Winterized Hot Tub issues

[MattyDietrich]

So I drained my hot tub this fall, I thought I had all of the water out, but I didn't blow air through the pipes like I should have. (big mistake I know)

I have a 2002ish Marquis Ultimate hot tube.  (An oldie but pretty good one for that age)

Anyway, I went to fill the tub today and as I was filling the tub it was taking quite a bit longer than normal and water was coming from what seemed like under the hot tub.  I eventually got the tub filled, but when I went to turn it on, it kept tripping the breaker, not allowing me to even turn the tub on to begin the cycle process when to re-fill it each time.

After doing some investigation I realized I have a major leak.  Since I turned off the garden hose, it has dropped about 2 feet and still going.

There are are 5 intake filters (I assume that is what they are), 2 floor jets & 1 drain. 

I will also add, I have changed all three motors (or gaskets) over the years and have easy access to the motors and heater and the leak isn't coming from this area of the hot tub.

Suggestions from here?

[Brian VT]

I've read to dye the water a color so you can track down the leak.

Not sure if food coloring is appropriate or if something else should be used.

[castletonia]

I doubt you cracked the actual suction return fitting.  Likely it is either fittings behind it, manifolds, or 2” flex plumbing.

if your above freezing now, I would just let it leak down until it stops.  Then you will know at what level the leak is at.  At that point, you either take a side off, look for wet foam and start digging or if possible, tip the spa up and remove the bottom and look for wet foam and start digging.

Be prepared, you could have multiple leaks.

[MattyDietrich]

It doesn't appear to be just below a fitting. The fitting are either below or above the 2 foot water level and hold steady...The water level hasn't dropped any more...

Could it be the filter piping?  That seems to be at the same level as the water right now?  Just wondering.

[castletonia]

I’ve seen one filter housing crack before, but would consider it unlikely.  Could also be a horizontal loop of plumbing at a similar height.  

I would pull off a side panel and if there is wet foam start there.  Usually frozen hot tubs have the most damage right at the bottom, not that high up.

[MattyDietrich]

Update....

Spent some more time on finding the leak today.  It appears it is not any of the fittings in the bottom of the tub.  It holds water fine until it gets to the filter compartment (houses 2 screw in filters)....If I add water to the filter compartment it starts leaking out that way...Once I turn the hose off it will keep dropping until all the water is at the bottom of the filter compartment.

upon further visual inspection I do not see any cracks in the filter compartment.

Any suggestions on how to get to the leak?

I started to pull the sides of the hot tub off and it is very hard to get to anything, it is all covered in foam.  Is there access through the bottom of the hot tub?  The tub is huge, not sure I could even get to the bottom of it without a forklift.

[castletonia]

Everything is encapsulated in foam.  The filter housing is close enough to the sides that you should have your best access there.  You are going to have to remove foam.  If it is leaking from the filter housing, the foam around it will wet and saturated like a sponge.  

[MattyDietrich]

OK...I will take a look at it this weekend