Understanding Spa Plumbing and PVC Fittings

Spas and hot tubs have a wide array of PVC or polyvinyl chloride pipes that encircle the tub and help in circulating water throughout. The water flow is driven by a pump which is powered by an electric motor. Both the motor and pump produce a great rate of water flow and some sort of vibration that can. Over time, it can badly affect the glued joints and other seals which cause them to leak.

 

Spa PVC plumbing parts and accessories include manifolds, unions, couplings, valves, hoses, tubing, gaskets, and PVC glue. All of them are used to repair spa plumbing leaks. Hot tub hoses and pipes are interconnected with the PVC fittings, manifolds, and connectors which help in routing water from a single pump to multiple jets and places within the spa including the whirlpool jets, waterfall jets, and other water features. Most recent model spas and hot tubs use a manifold plumbing system. This unit is specifically designed for distributing water pressure evenly to the individual spa jets.

 

When there’s a leak in a hot tub or spa, it’s suggested to check the jets and PVC fittings. They should be replaced as required to repair the source of the leak. Common issues include a cracked water manifold because of perhaps having left water in a drained spa sitting out in the freezing climate, stress crack in any spa plumbing part, etc.

 

It’s better to identify the leaks as soon as possible so that they can be repaired by getting the right PVC connectors, piping, and glue. More often, the hot tubs and spas need to be drained completely during the PVC repair process. However, the joints should be dry before the application of PVC glue.

 

To repair the spa plumbing parts, you need PVC fittings. Generally, they are referred to by their diameter. The most commonly used PVC fittings in the currently available hot tubs include 1 ½ inch and 2-inch plumbing sizes.

 

Generally, hot tub and spa plumbing fittings are made from PVC or ABS. They are significant accessories for spa plumbing systems and are used to connect the sections of pipe running from the skimmer and drain through the pump, filter, and heater.

 

Pump Unions –

 

The pump unions are the half union which consists of the tailpiece with o-ring and the lock nut. The common pump union size is 1.5 inches followed by 2 inches. Both larger and smaller sizes are available. A split nut union is held in place by two small size screws after being placed or screwed into the position.

 

Spa Unions –

 

The spa unions are otherwise known as complete union that joins two pipe sections together. Usually, they’re present on either side of the spa equipment like the spa pump, heater, or filter. As discussed above, half unions are pump unions and are used on spa heaters.

 

Spa Manifolds –

 

Spa manifolds are used to divide water or air into smaller branches that terminate at a spa jet or air bubble zone.

 

Bottom Line –

 

Do you want to learn more about spa plumbing parts and PVC fittings? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct at 1-800-759-8990.