2005 Hot Springs Prodigy - need advice on a side leak

[2 8]

I've had the tub since 2007 and it has been hot and running non-stop since then. This winter I had the relay board go out and had it fixed within 24 hours, but it was super cold out.  The water never got really cold or anything so I doubt this leak has to do with that, plus that was 4 months ago.

So the leak is in the pictures on the "west" side of the tub.  The main drip appears to be coming straight south of the interior control panel. It is saturating most of the side as you can see.

The leak does not speed up with the jets on. 

I am draining the water to just below the jet to see if the drip stops.

Is it possible that this could be an o-ring around the perimeter of the jet that I can access from the interior of the tub?

This is a very slow leak. I noticed it 2-3 days ago and I can't even tell a difference in the water height.

Any common leaks in that area?

[2 8]

update.  I drained the water to the first jet and the dripping seems to have either stopped or slowed to the point where I cannot see it drip. Going to drain past the next lowest jet. 

[Jacuzzi Jim]

Pop open the side and start digging..   

[2 8]

Pop open the side and start digging..   

That was my next question.  How do the side panels come off and what is involved in digging?  What do I use to re-foam where I have dug? Any chance it could be the o-ring where the jet enters the surround?

I might have jumped the gun on thinking the leak below that jet stopped. I believe it is still dripping, just slower. I will keep an eye on it.

[2 8]

Well, I took your advice and pried off the side panel. The insulation is very wet. I ripped a bunch out and got to the leaking area around the jet. There is hard foam sprayed on all of the tubing and backside of the jet. It is very hard to chisel off.  Anyone dealt with the hard foam?