Best Silicone Sealant For Hot Tubs Seal Tub Jets, Skimmers, Suctions, Valves, Lights. How To., by Spa Guy Dave on YouTube. 5 min 15 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 15 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours plus 24 hours cur
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn off the spa and drain the water below the fitting you are sealing. Let the area dry completely before you start.
Buy a silicone sealant made specifically for hot tubs, pools and spas. Standard door and window caulk will fail in hot water and chemicals.
Scrape off the old sealant with a utility knife or plastic scraper. Work carefully around plastic jet bodies so you do not crack them.
Clean the mating surfaces with a spa-safe cleaner and wipe them dry. Sealant will not stick to a damp or greasy surface.
Test fit the jet, skimmer, valve or light housing in its hole. Check that the flange sits flat against the shell.
Run a bead of sealant around the back of the flange or the gap, then press the fitting into place. Wipe away excess with a damp finger or rag.
Tape the fitting in place if it wants to slide, and leave it undisturbed for the full cure time on the tube, often 24 hours.
Refill the spa, run the jets and check for leaks around the new seal. Reapply sealant if you see water seeping.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use door and window caulk in a hot tub, it breaks down in hot water and chemicals.
Sealant sticks poorly to wet surfaces, so dry everything fully first.
Do not overtighten fittings, you can crack plastic jet bodies and create a new leak.
Keep the spa off and the fitting dry for the whole cure time before adding water.
Questions
Can I use regular bathroom silicone on a hot tub jet?
No. Bathroom and door and window silicones are not made for constant hot water and spa chemicals. Use a sealant labeled for pools and spas.
How long before I can fill the hot tub after sealing?
Wait the full cure time printed on the tube, usually around 24 hours. Filling early can wash the sealant out of the joint.
Do I need to drain the whole hot tub to reseal one jet?
Not always. You can lower the water below the fitting, but a full drain gives you a drier, cleaner surface and a better seal.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
