My hot tub starting leaking recently.
I tried to pretend that it didn’t exist. It still leaked.
I tried to ignore it. It still leaked.
I tried letting it leak until the water level was low enough that it wouldn’t leak anymore. It still leaked.
So, at long last, I decided that I had to fix the leak. A leaking hot tub is a real downer.
This is a Sovereign tub from Hot Springs Spa. I started by removing the exterior side panels near where all the water was coming. Then started digging into the foam. Trust me, this is no small project! I started low and tried to kinda follow the wetness. I think this worked but I may just have been lucky. After a while of digging and making a huge mess, I arrived at some PVC tubing. Cleaning the foam off the tubing is, again, no small task.
Tip: I should have ran the jet pump while doing this digging as the location of the leak was more obvious with the pump running.
Interestingly enough, a mix of “hard” PVC tubing and a flexible PVC is used. Mine was leaking at one of those joints.
I tried to purchase some new tubing and failed.
I tried an epoxy patch, and failed.
I tried a number of things before deciding that I really didn’t even use the jet that the tubing fed.
So, I got some PVC caps, cleaned things really well, and sealed both ends closed.
YAY! No more water leaking hot tub!
I am happy.
hey thanks. same type tub and same issue, now i know what I am in for
how did you remove panels ? i have the same mdl. I feel it’s leaking around the lounger jets as the water level only drops to that point any info or help would be appriciated thanks Larry
Hi Larry!
They can be tough to get off. If constructed like mine, they are stapled on. You will have to start prying on one of them and just pull it off – gently. The hardest part is where the siding slides under the tub liner near the top. That’s just a matter of pulling and twisting. To put it all back together, I removed the old staples, slid the panel under the tub liner, and used some real small finish nails instead of the staples.
JD – Thanks for posting. I have a 2001 and it is doing the same thing. Like Larry I believe I know whatjet is leaking as the water level stops at the same jet. What did you do inside the tub after sealing the caps? did you just use a spray insulation to fill it back up?
Thanks,
Shawn
Hi Shawn,
Yes, I used some spray can expanding foam insulation to fill in around the tubing. I did not attempt to fill the entire cavity though. The spray can foam doesn’t expand that much. My goal with the foam was just to provide some freezing protection for the tubes.
I just pulled up this post searching for how to fix a leaking Hot Springs tub with insulation. The pictures you posted are worth a thousand words. I have an identical model and have diagnosed the leak to the exact spot you picture. And I, like you, rarely use those jets. In fact, most of the time if it’s just me in the tub I leave the jets off – the heat is what’s most therapeutic in my case. Plus it’s quieter. Anyways, now I feel pretty confident I can use those pictures as a guide and go right to the spot with minimum insulation fuss. Since, we’re just capping it – no need to completely clean the pipes. I like your idea of running the jets – in any case just to verify the leak is there and afterwards if it’s fixed. Cheers.
Thanks Brian! It is good to hear that the info was helpful. I hope you are successful with your fix!
I too have a hot springs sovereign that has had a few leaks. The flex line doesn’t have much give so repairing is no easy task. Instead I use a product called plast-aid that you can mix and form it around the leaking area. I’ve even done it while it was dripping and it fixed the leak. Have used it twice with excellent results!
yes – I have the same hot tub and recognise the leak in same place – service people said you can only get at the leak from underneath so I left it as hot tub 17 years old (but otherwise sound) – I’m now topping up every 3 days so wondered about just attacking it from the side and will now have a go – any thoughts on what exactly you did to ‘cap’ it greatly appreciated as DIY not my forte – cheers
Hi John – I purchased a PVC cap from the local home improvement store that was sized to fit the leaking “hose”. I then cut the leaking “hose” and used PVC cement to glue the cap onto it. If memory serves, the “hose” is a semi-flexible PVC like tube. It seems to have worked – no leaks in a pretty long time!
Hi – Great pictures – was this under a “moto massage area” back right side looking at control panel on front? I have Vangurad with similar symptoms – thanks for your comments
Jeff
Hi Jeff – yes, that’s the spot!
Hi Jeff,
I to have a 2010 Vanguard with the same leak where you described it above. I was wondering if you fixed it?
