exposed area. The manufacturers of some sealers added via the skimmer claim it seals not only the leaks in the shell but also any leaks in the plumbing; forgo inspecting for the leak and use this type of sealer for possibly the easiest, quickest solution. After sealing a leak, shut off the suction for at least 48 hours to give the sealer time to harden and cure. Consult with the hot tub manufacturer or a spa supply store if the leaking continues even after applying a sealer.