Common Problems With Acrylic Spas
As a concrete hot tub and swimming pool construction specialist I had a pretty good idea what I was looking for when I began researching acrylic hot tubs. I have often passed over client requests for acrylic spa repairs and service for more lucrative projects that demand my full attention. In total I have played an integral role in 41 award winning aquatic construction challenges across Canada.Difficult To Diagnose Problems
In my earlier years in the industry I did quite a bit of acrylic spa service and repairs to make the ends meet. It was actually these earlier experiences that led to me passing on these service requests in the future once my business was more established. I consistently found that the poor quality and design of acrylic spas made them prone to failure and very difficult to diagnose problems and service.
As shown in this cross section of a full foam hot tub, the plumbing lines are completely buried and not accessible in the event of a leak. Sales associates for full foam hot tubs will tell you that they do not leak because the foam holds the pipes in place. Since they need to say something I understand why they say this. In reality these spas can develop a leak like any other. The difference is that it is almost impossible to diagnose and repair leaks in tubs like this.
Getting To The Problems
One of the most difficult aspects of the acrylic tub design was the inability of access, or even see, the plumbing systems, jets and fittings. A foam product essentially encases the entire plumbing system and underside of the hot tub. This foam hides potential problems, absorbs water and gains weight, and makes repairs an arduous process.The Difference Between Repair & Replacement
In addition to the frustration in dealing with saturated foam I often encountered cracked hot tubs which were beyond repair. The immense weight of water is hard to contain and cracked hot tub shells usually spell the end for a spa as most are not repairable once the structural integrity had been compromised.
Shown here are non structural cracks in the acrylic finish on a hot tub. Cracks like this very rarely allow water to escape the hot tub and are more often a reflection of the interior finish condition.
Acrylic is backed with ABS or fiberglass most commonly which provides support for the smooth acrylic finish. Delaminating occurs between these layers which can cause cosmetic cracking.
The shell of the spa will determine how long your spa will last in most cases. Many smaller items can be fixed or replaced in a spa while structural cracks in the shell are the most difficult and often impossible to properly repair parts of the hot tub.
Proceed to the section that deals with Spa Shell Construction