I replaced the dual moto massage unit and it started leaking shortly after that.
thanks so much for posting this!!!! bought a new house and the guy left this there,,, and filled it up to find the end cap for the heater was busted so I JB welded that shut then found another leak coming from some where else, pulled off some siding to see the foam,,, after reading this I know what to look for .. LIFE SAVER!!!!!
Hi folks. I have the same model hottub and it has developed a leak. The moto masager stopped working well and I reckon the leak is around there as the water damage on the floor of my log cabin is on that side. Problem….its in a log cabin and a tight fit at that. How the hell am I going to get to the leak? Guessing water out, turnthe tub around slightly and get the hot tub people in.
Am in surrey, is there a decent hot tub fixer anywhere near me? I am thinking of using hot tub assist ltd.
Cannot deal with this myself am a single lady and not keen to start taking the thing apart.
HELP!!!!
What did you use to prior the sides off without ripping them?
Hi Janet. If I remember correctly, the sides use a sort of long staple. I used a variety of tools (screwdrivers mostly) to gently pry these sides up and staples out. You do have to be gentle.
THANK YOU JD!!!!!! I too have the same problem and the same hot tub. Mine is a 2007 sovereign. What I did find on the removal of the skirting is that hot springs changed the attachment of the skirt. It now has a small indentation at the bottom underside of the panel for finger grip and three screws. I was instructed to remove the screws (obviously LOL) and pull the bottom edge outward to release from the upper clips. I was also advised to be careful not to smash my fingers as the panel is heavy. It is about twice the size of the equipment panel door, so I’m going to say its going to be HEAVY. I was desperately hoping someone had pics of the foamed area so I would know what I was in for. I say you are a god send! What did you use to cut through the foam? I’m hearing to use a drill with a steel circular brush like attachment works well. Suzy, good for you that you have researched and done this far. I am just under 5 feet tall and about 118 pounds. I haven’t let that stop me yet! I’m getting ready to replace the worn out peices in the wet end of the jet pump. I’m mechanically inclined so This stuff doesn’t bother me a bit. Plus I fit into small crevices, so replacing a disposal is a snap! Thanks again! I will post my progress and hope the neighbors grandkids don’t pick up new words!!!
I have a 1993 Sovereign with water that accumulates in some kind of a pocket just below the clear lens (lets light from the floodlamp enter the hot tub) and then the water comes over the lip into the motor access hinged panel area at the end of the hot tub. The original commentator didn’t specify the year of his Sovereign and the plumbing depends on the year range. I can’t see any water seeping from the lens, but there is a dirt track from one of the studs that secure the lens down to this pocket, and overnight there accumulates about 1 or 2 cups of water inside the end access panel. I’m wondering if the leak could be coming from that joint embedded in the foam and finding its way over to that pocket below the lens? In the case where that is happening, is water dripping from below the pipe leak directly down beneath the wood skirt, or is it getting over to the pocket where I see water? Thanks!
Finding the exact spot of the leak is definitely a challenge with these hot tubs. All of that foam can really mask the path. I’m afraid my only solution is to start digging the foam out from the location where you think the leak exists and then start watching. I know… it is a miserable and time consuming process.
Did you find the source of this leak? I have the same problem and replaced the lens hoping it would fix it…no luck.
I can’t believe I found your website! I have a HotSprings Sovereign model I from 1993 and all of a sudden I noticed a leak in the corner, but can’t figure out where the leak is. I have my spa enclosed in a deck, which means ripping up the deck, then ripping off the skirt panel. Help!
Going to try your method and hope it all works since everything else on my spa has been replaced and it seems a shame to dump it. Thanks!
Forgot to ask if there is a diagram to use of the PVC pipes inside the skirt? Really would help.
Thanks
Hi Susan, afraid I’ve never seen a plumbing diagram for this tub. That sure would be a huge help. If anyone has it, please send me a copy and I will post it here.
Hi JD, I have a soverign hot tub I think my leak is coming from the motto massage area, been reading your forum, I need to remove the side panels but they are not easy by any means, did you manage to get them off without breaking any panels. Your pictures show the cut out section, thing is where the pipes are, are they by the side of the lounger seat or are they behind the lounger seat, I need to make sure I’m cutting the correct area, hope you can help me please, thanks Richard.
Hi Richard! Yes on both counts. My panels came off without breaking – just have to slowly work the staples out. The foam cutout area is the backside of the lounger seat. Good luck!!
