Chapter Ten: Plumbing
Spas are made up of several zones. First is the heater zone. On spas with
circulation pumps the piping from the filter, through the circ pump and heater, and
back to the spa is typically 1”.
The suction side of the spa is how the jet pumps draw water from the suction
fittings on the spa and filter. These pipes are either 1 ½” or 2” pipes.
Last is the discharge zone. This is where the jet pump(s) apply water to the spa.
The discharge main hose will be 1 ½” or 2”. That hose will run to a “manifold”
which will lower disburse water to smaller ¾” soft plastic hoses to the jets.
The soft hoses go to barb fittings so are simply installed and clamped.
The larger flex and rigid hose are glued at connections.
The key to gluing is care. First, you need clean both inside and outside of
couplings and pipes that will come into contact. Then prime. Primer/cleaner
remove dirt and soften the plastic. Again, do both side of the pipe where they will
come together.
Finally, add a good layer of glue. I prefer “medium” body glue which is a fast
setting glue. Glue and insert together and hold about 30 seconds.
The glue sets within minutes but you should wait 24 hours to fully cure. If you add
water and apply pressure too early the is a good chance you will have a leak. If it
leaks, usually you have to cut the parts apart and start over again.
Let’s Follow the Water:
Spa WITH Small Circulation Pump.
a. Zone One. The circulation pump draws from the filter. If you have two filters it
usually draws from the filter closest to the topside. So the water travels from the
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