Whirlpool tubs with jets are a great luxury for any bathroom. Jetted tubs can help soothe muscle and joint pain, clear the respiratory system and increase circulation, and they're fun for kids and a great way for adults to relax. That being said, a jetted tub doesn't always need to be a jetted tub — it can be used like a standard bathtub as well. With a quick fix, you can close the jets in your whirlpool tub.
Closing Tub Jets
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There may come a time when you want to close the jets in the tub. The jet system pulls in water from the bath and sends it to the motor driving the whirlpool pump. The water is then pumped out to the jets, where it comes out with just enough pressure behind it to soothe muscle aches and create the bubbling current that bathers enjoy so much.
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However, these pipes and lines may contain buildup if the tub isn't used frequently, or the owner may want to clean the inside of the tub with products that aren't as friendly to the whirlpool motor and piping.
Using Nozzles to Close Jets
Closing the jets is usually very straightforward. Check each jet nozzle and look for an arrow or other indicator. Usually, the nozzle or the surrounding ring is marked to tell you which way to turn for closing and opening the jets. Most standard jets close with a counterclockwise twist by hand.
Turn the nozzle gently in the indicated direction until it won't turn anymore. This should mean the jet is closed. If your tub setup uses different kinds of jets, make sure to check each type of jet for the direction indication.
Checking for Leaks
After the jets are closed, you can check for leaks by filling the tub with clean water and attempting to turn on the whirlpool effect. You don't want to let the system run for too long with the jets closed, but you can check quickly to see if any water is still flowing through the system.
Jets can develop damage, such as cracks and tears in the rubber gaskets that are meant to seal them closed. If you see water flowing through a jet that should be closed, that jet isn't entirely sealed. You may need to have it examined by a professional repairperson.
Disabling the System Completely
Some jetted tub owners consider detaching the jet nozzles and installing plugs or caps over the openings to disable the system completely. While this sounds good in theory, in reality, it can be very difficult to find plugs that will fit where the jet nozzles were.
In addition, caps are very hard to seal long term since the purpose of the bathtub is to be full of water. If you truly don't want a jetted bathtub, you may need to remove it and the whirlpool system completely and install a new bath.
Purging Jetted Tub Lines
In cases where the jets have been closed for a while with water still in the system, the lines will need to be purged before using the tub for a bath. Fill the tub with clean water and a cleaning agent that's safe for the whirlpool lines (check the manufacturer's information).
Open each jet by turning the nozzle in the opposite direction; most nozzles will open clockwise. Then, run the whirlpool system for five minutes, letting the cleaning agent circulate. Turn it off, drain the tub and rinse the interior surface. Now, the bath is ready to be a whirlpool again.