Jacuzzi Tub Control

[chachp]

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Our house was built in 2000 and has a jacuzzi tub.  We don't have the user guide for it nor do we know the brand.  There is a push button switch to turn the jets on and off but there is also this round knob that I have no idea what it does.  I've attached a photo (ignore the paint smatters from the previous owners).</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">We don't use it much because it's so large it takes a lot of water to fill.  I have only used the tub once and it seemed while I was using the jets the water did seem to at least maintain its temp or even get warmer but I have no idea if this is a heated tub or not.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Does anyone know what this knob does?  I can turn it but it doesn't really seem to do anything.</span>

 

[sfh074]

Bubbles ......

The knob opens and closes an air vent port. One direction allows air to be introduced into the supply side leading to the jets.

When open, air is mixed with the jet water and makes the jet streams softer with bubbles. Closed, more firmer or stronger jets of water.

 

[chachp]

Thank you Bud.

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">I will have to try it again.  Seemed like nothing was happening when I did it the last time but I don't know how much I turned it.</span>

 

[Marky_Mark]

Another thing I have found is that when you have that air admittance valve open, bubbles continue to be generated from some shower/bath gels that you may have added to the water.  If the bubbles get too much for you and start getting to the point of overflowing, closing that valve should stop any further bubbles/suds/foam being produced.  It might make less noise too.

 

In your case, as it doesn't seem to do anything, I do wonder if it's working properly.  Perhaps it is suck open or closed.  If you compare with and without the valve open, the difference should be pretty clear when air is being blown in along with the water, rather than just purely water circulating.  Will be interesting to see next time you use it and turn it as far as it will go.

 

[DADoES]

 
The cap will unscrew completely off.  Doesn't hurt anything to do that, it's just a cap that covers an air intake port.  An o-ring or other type of seal should be on it to fully-seal against air intake when it's fully-closed.

 

[chachp]

WOW, I had no idea!

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks guys.  This is all great information.  I unscrewed it all the way off and it's identical to the one in the photo Glenn posted.  We had one like this in the old house and I don't think it was ever used it in 13 years in that house.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The one in this house is big enough for both of us so we thought why not give it a shot.  Regarding bath products, I didn't think you were supposed to use any products like bubbles or oils in these things because it could gum up the works somehow.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I am going to try it again, adjust this knob and pay more attention to the changes in bubbles and sounds.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks again!!</span>

 

[wayupnorth]

I have a Jacuzzi tub and never use it as it takes forever to fill. My oil boiler cant keep up with heating the water quick enough. If I had one of those Amtrol indirect water heaters, the bolier could easily keep up. Mine has 3 seperate control knobs.

 

[DADoES]

 
Two whirlpool tubs (not the actual Jacuzzi brand) are in my house, both bathrooms.  Story I heard is the builder had an extra on-hand that needed to go somewhere.  Master bath one seems a little larger than the other.  I don't use them often but it's nice on occasion.  Does take a while to fill so requires planning ahead.  I have a tankless water heater so running out of heated water isn't an issue.  I have used products, doesn't seem to cause a problem.

I do recommend running the pump for a few mins every couple months if not otherwise used on a regular basis.  One of mine had seized after a long time of non-use, would hum, go dead on thermal overheat, repeat.  There are no access panels in the side cabinetry so the tub surround would have to be disassembled.  I had an idea for lack of anything else to let it cycle for a while on the chance the heat build-up would loosen the seize, and it did.

They also should be cleaned occasionally.  Fill with hot water to 2" to 3" above the jets, then add your choice of cleaning agent such as vinegar or dishwasher detergent (to avoid excess foaming).  Bleach (best choice for disinfecting) can be used although some brands don't recommend it due to long-term, recurrent use possibly affecting the internal seals (reasonably shouldn't be so much a problem if rinsed properly).  Run the pump for 15 to 20 mins.  Drain, refill with cold water and circulate a bit to rinse. 

The jet ports can also be unscrewed, you'll probably find some gunk behind them if it has never been done.  Some may be stuck and need a wrench of some sort to loosen.  I used Channellocks (aka tongue-and-groove pliers) to grab at the inside edge (adjust the jet port to facilitate access) and the outer edge, caused a bit of damage on the edge but that couldn't be avoided.  Don't tighten them so much upon reinstall to avoid getting stuck again.

Clean a Jetted Tub

 

[rp2813]

We have a tub with similar controls.  It was here when we bought the place last year.  It's in the "main" bathroom and we never use it since we have a master bath. 

 

Recently I tried to run it, assuming a push of the jets button would get things going, but nothing happened, not even any hum of something trying to run. 

 

Is there anything I can look for behind the access panel?  I didn't see any kind of GFI thing when I checked.  We had an outdoor hot tub for almost 30 years, but a jetted bathtub's mechanism is uncharted territory for me.  I don't want to waste another tub full of water until I've done some troubleshooting, so any advice would be appreciated.

 

I'll take pix if that would help.

 

[askolover]

Is the breaker turned off?

 

[chachp]

GFCI

 

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Ours has a GFCI plug that is kind of hidden on the opposite wall of the tub in the closet.  Ours was tripped when the home inspector was here.  He resolved that and the tub has been working since.  It's code here. </span>

 

[rp2813]

Thanks guys.  I'll check around for something behind the access panel.  Breakers are all good at the main panel for the house.