SW, are you saying you first pop off the diverter knob (like, with a flat screwdriver or something?) and then you can unscrew the actual valve underneath the knob? I assume you don't want to run the pumps when the diverter is loosened?
Hi, Paul.
Pretty much, yes. The diverter knob is large enough that I could grip it and wiggle it off of its mounting post (no screwdriver needed) and then the housing for the valve itself unscrews much like a mason jar - or removing an exchangable jet. I removed the valve altogether with the jets off, then screwed it back in part way and turned my pump on low speed. This allowed some water to bubble up into the valve and out past the threads eliminating the air pocket. I would NOT recommend trying the same thing with the jets on high as the pressure could damage the plastic diverter valve - or at least give you a shower that you really didn't need!
I have no idea if all diverters use the same configuration or if this trick would work on other models of tub, but it sure solved the problem for me.
BTW, if you're the kind of person who has leftover parts when you assemble a barbeque, don't remove the valve all the way!!
For it to work properly, you need to reinstall the valve in the same alignment that it came out - which may not be as easy as it sounds.... Just loosen the valve so that air can escape and then tighten it back down again.