Inflatable hot tub losing water or air: finding the leak

Air or water: what is happening?

Some change is normal. Air contracts as it cools, so walls can feel softer on a cold morning and firm up as the day warms. Water evaporates, especially with the cover off and the bubbles running, so a slow drop over a week may not be a leak. A steady drop of several centimetres a day, or walls that go soft every day, point to a real leak.

Finding an air leak

Rinse off the soap afterwards so it does not get into the water and cause foam. If the leak is on the inner wall below the waterline, look for a stream of tiny bubbles when the AirJets are off.

1. 1

   Check the inflation valve caps are closed and the inner valve seated; these are the most common culprits.

2. 2

   Mix washing up liquid with water in a spray bottle.

3. 3

   Spray the valves, then the seams, top edge and any marks on the wall.

4. 4

   Watch for growing bubbles, which show escaping air.

5. 5

   Mark the spot with a non-permanent marker.

Finding a water leak

Water leaks at the pump connections are the most common and the easiest to fix. A drip from inside the pump unit itself is a pump fault; contact the maker.

1. 1

   Check the pump connectors at the inlet and outlet; reseat and hand tighten them.

2. 2

   Check the connector seals or O-rings are present, clean and not twisted.

3. 3

   Check the drain valve is fully closed and capped.

4. 4

   Look under the pump unit for drips from the pump itself.

5. 5

   If those are dry, mark the water level with tape and wait a day with the pump off to see if it drops.

6. 6

   Feel along the liner floor and seams for soft spots, and look for a wet patch under the ground sheet when drained.

Note:If water is near the pump or plug, switch off and unplug with dry hands before investigating. Do not open the pump unit.

Patching the liner

Most inflatable tubs come with a repair patch, and Lay-Z-Spa and others sell puncture repair kits, some of which work underwater. For a patch on a dry wall, deflate that chamber if the manual advises, clean and dry the area, round the patch corners, apply the glue or adhesive patch as the kit directs and press firmly. Leave it to cure for the time on the kit before reinflating.

For leaks below the waterline, either use a kit designed for underwater use or drain the tub. Seams are harder to repair than flat areas; if a seam is failing in several places, the tub may be near the end of its life.

Preventing leaks

See base ideas and storing an inflatable hot tub.

• Use a smooth, level base with the ground sheet and a mat.
• Inflate to the level in the manual; do not over-inflate, especially before heating.
• Check connectors and seals each time you set up.
• Keep sharp objects, pets' claws and garden tools away from the tub.
• Dry and fold the tub carefully for storage.

See tougher premium tubs →

When to call the maker

Contact the maker or seller if water drips from inside the pump unit, if a seam is separating, or if the tub keeps losing air after you have checked the valves and patched any holes. Note the model, when the leak started and what you have tried, and take photos of the area. Some faults may be covered by the warranty, so check the terms before making a repair that could affect a claim.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my inflatable hot tub losing air overnight? Cooling air shrinks at night, which is normal. If it is soft every day, check the valves and seams with soapy water.

Why is my hot tub losing water? Usually the pump connectors or drain valve. Reseat them and check the seals.

Can I patch a hot tub with water in it? Some repair kits work underwater. Otherwise drain below the leak first.

Is evaporation normal? Yes, some loss is normal, more with the cover off and the bubbles on.