Pump Seals Hot Tub Spa Seal

Spa Pump Seals and Pump Shaft Seal Kits

Most hot tub pumps have a seal that prevents water leaking out of the wet end and into the motor. Replacement seal kits are available for most pump models and brands right here at Hot Tub Outpost.

Replacing a pump seal on a leaky pump can save the cost of needing to replace the entire pump.

The most popular seals are the PS-100, PS-200, PS-201 and PS-1000.

Find the correct mechanical seal kit for your particular pump, insure pump and motor meet original factory specifications and have not been altered, follow proper installation procedures including the use of a quality lubricant on the rubber parts.

Find your hot tub seal kit here.

Most replacement wet ends on our website include the impeller and pump seal as well as the wet end housing, so replacing an entire wet end is another option for spending less on hot tub pump repairs.

Finally, we do carry most major brands and economical ones too, so you can replace almost any hot tub pump completely if necessary.

Maintaining water chemistry in the spa can extend the life of seals and other hot tub components. If the pH level is allowed to stay outside the recommended 7.2-7.6 range, then all kinds of bad things can start happening, not only to the skin of visitors in the hot tub, but also to the hot tub equipment.

Horse Sense
Warning: Working on your own appliances, cars, covered wagons and hot tubs as well as anything else electrical or mechanical carries with it severe risk of injury or property damage. These tips and suggested procedures are free and for informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. It is best to use the services of an electrician or tech. Hot Tub Outpost is not liable for any damage or injury that may result.

Removing the Wet End from a Hot Tub Pump

Removing the Spa Pump Wet End

Replacing a pump seal requires the removal of the wet end from the motor to access the old seal and replace it.

Once the wet end is removed the seal can be replaced, or the entire wet end can be replaced. Be sure to order the correct seal kit or wet end for your particular brand and model spa pump. Contact us if you need assistance.

See all of the spa pump seals here.

Hot Tub Outpost carries pump seals for almost any brand of pump including:

Acura Spa Systems
American Products
Ampro-Diaclear
Aqua-Flo
Astral Pool
Baker-Hydro
Doughboy
Hayward
ITT Marlow
Jacuzzi
Jandy
Muskin
Pentair
Purex - Hydrotech
Premier
Speck Pumps
Sta-Rite
Vico
Waterway

Pump Seal Replacement Tips

Pump seals are available in the basic BUNA versions and sometimes also in the upgraded VITON type that is more resistant to breakdown when used in installations that have a built in ozonator or salt system. In the case where ozone, salt or hydrogen peroxide can attack the primary ring, see the upgraded/more expensive but more effective VITON seal as they are made with upgraded elastomers and a superior grade of ceramic to withstand chemical attack and increase the life of the seal.

Before installing seal, be sure the pump specification is original and the equipment is in excellent condition.

Be sure the pump shaft is straight and the wet end worthy of repair versus replace. For instance, on the old seal it may be apparent that there is irregular tracking of the primary black ring over the mating ceramic ring that can be caused by a worn or damaged impeller, or from the backplate not being concentric with the center line of the pump shaft. That condition will cause early seal failure.

Check for worn or damaged components prior to beginning repair. Note that noisy bearings must be replaced. Never re-use an impeller or seal housing if they look worn down or out of round.

Pump seal replacement Once the wet end is removed, it is time to inspect your parts. For some wet ends, be sure that the components are clean. Inspect the impeller to be sure there are no major scratches or pitting which could indicate cavitation and a bad impeller.

Check the wear surfaces on the impeller to see if the impeller is serviceable. Also check that the threads inside the impeller are not worn, or else you may need a new impeller. If the impeller looks good, it can be reused.

Note there is also a large gasket that goes between the volute and the adapter plate.

The actual pump seal has 2 parts. There is the smaller part which is the stationary seat (has rubber boot and ceramic ring) and the larger part which is the rotating seal which has a rubber side and a carbon wear ring side. Note that on the rotating seal, the carbon wear ring should be faacing the polished face of the stationary seat ceramic ring. You can also view a few videos on changing shaft seals for additional tips.

When removing the old ceramic seal inside the seal plate, you may need a to carefully use a screwdrive to get it out. Note how it was installed or take a photo.

Before proceeding, inspect the overall condition of the pump/motor. How is the back plate? Is the bore clean and not damaged? Inspect the impeller and be sure the pump shaft is not bent. Inspect the bearings. Are they secure and running true? Inspect the replacement seal for any damage or cracks prior to installation. It is best to clean all parts to prepare them for installation of the new pump seal and keep work area clean. Use latex gloves and quality lube as any residue silicone or PTFE lubricant left on your hands can damage the seal.

The inside of the seal plate on the shaft needs to be wiped clean before inserting the ceramic piece. The new seal goes inside the seal plate white ceramic side up. Do not touch it with your hands, but use either a gasket, the blunt end of a screwdriver or other tool being careful not to scratch or damage the bearing surface of the seal, or get any dirt on it.

Use lubricant on the rubber parts of the seal to help the shaft seal fit into place. Do not get any lubricant on the ceramic. Never apply lubricant to the face of the mating ring which can cause build up and destroy the seal.

Once both parts of the seal are in place (the rotating portion with black carbon and the mating ring), hand-tighten the impeller back onto the pump shaft and reassemble the pump.

Turn shaft by hand for a few revolutions to check the seal for squeaks or unwanted noise.

Normally a spring loaded shaft seal is found on the impeller side, but a reverse shaft seal is where the spring part is actually seated on the back of the wet end.

Connect pump back up to spa contrl system - flood the strainer with water and start the pump but NEVER RUN THE PUMP DRY. That can damage the pump seal and motor.

Aqua Flo Spa Pump Seal Replacement

Replacing the pump seals is a similar proceedure whether it is in a pool pump or a Waterway or Aqua Flo spa pump.

Here is another perspective on changing out the punp seals.