HS tub gurgling again

[Markus]

I purchased a new HS Vanguard about 4 months ago and we love it. The only problem is, after refilling with water, I restart and run the circulator/ozonator. I can hear gurgling sounds and I can see bigger bubbles than normal coming from the bottom drain where the ozonated water comes from. This does eventually get gradually better (3-4 weeks), but it's annoying. My friend has the same problem with his tub (HS Prodigy).

I refill it per the instructions by placing the water hose into the circulator filter shaft and after filling...I have  tried to temporarily open both bottom drains to allow any trapped air to come out.

Is there anything I can do to resolve this annoyance?

I just contacted the Watkins folks also.

[upinya]

 Please keep us updated on what Watkins tells you. I did a water change on Saturday and have the exact same problem on a 2005 Envoy. It has gotten a little better today but the bubbles are much bigger than they were before the water change. I cleaned the ozone injectors with vinegar but this did not help.

[J._McD]

This is a good one for east tx or chas.  They are both HS dealers and very helpful.  I know this issues has been addressed before.  Apparently, it is a common problem that does have a solution.  You may check back 2 or 3 pages for "HS gurggling".

Lets see if this will work.  Try this link.

http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1135012696

[Markus]

J._McD    I had already read and tried that link you suggested and it didn't work for me. This must be a design issue since I don't hear of to many other folks complaining of gurgling.

I'm still awaiting a response from Watkins. -Hopefully Tuesday.

[Spatech_tuo]

This must be a design issue since I don't hear of to many other folks complaining of gurgling.

If you don't hear of many others with this that would lead me to believe it is NOT a design issue. If it doesn't happen too often that can be more difficult for the service people to determine what the issue is. You might have to ask for your dealer to be there for a refill to determine what's happening.

[East_TX_Spa]

Markus, try turning off the breakers for about 30 seconds.  Turn the 30 amp one back on, wait 10 seconds, and then turn on the 20 amp.  This should re-establish good flow and flush out the air pockets.

Terminator

[tonyp]

My Envoy gurgles often.  I've just assumed that its normal.  I'll have to try Term's sloution as soon as the snow stops.

[dustoff872]

Hi Marcus,
Well that was my thread listed here:
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1135012696

It temporarily fixed the problem but now it is back.  I was in the tub last night and heard the noise.  I tried the circuit breaker fix again but it did not work.  I've held off on calling the dealer but it is loud enough to be annoying, a call to them is soon.

I'm very curious to see if Watkins has something for you.

Please keep us posted.

Dustoff

[leisure]

check the hose fittings next to the recirc pump. They had a problem in them when i used to sell them last year...

[upinya]

 Well I tried the breaker trick and the hose in the stand pipe while opening the drain valve. I did get a small amount of air out but after running the tub the gurgling comes back and last for 5 or 6 hours after the tub is turned off. I removed the panel and found a small amount of water in the air line running from the ozone. I turned the breaker off and disconnected the air line from the ozone and water started siphoning out of the line. I guess at the least I have a bad check valve. When the tub was first installed the check valve was bad and had to be replaced. Now one month later another bad valve. I will be calling the service department tomorrow.

[Markus]

After disconnecting power to the hot tub, I saw water 2 inches above the so-called "check valve". Is that really a check valve? I don't see why that would cause the introduction of excessive air bubbles into the system.

After I re-applied power to the tub, the water near the check valve, got suctioned all the way down past the mix valve, as it should be.

I'm still waiting on the Watkin's response. They've responded promptly to me in the past.

[Markus]

The Watkins people finally contacted me.
Here's what they said:

Thanks for contacting Watkins Manufacturing Corporation!

Contact your dealer for service.  As you're draining and refilling the spa to our recommendations.  Perhaps, there's something else going on with the spa.  Sincerely, Vickie James

They were better off not contacting me...I get much more help from this forum.


Here's what I'm planning on doing the next time I refill my tub:

Once the gurgling sound is gone, I will drain the hot tub and leave about 8 or 10 inches water sitting in it, before adding fresh water. I'm hoping this will prevent air pockets .

[upinya]

 I called the service department today. Explained to them what was going on and he said it was the check valve and that he would send me a few in the mail. Seems the ozone eats check valves like candy this will be the second one in a month. I find it hard to believe that the gurgling is caused by the faulty check valve but will know in a day or two.

[Markus]

upinya,

That is hard to believe for me also. I hope this the cause.

Let us know!

[upinya]

 The wife is going to stop by the warehouse tomorrow to pick up a valve so I should know tomorrow night.Will let you know. ( cant wait for the snail mail )