Hi there - I have a SaluSpa Miami (inflatable) and just brought it out for the season. Once filled up I started heating it up and came back the next day and noticed the water level had gone down significantly. After some investigation and trial and error I determined that it was related to the drain plug (I don't want to call it a valve) that sits at the bottom of the tub. I had never experienced this issue before. The leak was substantial such that it would render it effectively useless unless remedied (i.e. the water level goes down too quickly)
The drain plug can be opened to let water out. To close it (seal it) you simply close it and push it shut. See pictures attached. This is much like the plug and stopper you use on inflatable pool toys. However, mine is not sealing and clearly is causing a leak. After some messing around with it (with O-rings) I think I actually "stretched" the rim of the drain plug area and it won't even stay shut now (which isn't that big of a deal since it was a bad leak anyway when it would shut).
Has anyone else experienced this and any suggestions? The reality is I don't even need to use that drain plug for its intended purposes. I sub-pump or siphon water hour anyways. I was thinking of just getting some heavy grade waterproof tape or something to just cover up the hole but not sure that will do the trick. Again, I don't need to use the valve so I would be better off to just permanently "seal" off the area.
Bestway's website isn't very helpful and all the reviews I read saying trying to reach out to them for input would be futile.
Thanks for any help / suggestions!