Thanks JD, after looking at your pictures I wanted to make sure I was cutting the right section of foam away, thanks again, RIchard
Hi JD,
We have a Hot Springs Grande and ours is leaking somewhere underneath. We know this because ours is on an elevated deck and the deck boards are dripping. Had a repairman come out who was here less than 10 minutes, told us would have to take tub to shop. Cost somewhere between 1500 to 2000 to repair. How can we fix a leak that must be coming from the bottom? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I just had my Grande fixed, it was leaking out the bottom, wouldn’t hardly hold water at all. They came out, loaded it up, took it to the shop, repaired/fixed it, and brought it back, all for $1000.00 (One Thousand). Then shortly after, I had them come pick it up and move it to my new house. They charged me $450.00 for the pick up and delivery alone. So you do the math, K! Whom ever quoted you $1.5K to $2K is ripping you off!
Hi All, I have a Grandee model that is leaking and I can’t seem to locate it at all ripped all but 1 side off and still nothing. As soon as it cools off I plan on ripping the last side off. My water literally drains below ALL of the Jets, even the foot jets! The flexible pipes are called tiger flex. The smaller pipes are equivalent to 3/4″ PVC, or at least that’s what I used to fix a different leak. Goo Gone works a little to “melt” the foam insulation around the pipes. Acetone should also work, but I don’t know how the tiger flex will hold up. I saw someone asked about the plumbing diagram… I actually called the manufacturer and asked for the diagram and they emailed it to me. They just asked me for my model and serial number. Hope this helps someone.
I have a 1996 grandee and having some leaking from the side just counterclockwise from the filters . I can see h20 dripping from the bottom. A couple wood panels ( Redwood that is..) came off on the leaky side over the past couple years. Foam is now exposed and there is wood rot in the plywood portion on the bottom that the wood siding attaches to. Also it seams lizards enjoy getting into all the nooks and crannies of the damaged area which in turn motivated our dachshund to get a head start ripping out the foam. I am Getting ready to pull off more siding, dig out the foam that the dog couldn’t reach given his short stature and look for the leak. I’m planning on making replacement wood panels to fit the existing. Looking forward to the project and hopefully you folks are still giving feedback. Thanks
Hey all, just wanted to post something that might be of interest to folks who found this page he same way I did. I have a 2010 Hot Spring Sovereign that I just moved to a new house. I knew that a had a “slow” leak that I needed to address (couple inches of water loss per week), but it just got much worse. We set it up, used it last night, and woke up to see that water level (about 10 hours later) was down about 4″ from where we left it!
I pulled the filters, poured in something called Marlig Fix a Leak that I found on Amazon, and fingers crossed it’s been another 10 hours and water level does not seem to have dropped at all! Can’t really believe it but am hoping this was the fix.
Reviews on Amazon are 50% 5 stars, but lots of 1s as well. Seems like for some it works permanently and immediately, and for others not at all. A few say it works for years or months and then needs to be fixed again with the same product. I’d be ok with that as I was quoted $1500 to $2000+ for leak detection. It may not work for you, but for $12 it might be worth a shot! And thanks to the original poster; if it comes back I’ll be looking to troubleshoot myself and this is very helpful!
Mike
Hello everyone! Just to add a bit more to the information available out there. I know JD started this page over 4 years ago, but this site seems to pop up for people out there searching about Hot Springs hot tub leaks.
Anyhow, I have a 2011 Vanguard Hot Spring. I could. not. get. the. panels. off!!!!! I have a leak a lot like the one that Mike described in the previous post, but if you can’t even get the panels off to dig through the foam, you’re hosed. I didn’t want to wait for the 12$ leak solution to come through the mail, and figured I might as well the leak permanently.
So I searched and searched and searched, and watched you tube videos, and even found an owner’s manual online, but there is ZERO information out there about this make/model. This page alone seems to have more information about these things then anywhere else!
I looked at the bottom of the panel around the skirt, and noticed 4 or 5 little hidden tabs that seem to be the main holdup. I tried to pry them up with screw drivers, hooks, and other odds and ends, but they appear to require some kind of special, factory only, tool. I also couldn’t easily tell where one panel began and the next one ended. If you look veeerrry closely you can see a paper thin gap. I pried all over the place, where I thought the panels start/end, at the bottom, at the top, etc. Ended up scratching some things.
