Do you have a whirlpool tub or an air bath in your home? If this is the case, you may wonder if replacing the massage jets is a good idea. It’s natural to wonder about such things if you own bathtubs with complicated systems.
Bathtub jets are detachable massage tub components. They are prone to wear and tear, requiring them to be replaced. Failure to function and popping out of the ball bearings or the jets themselves are signs that they need to be replaced.
When replacing bathtub jets, you may have additional questions that you would like to be answered. After all, nothing’s wrong with being a responsible massage tub owner.
Are Massage Jets Replaceable?
When you use your tub, you may find that your jet is acting strangely or doing something unusual. In some cases, you may believe the tub is broken, but the jets are actually the only broken thing.
Despite being called “built-in jets”, they are not permanently attached to the tub. You can remove them by simply turning and pulling them out; the opposite goes for putting them back in. And because they are detachable, you can easily replace them.
Checking your jets occasionally could also give you an idea of their condition.
If you are unsure how to get them out, this video shows how you do it:
Signs That Your Jets Need Replacing
One sign that suggests you need jet replacement is when it starts to fail. Specifically, the air or water pressure from the jets would be weak, or nothing would come out at all.
Another is when the jets repeatedly pop out of place and fail to lock. Jets have little tabs on the side that keep them in place, and they would eventually wear out.
Lastly, you’d notice ball bearings at the bottom of your tub. These little silver balls are commonly seen in older rotating massage jets and allow the jets to rotate freely. Finding them in your tub indicates that they have broken from their encasement.
These three issues indicate that the jet has deteriorated due to the chemicals that pass through it. Regular deposits from your shampoo, conditioner, oil products, and cleaning chemicals accumulate on the jets’ bodies.
Aside from that, chlorinated water weakens and brittles the plastic, contributing to the deterioration of the jets.
It would be best to clean your jets at least every two weeks to keep them in good condition. However, this still depends on how regularly you use your bathtub.
It is important to note that even if you do not skip a single cleaning session with your jets, they may still break at some point due to their age. But even so, plastics do not last forever, even more so when used.
How To Choose Which Jets To Replace?
Your next problem would be determining which types of jets you can replace.
The more convenient option would be to contact the manufacturer or supplier of your bathtub and purchase one of the similar types from them. You can rest assured that you have gotten the ideal jet type for your needs.
But if unfortunate, you can measure your jet’s dimensions and find similar ones.
To measure, take your measuring tape and meter the size of the face of the jet. You will see the largest circular part of the jet, often silver in color. Find the diameter of the outside edge from left to right.
Next, take the height of the jet. Measure from the table to the end of the stem while lying it face down on a table.
Take note of these dimensions. You could also ask for help with your local hardware.
Many types of spa jets differ in how they function. If you wish to replace your old one, be sure it is compatible with the sort of tub you have.
Could Jets Not Be The Problem?
If you’ve ever replaced your jets and they’re still not running, they may not be the source of the problem. You must first identify the real problem to avoid wasting money and time. Some of the items I’ll list below may be among them.
1. Electrical Problems – Your massage bath requires electricity to run the jets, blower, and heater—problems with the electrical timer and a lack of power in the electrical receptacle or service panel could cause your tub’s inability to function.
2. Turned Off or Low-Speed Pump – Some massage tubs have more than one pump. They are responsible for circulating the water in the tub and the overall system. If you notice that the pressure is low, check to see if the pump is turned off or on a slower speed.
3. The Jets Are Closed – There are some jets that you can open or close. This feature allows you to select what will only work when you bathe according to your preference. Most jets usually open when turned clockwise. If not, see your tub’s manual.
4. Clogged Jet – As previously stated, water flows through the jets, and anything can become lodged inside them. It might be small pieces of plastic, hair, or whatever else you put in your bath. These things inside them may slow the release of water or air.
5. Broken Spa Diverter Valve – Diverter valves are present on tubs with showers and in massage baths. In the latter case, these valves direct and divert the flowing water into the jets. And if they were to break, it would cause problems with inconsistent pressure and functioning of the jets.
The things I have just mentioned are some of the possible problems why your tub is not working, aside from the jets being broken or not.
Whirlpools and air baths are made up of numerous components. These are the same things that keep the bathtub functioning. If one of them breaks, the other parts may also be affected.
Verdict
Taking care of your tub does not only mean cleaning the surface but also maintaining the different components. This is relevant for massage baths with small holes and spaces. Keeping them in good condition will also save you money on bathtub repairs.
