Ultimate Guide to the Hot Tub Air Blower

A hot tub should, as the name suggests, be hot—but when we picture the perfect hot tub experience, it’s not just about the heat. It’s also about those soothing, bubbling jets. So where do those bubbles actually come from?

The answer is simple: the Hot Tub Air Blower. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this essential component.

This guide will serve as the ultimate hot tub air blower guide so make sure to bookmark it to ensure you can come back to it when needed. 

If you’re new here, then don’t forget to check out my other blogs here or my youtube channel here. I post very frequently and a couple of months following me and you’ll be a semi DIY hot tub pro yourself!

 

What Is a Hot Tub Air Blower?

A hot tub air blower is a small, electrically powered fan that forces air into the hot tub’s plumbing system. These units are available in both 120V and 220V versions, though most hot tub builders and manufacturers recommend a 220V blower. Why? Because it delivers more powerful air flow, resulting in a much more satisfying bubble effect.

How Does a Hot Tub Air Blower Work?

You might be wondering: how does such a small device create such powerful bubbles?

The key lies in the design of the blower and the plumbing system it’s integrated with. These blowers are specifically engineered for underwater applications and are built to handle the demands of continuous air delivery under pressure.

In a DIY hot tub—whether it’s concrete, block-based, or uses Gunite jets—the air blower is connected to 1.5″ air pipes that run throughout your plumbing setup. As the blower runs, it pushes air through these pipes and into the jet bodies, where it mixes with water that’s already under pressure from the main pump.

This air-water mix creates not only stronger jets but also that familiar, relaxing bubbly effect that defines the hot tub experience. The result? A more enjoyable soak and a touch of luxury that makes all the effort worthwhile.

How to Connect a Hot Tub Air Blower (Power + Plumbing)

The hot tub air blower typically connects directly to your Spa Pack—the central control unit that manages the hot tub’s essential functions, including the heater, jets, and blower.

On the topside control panel (usually mounted near or on the tub), you’ll find buttons to adjust the temperature, activate the water jets, and turn the air blower on or off.

To power the blower, the Spa Pack usually provides a pinned connection—commonly referred to as an AMP connection. Depending on the make and model of your Spa Pack and blower, you might need to change or adapt the plug on your blower to match the connection. This is generally a simple task and doesn’t require advanced technical skills.

Plumbing Connection: How Do You Attach the Air Blower to the Hot Tub?

Connecting the blower to your hot tub’s plumbing is a straightforward process, though it varies slightly based on the model of the blower you’re using.

There are generally two types of blower connections:

• Socket Connections (1.5″ or 2″)
  These are the simplest to install. You just glue the air pipe directly into the socket using PVC cement.
• Union Nut with Tailpiece
  Some blowers come with a union nut and tailpiece, which screw into the blower housing. If this is the case, you may need to use reducers to match your plumbing size.

For example, a common setup might include a 32mm union nut connected to a 1″ pipe that’s been trimmed to fit. From there, a 1″ to 1.5″ reducing bush can be used to connect to a 1.5″ check valve, ensuring smooth airflow and backflow prevention.

Why a Check Valve Is Essential for Your Hot Tub Blower

The check valve plays a critical role in protecting your hot tub blower. Its main job is to prevent water from flowing backward into the blower unit, where it could potentially damage the internal coil and motor.

Even though it might seem like your 1.5″ air pipes and 2″ water pipes aren’t connected, they actually are—inside the jet bodies, where water and air mix. When the blower is turned off, water pressure can cause reverse flow, allowing water to travel back through the air lines.

Without a check valve, this water can flood the blower, which may cause electrical damage, trip breakers, and compromise your entire hot tub system. Installing a check valve is a simple but essential step to ensure your blower stays dry and functional.

Types of Hot Tub Air Blowers

Hot tub air blowers come in a wide range of types, sizes, and brands. While brand choice can vary depending on availability and preference, most blowers on the market will perform well if properly matched to your system.

Some popular blower brands include:

• LX
• Ultra
• Balboa
• And many more…

What Size Blower Should You Choose?

In terms of power, a good rule of thumb is to go for a 900W or 1–2 HP blower. If your control unit or Spa Pack is located farther away from the hot tub, you may need a higher-powered blower to maintain performance.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide helped you understand more about hot tub air blowers.
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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.

Fast forward to 2025, I've helped over 1400+ 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