Finally, I got desperate and grabbed a 4″ angle grinder and put a cutting wheel on it. Cut through all the tabs, as close to the panel as I could (the plastic tabs and enclosing plastic square thingy are pretty soft, but the base of the hot tub is much harder). Then, and only then, I was able to pry the panel out from a few different leveraging points. To my surprise, there is just one, big, panel on a side. The corners have a much shorter panel that is, of course, curved.
I now have the panel off, and am quickly ripping out wet foam. Will post back once the project is finished!
Just wanted to add my experience to the conglomeration here (it was very frustrating!) and say thanks again JD!!!!!
Hello,
Thank you for this great article!
I am French and I have a Hotspring Prodigy HE who also fled.
Thanks to your explanation, I could locate the leak and I repaired with a two-component adhesive.
I have pictures of the repair if anyone is interested.
Bye.
So, I have a Hot Springs Grandee (5 1/2 years old) that started leaking. I contacted this guy (https://www.facebook.com/mewatersaver/) who told me it is a common problem on Hot Springs. There is a drain hole in the bucket for the massage unit that fails (used to drain the water out of bucket) For $5 he sent me a plug that I put in and problem solved. This save me about $2500 from dealing with the horrendously bad Hot Spring dealer near me.
Kevin
Were you able to service this from the tub side without removing panels?
I have a 10 year old Grandee that is leaking through the white corregated hose in the back left corner of the service panel. It will drain down to the bottom of the filter compartment(about 21″ down from the top edge) and does not change if the pumps are running or not. Any suggestions. I have started taking the panels off starting to the left of the service compartment.
I have a 1999 Hot Springs Sovereign (I purchased in 2012 and this is the first issue I have had) that I just had some valves and cracked hoses repaired in the access panel. Unfortunately I now see drips coming from the right side of the tub but they appear to be near the seat with all the jets -opposite the moto-massage. Is it possible that the moto-massage could be leaking but it would travel to the front of the tub before dripping out??
My local spa place quoted me more than the tub is worth to diagnose so I may tackle it if I’m having to add water more than once a month. They said they aren’t sure if my panels come apart in small pieces or the entire side has to be removed. I’m hoping I can just loosen one panel where the drips are coming from and start there. I had used JB water weld putty on an elbow before I had them come out the first time and that works great! I’m going to keep checking back here for new posts to help. I need another couple weeks of warm weather!!!
Hi Spa folks Just saw this post on leaks.
I have a 2002 prodigy – started leaking today left corner if you are facing the controls. I went to turn the jet diverter valve thinking maybe I could shut off the jets in that corner. It leaks with jets off too. I turned the lever and it snapped off in my hand and I got a nice shower from the geyser that started and socked me on the 40 degrees outside deck.
So- I call two nearest hot springs dealers, an hour or 2 away. They tell me the repair will require taking the unit to their shop. $1000 down payment, $200 to come over; $2-3000 for repair. WOW- I am bummed. so now I am reading what others have done. One shop said its 14 years old and transferred to the sales dept to get a new one. Well- thanks not in the budget.
Its getting cold at night and I am concerned on what to do.
This exact thing just happened to me — I turned the lever and it flew off and a geyser shot up all the way past our second story windows, omg! I thought I could just put the lever back in — does anyone know? This is not listed in the troubleshooting guide!
Hi, my 96 Landmark leaked from moto massage area. This post helped me get started. I flipped the tub up on its side, ripped off the siding by warming it with a heat gun and gently prying with crowbar and screwdrivers. Boy those staples tear up your hands! I then dug through the ant-infested insulation with hands and tools until I found the end of the sogginess and a cracked pipe. I used a PVC union to rejoin it.
I flipped the tub back down (2-3 adults for the 800lb tub wasn’t bad), and found it still leaked but now from the middle near the lowest drain. I obtained the plumbing layout from Hot Springs and have continued digging to no avail. I’m starting to see why I was quoted $3,000. That’s only 40 hours of labor for a tech team to find the leak, fix, iterate, and certify it’s fixed. Seems reasonable now after the weekends I’ve spent with at least one other helper. It isn’t cheap if you don’t have the cash, but I could have made more delivering newspapers and paid them to do it. My journey continues in the spring. Good luck all!
