Hot Tub Air Switches – The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to hot tub air switches, there’s a lot to unpack—what they are, how they work, and what you need to know when buying or maintaining one. 

Whether you’re new to this or just need a refresher, this guide has you covered. Let me break down everything you need to know about hot tub air switches.

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What Are Hot Tub Air Switches?

Hot tub air switches are commonly found in built-in or in-ground hot tubs, such as those you’d see at resorts or leisure centres. They aren’t typically used on plastic shell hot tubs because those models already come with a digital keypad, known as the topside control, which manages all the hot tub’s functions.

Air switches allow you to control essential components like the pump or air blower without using electricity in the hot tub itself. This makes them an ideal choice for environments where safety is paramount, as they eliminate the risk of electrical current flowing in and around the pool.

How Does a Hot Tub Air Switch Work?

An air switch operates through three main components: the button, the tubing, and the switch.

• The Button (Linear Actuator): This is the part you press to control the hot tub’s functions. It’s the most visible component, and its job is to send air through the tubing.

• The Tubing: This is the pipe that connects the button to the switch itself. When you press the button, air travels through this tube, initiating the switch.

• The Switch: This final part of the setup works like a relay. When the air reaches it, the switch activates and allows electricity to flow, powering the component you’ve selected (like the pump or blower). If you have multiple-speed pumps, the air switch can have multiple relays that switch between the speeds.

In simple terms, when you press the button, air travels through the tubing, which activates the switch, allowing current to flow to the chosen hot tub component. It’s an ingenious way to control electrical parts without direct electrical wiring near the water.

Maintaining a Hot Tub Air Switch

Like most mechanical components, air switches wear down over time. The most common issue you’ll run into is a leak or break in the tubing. If the tubing is cut or damaged, it won’t be able to transfer air efficiently, preventing the switch from working properly. The tubing typically measures 3/8th of an inch, so finding a replacement is straightforward.

Another issue might be with the button itself. Sometimes, buttons can crack or stick, making it difficult to generate enough air to activate the switch. Fortunately, replacing buttons is usually simple and inexpensive.

Replacing an Air Switch

If your air switch stops working, here’s what you need to do:

• Replace Like for Like: Measure the diameter of the tubing and the part number (if available) and find an equivalent replacement. Since exact models can be hard to find, you’re usually looking for a dimension-based replacement.
• Tubing Replacement: The tubing is standard size, so you’ll just need to find the right length. Make sure it’s 3/8th of an inch to fit your existing setup.
• Check What’s Included: Don’t assume that all kits come with everything you need. Many products include the switch but might not come with the tubing or button. Always double-check the product listing or pictures. If you’re shopping online, websites like partsfortubs.com provide detailed images to ensure you’re getting the right components.

Pro Tip: Building Your Own Kit

If you’re looking to put together a hot tub air switch kit, you’ll most likely need to buy the individual components separately. 

There’s a wide range of setups depending on whether you’re connecting to a blower, pump, or another component. You can check these out at www.parts4tubs.com where I carry 100’s of different models.  

Final Thoughts

Hot tub air switches offer a safe and effective way to control your tub’s essential functions without bringing electricity near the water.

Whether you’re maintaining an existing system or setting up a new one, understanding the ins and outs of air switches can save you time and hassle. 

Can I Help You?

If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch using the form below.

Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Today, I've helped over 1000 DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi