Hot Tub, Spa, Swimming Pool, Whirlpool Bath Inspection
Inspection Checklists, hazards /defects
Hot tub & spa or whirlpool bath inspection checklist & guide:
Hot tub or spa checklist & illustration of common defects & safety hazards. This article describes common problems found when inspecting a hot tub or spa.
This article series describes the use, operation, maintenance as well as common problems, troubleshooting, & repair suggestions for hot tubs, spas, swimming pools and whirlpool baths. We discuss hot tub leaks, broken hot tub or spa jets, hot tub or spa water temperature & heater repair, hot tub or spa pump diagnosis & repair, hot tub or spa filter maintenance, cleaning & repair, noisy air pumps at hot tubs, noisy water pumps at the hot tub or spa, and other hot tub, spa or whirlpool bath diagnosis & repair topics. The hot tub shown at the top of thi spage was installed ca 1995 and is still in operation.
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Spa / Hot Tub & Swimming Pool Inspection Checklist, Safety Hazards, Leaks, Operating Defects
[Click to enlarge any image]
Using the hot tub installation shown in these photographs, and with a few tips from Chuck at Northland Spa Service (Duluth MN), we list the safety and operating defects that could be easily seen by casual inspection of this 20+ year-old hot tub installation.
Watch out : No single hot tub or spa inspection checklist is likely to be complete; the electrical system, water chemistry, tub access, slip and fall hazards and other conditions found at any hot tub or spa can include health, safety, and even fatal hazards.
Not one of the spa or hot tub safety checklists surveyed for this article seemed complete and the fact the items listed varied across checklists suggests that while functional, health and safety inspections of hot tub and spa installations are very important, the inspector is going to have to rely on education, experience, and attention to detail to do an acceptable job at reducing the risks of these installations.
Chuck's bottom line opinion was that the hot tub shown in this article series was beyond economical repair - at least not by a professional. He offered that comment after together we had observed the hot tub conditions listed here. Some of these are unsafe conditions, others indicate that any repair attempts on the system may involve extra cost, and still others suggest that a complete replacement of the hot tub and its equipment will also involve extra costs because of limited working space.
- Hot tub access control: adult supervision is required; children in this private home could easily access and enter the hot tub.
- Hot tub electrical hazards:
- No ground-fault interruption circuit (GFCI) has been provided for the hot tub electrics.
- No electrical grounding conductor
and wires were routed out of the box into the heater/pump control unit with no strain relief.
Someone servicing or even just inspecting this installation could touch electrical wiring from an unsafe, possibly wet, even fatal position.
- No local emergency OFF switch was provided for this hot tub. In an emergency one may have to remove an access panel and find the (not obvious) pump OFF switch.
For details about the controls for this hot tub, see
- SPA TURN ON PROCEDURE
- SPA CONTROLS & SWITCHES
- Nearby electrical switches and light fixtures could be touched from within the hot tub or from within a nearby shower stall. None of these circuits were protected by GFCI's - a step that would reduce this non-electrical-code-compliant hazard.
- Hot tub blower unit: the air blower or bubbler motor was so horribly noisy no one could bear to leave it running. It's possible that this unit needs repair or replacement.
For more about the air blower unit at this hot tub
See SPA / HOT TUB BLOWER UNIT
also
see SPA & JETTED TUB NOISE ISSUES
- Hot tub body: numerous cracks in the gel coat of the hot tub, probably due to stress from weight of people accessing the tub including, perhaps when it was empty, mean that body leaks are likely. The tub body was not leaking at the time of our inspection.
Also see SPA / HOT TUB, OTHER LEAKS
Hot tub chemical hazards: at the time of inspection hot tub chemicals were not placed out of reach of children.
- Hot tub filter:
- The pressure gauge is not in a visible location (it's at the bottom of the filter and turned inwards towards the tub body, and may not be operative.
- While the leaky filter cap was replaced, the filter canister bottom drain valve is seized; extra work will be required to drain this system
- Hot tub jets: the jets were working but I saw minor damage - chipped plastic. The plastic parts on this installation are old enough that they are brittle and easily broken. Simply trying to re-aim a jet is likely to break it.
Also see SPA / HOT TUB JET CLOG REPAIR
Hot tub plumbing:
A gentle test of plastic valves (photo above) suggested that they are seized; given the age of the plastic piping system and evidence of mineral deposits where leaks were found at the pump, it's likely that the various unions (photo below) are going to leak if touched as their o-rings may be dried or cracked.
- Air leaks: while air at the jets is normal, and is adjustable using tub rim controls, excessive air when the air controls are closed may indicate that there are suction line air leaks on the system. Suction line leaks can reduce system pressure and cause heater operating problems. However I didn't see water leaks at the piping.
- Hot tub water circulating pump:
- High pitched whine at the pump motor suggests that motor bearings are at or near end of life. (Chuck could hear this noise, I could not).
