876. Support: Air Bleeding Guide for Bath Pumps

Air Bleeding Guide for Bath Pumps: NOTE 1: Make sure the jetted bath tub is filled with water all the way to the recommended level per the spa manufacturer (above all jets). NOTE 2: Most Jetted bathtubs are indoor. When air bleeding, make sure to put in a drip pan, and clean up all water spills to avoid damages to carpet and flooring. NOTE 3: Bathtub pumps are meant to be install under the bath tub, and also below the top of the water level. - On initial start-up or whenever refilling the jetted bath tub, run the bath pump on high speed to purge the plumbing lines for about 1-5 minutes with water purging out the jets. Or allow to run until you achieve a strong, steady water flow (free of air bubbles). Do not allow the bath pump to run for more than 10 minutes with low water inside the pump housing. This may wear out the motor, or damage the impeller. In between the water purging sequence, stop the bath pump for about 1-2 seconds, and then restart back on high speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, 5 or more times to help the water purge. When jets are flowing in full pressure mode, the bath tub pump is ready to be operated in normal mode. - If you have air valves on the topside of your bath tub that opens and close the air pressure, make sure this air valve is closed to have the bath pump to operate properly. Or else, air will eventually pass through the plumbing and cause an air lock. Only open air valves when jets are in high performance. - If you have jet diverter turn knobs or dials on the topside of your bath tub, make sure they are all open so that water will pass through the jets. - If there is a filter in conjunction with the bath pump plumbing, make sure the filter is clean. Try removing the filter element and run the bath pump without it. If this solves the problem, clean the filter or have it replaced. It is recommended that the filter be cleaned every 2 weeks, and replaced every 3 months. Also try filling up the filter canister with water to help the bath pump push more water through the plumbing. You may even pull a garden hose down the filter pipes with running water during the purging cycle. - Another helpful hint is to spray water down the jets. Sometimes there may be air locks in the return side of the water lines, and water need to fill up that return line. This should help fill up the water lines, and get rid of some of the air. - Also make sure the water level is at appropriate level inside the jetted bathtub. If there is low water level, definitely there will be air in the water lines. Do Not run the bath pump with low water level. Fill the bath tub with water up to recommended level before running the bath pump (normally water level is above all jets). - If there are gate valves or shut-off valves installed on the plumbing lines, make sure they are fully opened. You can also help the water flow by slightly closing the gate valves (on the return line) and reopening it up slowly to maintain water flow during the purging cycle. - If the bath pump is installed below water level, make sure water is directly flowing by gravity to the bath pump suction. When you start to unscrew the screw-on nut that connects onto the suction side of the bath pump, water should start dripping out. - There can also be a combination of air and water inside the plumbing. This is common with air and water flowing through bath pump. Try to bleed air out of the plumbing while the bath pump is running. Unscrew the screw-on union fittings on the bath pump intake just a little bit for a little water to be dripping. You can hear air leaking out when doing so. Don't allow water to squirt out, or they will get into electrical component or fill out the flooring quickly. Then run the bath pump on high speed. Let the bath pump run on high for 5-10 seconds, off for one second, then repeat. If water is not dripping while bath pump is running, open up the screw-on nut some more. Try this method until there is strong jet pressure. Then re-tighten the screw-on unions, and proceed with normal spa operation. - Some jetted bath tubs have a water spicket spout for a garden hose connection. Open it up a little bit. You can hear air leaking out when doing so. Don't allow water to squirt out. A little water dripping is OK. Once air is leaked out and water fills up the pipes through the bath pump and plumbing, the jets should be purging water out. Now tighten all valves (excluding gate valves) and allow the bath pump to run for a few minutes to purge all the lines. Once strong water pressure is achieved, you can proceed with normal operation. - There can be cracks in the water line that is hard to locate. Hairline cracks can be found on pumps, filters, heaters, pipe lines and pipe fittings. Check the water lines and bath components with the bath pump running. Listen closely to hear sizzling noises, which can locate a crack. Water leaks can also be found. This is where air enters the water line and cause either poor water flow or not allowing the heater to heat properly. Identify these cracks and fix it as soon as possible. If it's a bath component that has a crack, it is recommended to be replaced. - Debris can also be found in the drain, plumbing fittings, pipes, within the bath components or in the jets. Locate debris in these parts, and clean them out. (Common debris are hair). - If problems still exist, contact Spaguts.com for further troubleshooting with SpaGuts.com brand equipment.