” I obtained the plumbing layout from Hot Springs and have continued digging to no avail. ”
Can you share that layout diagram please!!!
Hi DJ. I looked around but not seeing that diagram now. It’s been about ten years so not too surprising. Sorry about that….
Started work on my prodigy tub to find leak. Took the siding off the left corner and started digging into the foam. Came to a black hose about 2.5 inches in diameter in the corner. Looks to be an air vent. about an inch up inside is a 1/2 pipe coming into to it. It is dripping. This looks to be also a air vent- so I am lost now on how to stop the drips. The base wood on the bottom is rotted out by that 2″ tube.
Found a diagram- no help. Sent email to Watkins Cust ser- no reply
Howdy Larry – digging thru these tubs is really not a lot of fun. 🙁 If you gently push/pull on those hoses, maybe you can spot a crack in a fitting???
Hello. We were given a HotSprings 1999 Jetsetter J spa. Inside is in mint condition. Filled it up and turned it on to see if it work. While filling it up, we noticed small leak on the right hand side of the spa (control panel is in the front). We finished filling it and when we turned it on, left hand corner closest to front started leaking really bad. Any idea how to access this? We have it sitting on a small trailer in our driveway right now. Should we pull off the side panels and try to access it that way or turn it up on it’s side? I was afraid we would damage the spa itself if we did that. Would really like to get it going since it is in great shape other than the leaks.
I don’t have time to read all the comments however, I have had these exact problems. #1 do not glue old flex to new rigid PVC. Use clear flex hose from Home depot/lowes or such. You must watch youtube videos by “The Spa Guy” easiest way to get even the most difficult projects done. You will have confidence to dig a little further to make your job easier.
Watch this and all his videos. Works like a charm…
I used to work for Water Works Hot Spring Spas here in Alaska, repairing tubs. I have read all of these posts and it sure looks like the Hot Springs spas have a history of leaking. I also have a large older Hot Spring spa on my upper back deck and I live in Alaska. I have had my tub apart for almost 5 years now as the pump/motor went out and was no longer available from the manufacturer. The tub itself is in great shape with the older style bench type seating. Finally found an outfit that sells universal pumps and motors so I ordered the one I needed. Working on the back deck laying in the ice and snow, I managed to retrofit the new assembly, rebuilt the heater box, and replaced all of the hoses in the access compartment. finally, I re-installed the drain valve as I left it out to make sure the tub did not fill with water and do the freeze and thaw thing while not I use for those few years.
The weather here this winter has been odd to say the least. We had a warm front come through followed by freezing temps over the last couple of weeks. I finally finished retrofitting the new parts into the tub and was ready to fill the spa and hit the switch. That’s when I removed the lid to find about 18″ of ice in my tub. The old lid had allowed snowmelt to enter the tube when it warmed up and I had re-installed the drain. Prematurely I suppose. I tarpped off the tub, applied heat and got it thawed out, re-filled, and turned on. everything worked water was hot. However, over night, the tub lost about 12″ of water level. Under my deck it was like someone was taking a shower. A pipe has split.
When I fixed these at the shop we would set the tub up on blocks. Then fill it with water and wait for the leak to show itself. Once the general area of the leak was determined, I would flip the tub over and dig out the insulation to locate the leak. Without the overhead crane, I can see that going in from the side as this blog implies would be a heck of a lot easier to do when working alone. I was going to build a frame to use and hoist the tub with it, but I think I will try the side panel first. Thanks for the posts.
You really are providing a real service to HOT Spring owners. I have a 1999 Soverign and have a leak. My tub is dropped into a wood deck and next to impossible to remove panels except exposing the pump. It seems that a majority of leaks from your posts are in the Moto Massage area. I’m curious about one of your posts describing a plug in the bucket area that was causing a problem. Could you explain More.
Hello
Are you still out there helping us out?
Thank you
Hello. IO am currently dealing with a small leak on a 2007 Grandee. About a half inch a week. Not a bad leak, but annoying because of the mess it makes on the patio. Currently using the Marlic stop a leak product. My perimeter skirts base that sits on the concrete is rotting away. Does anyone know if it is 1×4 or 2×4? I am going to lift it and replace perimeter.