- White deposits at the pump wet-end indicate that there are leaks at the impeller assembly shaft seal, For more about the pump used in this hot tub
See SPA / HOT TUB PUMP OPERATION
and
see SPA / HOT TUB PUMP REPAIR
Hot Tub Temperature Control: the heater for this hot tub consistently trips off at about 98F - a safe temperature but a bit cooler than occupants may enjoy. Chuck also warned that some hot tub thermometers are inaccurate, risking dangerous overheating. In my photo we marked 104 °F as the highest safe hot tub temperature. You'll see that at the time of measurement the temperature in this hot tub was about 60°F.
[Note: it may be possible for an experienced owner-technician-handyman to remove and repair the existing heater and its controls by working with care provided repair parts can even be found, and accepting the risks listed in this hot tub inspection list, but it was apparent that the hot tub professional was reluctant to tackle this ugly job and considered it not worthwhile.]
Above we see the temperature control or heat level (blue arrow) and the thermal overload reset button (red arrow). Below: a view of the beautiful-side of this antiquated hot tub installation.
this is an indoor hot tub located in a tiled bath (photo above). There is no provision for easily removing the old hot tub nor bringing in a new packaged hot tub unit, though it may be possible to remove and replace the greenhouse / solarium glass cover at one end of the hot tub enclosure.
Chuck pointed out that the dimensions of this tub have it shoe-horned into the space and that a replacement unit, to fit, will probably have to be a bit smaller.
around indoor hot tub and spa installations are common; the use of cedar wall siding and a vent system this hot tub have reduced the mold risk but the vent system appears to be inoperative.
Inspection Checklists & Procedures for for Hot Tubs, Spas , Swimming Pools, Whirlpool Baths
Hot Tub, Spa, Swimming Pool, & Whirlpool Bath Checklists & Codes
- California, POOL & SPA INSPECTION CHECKLIST [PDF] County of Santa Barbara, California, retrieved 2016/03/11, original source: http://cosb.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/phd/EHS/
Pool%20and%20Spa%20Inspection%20checklist%20for%20Operators.pdf
- California, "Swimming Pool and Spa Self-Inspection Checklist", [PDF], retrieved 2016/03/11, original source: http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Departments/Public_Health/Divisions/EH/
content/Recreational_Health/SELF-INSPECTION%20CHECKLIST%201.0.pdf
- Illinois, "Swimming Pool / Hot Tub Applicant Checklist" [PDF], McHenry County Department of Planning and Development, Woodstock IL, 60098, USA, teL: 815-334-4560, retrieved 2016/03/11, original source: https://www.co.mchenry.il.us/home/showdocument?id=39802
- Jacuzzi, "Hot Tub Pre-Installation Checklist", Jacuzzi, retrieved 2016/03/13, original source: http://www.jacuzzi.com/hot-tubs/hot-tub-blog/pre-installation-checklist/
[Note: lacking in technical detail - Ed.]
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680, at Mike Holt's Forum: original source: https://www.mikeholt.com/mojonewsarchive/NEC-HTML/HTML/SwimmingPoolInstallations~20021227.htm
This text includes the contents of Article 680 of the U.S. NEC along with author's comments that help interpret the code.
- National Electrical Code for Spas: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC) (UNITED STATES), ARTICLE 680, REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, HOT TUBS, FOUNTAINS AND SIMILAR INSTALLATION, [PDF] retrieved 2016/03/13, Original source: Connecticut State Government's copy of Mike Holt's article on U.S. NEC Article 680 [PDF], http://www.ct.gov/dcs/lib/dcs/office_of_education_and_data_management_files/mike_holt_pool_download.pdf
- SEPTIC to POOL DISTANCE - web article
- SCALD PROTECTION - for heated pools and hot tubs
- SOLAR COLLECTOR AIR or GAS COLLECTION - web article - solar pool heaters
- "Spa Inspection Checklist", [PDF], retrieved 2016/03/11, original source: http://superiormeetings.com/pdf/SPA-INSPECTION-CHECKLIST.pdf
[Note: lacking in technical detail - Ed.]
- SWIMMING POOL SOLAR HEAT, INDOOR - web article
- SWIMMING POOL SOLAR HEAT, OUTDOOR DIAGNOSIS - web article
- Trouble Free Pool [pool care website], retrieved 2016/03/13, original source: http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/84-How-do-I-use-Bromine-in-my-spa-(or-pool)
- US CDC, "Regulation & Inspection of Pools & Hot Tubs", U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US CDC, retrieved 2016/03/11, original source: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/regulation/ refers readers to the
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC): An All-inclusive Model Public Swimming Pool and Spa Code - http://www.cdc.gov/mahc/index.html
- Virginia, "Checklist Requirements For Public Pools/spas/hot Tubs, Opening Inspections" [PDF] Portsmouth Health Department Environmental Health Services 1701 High Street, 4th Floor Portsmouth, VA 23704 (757) 393-8585 Ext. 8585 Fax (757) 393-8027, retrieved 2016/03/13, original source: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/lhd/portsmouth/documents/Check%20List%20Req%20for%20Pools.pdf
Swimming Pool Leak Detection
Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs
On 2023-07-07 by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - how to check for a sinkhole at a leaky swimming pool
Yes, any persistent water leak underground or a single large leak event can displace soil or compress it causing a sinkhole.
