Vanguard leak

[njwiley]

2011 Hot Springs Vanguard spa started leaking. When filled to capacity, the level drops about 2 inches per day then slows when it is about a third full. After watching it the last few weeks, it has leveled off right below the underwater light lense. This is happening while all electricity to the tub is off. When I remove the service door, everything is dry, including the bottom of the service area. The cement slab is wet primarily on the right hand side. Any suggestions on troubleshooting? I heard about the Hartford Loop, but couldn't find the valve described by Chas. Does anybody know if this vintage of Vanguard has the loop already installed? It's going to be tough to lift the tub out of the recessed deck area to identify the source of leak from the bottom or to access the sides. Any advice on  how to proceed would be very appreciated.

 

[Hot Spring Ace]

If it stops right under the light lens that could be your issue. If you raise the water level reach in and feel the bottom of the lens inside the equipment compartment and see if its leaking there but maybe traveling behind the equipment compartment.

 

[hottubdan]

If you are original owner, this is covered by warranty.  Hopefully Hartford loop or something simple.

 

[njwiley]

Thanks for the advice. I reached in and checked around the lens and it felt completely dry. I also tried a fluorescent dye test around the light and lower bench jets with no noticeable dye making it past those elements. I've called the dealer and will have the service department take a look, but in the meantime I plan to drain the tub all the way down, let the concrete pad dry, then s-l-o-w-l-y fill until I see leakage. I'm hoping to narrow it down to the light, jets, or drain lines. Any other ideas? It would be great to avoid having to dismantle the tile surround (it's modular construction, so not as bad as it sounds) and from having to extract the tub from it's concrete pillbox (much more difficult).