Spa Plumbing
Hot tub plumbing consists of various tubes, hoses and pipes joined together by different types of PVC connectors to allow the recirculation, heating and filtering of water through the entire spa.
Plumbing systems can use various diameter pipe. 2 inch plumbing is the most common and actually moves twice the amount of water as a 1-1/2 inch plumbing system.
The air plumbing system is a separate system that allows air to be injected into the spa water. Air is injected into the spa by either an air blower via air injectors or by venturi air via the spa jets. The air plumbing system is connected with clear hose from air manifold. The air is distributed throughout the spa or via a U shaped air channel.
The air plumbing system is usually independent from the water plumbing system that moves water through the plumbing. However some hot tub manufacturers actually combine the air and water systems allowing the air to also boost the apparent water pressure (turbo charging).
More information on ELM stocked PVC Fittings and Spa Plumbing parts:
Download (pdf) only the Spa Plumbing Parts - Unions of our ELM catalogue (faster)
or get the complete ELM Spa Product Catalogue.
Spa Manifold
PVC spa manifolds are available in 3-way, 4-way, 5-way,6-way and many more different styles and types including manifold wyes, true wyes and side outlet wyes. PVC spa manifolds are specifically manufactured for the spa industry and are designed to withstand the hot water temperatures found in a hot tub.
PVC Pipe Fittings
Spa and hot tub PVC pipe fittings are available in many different shapes and sizes. From elbows to plugs, adapters to tees, ELM sales and equipment is your PVC pipe fittings stocking distributor for Canada.
From obscure to the most popular, ELM has your PVC pipe fitting in stock. The PVC fittings we carry are impact resistant, temperature resistant and even include UV stabilizers to provide longer life in an outdoor spa application.
Spa suction fittings
ELM Canada stocks a wide variety of Waterway spa suction fittings including floor drains, lo-pro, super hi-flo, hi-flo as well as various unions and union nuts. Spa suction fittings also come in different sizes and colours. Spa suction fittings include the actual fitting grate as well as the fitting nut and gasket. Silicone is typically used to complete the suction fitting installation.
Valves - Gate and Ball Valves
Gate or ball valves are sometimes used on either side of the pump. This is a maintenance feature that allows for water shutoff while performing service without having to drain the spa. These valves must always be left in the completely open position when using the spa. Slice valves are one type of common gate valve. Care must be taken to insure slice valves work properly and are always completely open since they can have a tendency to get stuck mid-range.
The check valve is used in a hot tub to allow water to only flow in one direction.
Check valves for spas come in several different sizes. Check valves serve several different functions, including the prevention of water backing up in the air blower line. They are also used to prevent water backing up in to ozonators and chloronators to avoid the flow of chemicals back into the supply. A check valve is also sometimes plumbed into the 2 inch plumbing of a spa to maintain water direction. Having a good air bend as a first line of defense before the check valve serves to protect against water backing up into ozonator or blower.