Without digging up the area around your pool, in our OPINION there are several approaches to detecting a local sinkhole caused by swimming pool leaks.
1. Secondary clues of swimming pool sink hole development
nearby soil subsidence
movement in surrounding walks close to the pool
displacement of the pool drain or other pipes - a broken joint at the drain, for example
cracks or movement in the swimming pool coping, sides, or floor
if the site is not flat, look also for water seepage to the surface downhill from the pool area
2. Chain dragging:
if the pool is empty of water and is concrete - as is yours - you can try dragging a heavy chain in a regular pattern across the pool bottom, listening to a change in the sound produced.
I know this may sound a bit spooky but it works. We and others have used this method for over a century to find voids below concrete slabs such as settlement beneath a garage floor slab.
We discuss chain dragging to find voids below concrete floors
3. Ultrasound, hydrophonic equipment or even ground scanning radar or similar techniques are used by pool leak detedtion experts as well as by geotechnical engineers, but without knowing more about your particular situation and the concerns or risks involved this approach may not be cost-feasible.
Note that here we're discussing possible signs that a sinkhole has developed alongside and/or beneath an in-ground concrete swimming pool. Aboveground pools or steel pools won't sport all of the same leak symptoms.
See details (*and where we'll repeat this Q&A)
On 2023-07-07 by Randi
We have a very 40x20 concrete pool (10ft deep in deep end) that is 67 years old. The pool has been leaking significantly for the last 10 years. We were recently told that this leaking can create a sinkhole under/around the pool.
Looking for a way to find out if this is possible and how do we detect this without digging it up. We are located in Delaware county ny along the Delaware River area.
This Q&A were posted originally
Continue reading at HOT TUB SPA WHIRLPOOL OPERATION & REPAIR - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Recommended Articles
- HOT TUB SPA WHIRLPOOL OPERATION & REPAIR
- SPA TURN ON PROCEDURE
- SPA CONTROLS & SWITCHES
- SPA / HOT TUB BLOWER UNIT
- SPA / HOT TUB FILTER CLEANING
- SPA / HOT TUB FILTER LEAK REPAIR
- SPA / HOT TUB FILTER REPLACEMENT
- SPA / HOT TUB HEATER REPAIR
- SPA, HOT TUB, SWIMMING POOL INSPECTION & CODES
- SPAS, WHIRLPOOLS, INSTALLATION
- SPA / HOT TUB JET CLOG REPAIR
- SPA / HOT TUB LEAKS
- SPA / HOT TUB & POOL OZONE
- SPA / HOT TUB PUMP OPERATION
- SPA / HOT TUB PUMP REPAIR
- SPA JETTED TUBS NOISE
- SPA HOT TUB WHIRLPOOL REPAIRS
- SPA / HOT TUB CHEMICALS & CHLORINATION
- SPA / HOT TUB DRAIN / WINTERIZING PROCEDURE
- SPA / HOT TUB / POOL MANUALS, PARTS, REPAIR, SUPPLIES
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SPA, HOT TUB, SWIMMING POOL INSPECTION & CODES at Inspect A pedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
- American Standard - www.americanstandard-us.com
- Aqua Glass Corp. - www.aquaglass.com
- Aquatic Industries - www.aquaticwhirlpools.com
- Bains Oceana Baths - www.bainsoceaniabaths.com
- Eljer Plumbingware - www.eljer.com
- Hayward Industries: spa, hot tub, pool supplies: Website: http://www.hayward-pool.com/shop/en/pools, Hayward Pool Products, Inc., 620 Division Street, Elisabeth NJ 07207, USA, in Canada: 2880 Plymouth Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 5R4 Tel: (908) 355-7995 (U.S.) Letter: Hayward Pool Products Attn: Technical Services One Hayward Industrial Drive Clemmons, NC 27102
(Hayward pool and spa products are sold locally in major cities in various countries)
Watch out : Consumers need not bother calling Hayward Pool Products directly for parts or supplies. Hayward does not sell direct to the public. You'll need to locate a Hayward dealer near you or purchase parts and supplies online. Here are some Hayward pool, hot tub & spa suppliers & repair services and manuals.
The italicized parts & repair services in the list below were consulted for the repair of the hot tub / spa described in the article above.
Atlantis Spa and Pool 1410 Highway #2 West Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Tel: (218) 326 3933 Email: atlantiswaterworks@hotmail.com
Hayward Pool Products dealer
Horizon Pool Supply, 2125 Energy Park Drive St. Paul, MN 55108 Tel: (800) 969-0454 Website: http://www.horizonpoolsupply.com/
One on One Pools & Spas, 4088 Misty Morning Dr, Hermantown, MN 55811 Tel: 218-260-8992
Online Pool Supplies via Internet:
Amazon.com
Your Pool HQ, LLC, Website: https://www.yourpoolhq.com, Tel: 877-721-2555
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
