The difference between spa venturi, spa diverter, water fall valve

When it comes to spa pools, a few different types of mechanisms can be used to direct and control the water flow. One of the most common is the diverter, which uses pressure to force the water in one direction or another. Another mechanism in the spa is a venturi, which relies on suction to inject air and create a powerful stream of water.

Although a spa venturi and a spa diverter look similar, they perform different functions in your spa pool or swim spa. So, what's the difference between these two options? Let's take a closer look!

In this article, you'll learn:

• What is a spa venturi?
• What is a spa diverter?
• What should I do if my spa air venturi is not working?
• What is a spa waterfall control valve (diverter)?
• How to fix a spa waterfall diverter valve that won't turn off?
• How do I fix water leaking around the edge of the diverter control?

What is a spa venturi?

A venturi uses suction produced by the flow of water to draw air into the nozzle. The aerated water is then injected into the spa generating a more powerful jet action for massage purposes. You'll often see a venturi tube on the side of a spa, with a knob that allows you to control the amount of air being drawn in.

Venturis work by using the Bernoulli principle - when water flows through a narrow opening, the speed of the water increases and the pressure decreases. This creates a slight vacuum and sucks air into the system.

It sounds complicated, but it's just a simple tube with a small narrowing in the middle. As water runs through the constricted part, it speeds up. As the tube widens, a partial vacuum is created. And into that vacuum — and on into the spa — rushes the ambient air.

What is a spa diverter?

A spa diverter is a device that is used to change the direction of water flow in a spa pool and redirect water to another area. A diverter valve is usually located at the top of the spa pool and has a handle that can be turned to direct the water flow.

The diverter valve is operated by a lever, switch, or knob, which can be adjusted to different positions to control the flow of water to different massage jets.

Spa diverters are an essential component of any spa and are used to ensure that the user gets the best possible massage experience.

Physically, a venturi has one water inlet, while a diverter is shaped like a 'T'.

What should I do if my spa air venturi is not working?

If your spa's air venturi isn't working, start by checking that it has suction. To do this, place your finger over the outlet and see if you feel any suction.

If there is no suction, the air venturi may be blocked. Use a small wire or pipe cleaner to clear any blockage in the air venturi. If this does not work, you may need to replace the air venturi.

A broken air venturi will not be able to pull water up from the jets and into the spa's plumbing system. This can lead to low water pressure in the jets, and eventually, no water coming out of the jets at all. If you think your air venturi may be broken, you can replace it.

If you're not confident doing the replacement yourself, contact us and we can recommend a spa technician in your area.

How do I clear my blocked spa venturi?

One important part of spa pool maintenance is keeping the venturis clear.

Over time the venturi valves can become partially clogged with debris, reducing the water flow. As a result, it's important to clean the venturis on a regular basis. The most effective way to clean a venturi is to use a brush or other cleaning tool to remove any buildup from the opening. If there is any white scale or calcium build up in the venturi valve, you can also use a small amount of white vinegar to help dissolve the calcium. Then rinse with fresh water.

In addition, it's important to check the spa's filters and make sure they are free of dirt and debris. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your spa venturis remain clear and functional.

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How do I clean a diverter valve on my spa?

If you notice that your diverter valve is not working effectively, it may be partially blocked or have a build-up of debris or calcium inside it. it is important to clean it as soon as possible. The following steps will show you how to clean a diverter valve on a spa:

1. Start by disconnecting the diverter valve from your spa. This will usually involve popping off the top cover and then unscrewing the valve from the spa shell.

2. Once the diverter valve is disconnected, remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking the flow of water through the valve. A small brush can be used to help remove any stubborn dirt. If there is any white scale or calcium build-up in the diverter, you can soak it in white vinegar to help dissolve the calcium scale.

3. Once the diverter valve is clean, reattach it and turn on the spa. You should immediately notice an improvement in performance.

How to fix hard to turn diverter valve

Diverter valves are often hard to turn. However, there are a few steps you can take to fix the issue.

How do I replace my spa diverter valve?

To begin, shut off the water to your spa. Then, remove the old diverter valve by unscrewing it from the diverter housing.

Next, apply a small amount of plumbers' putty to the underside of the new diverter valve. This will help to create a water-tight seal. Then, screw the new diverter valve into place.

Once it is tight, turn the water back on to your spa and test the diverter to make sure it is working properly. If you have any difficulties with this process or the configuration is more complex on your spa model, you may need to consult a spa technician to come out and replace this for you.

What is a spa waterfall control valve (diverter)?

The third component we will discuss in this article is a spa waterfall. A spa waterfall is a feature that brings beauty and relaxation to your spa experience in the form of gently flowing water that cascades down the edge of your spa.

The waterfall is operated by a diverter control valve that regulates the flow of water through the waterfall unit to turn the intensity up or down, or off altogether.

This waterfall control valve looks similar to an air venturi control on many spas, but on Vortex Spas, the waterfall control valve is bigger and more prominent.

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How to fix a spa waterfall diverter valve that won't turn off?

If your spa waterfall feature won't turn off, most likely the diverter valve that controls it has a worn seal on it, so water is still flowing around the valve even when it is in the off position. The seal can wear out over time, or if your pH is not balanced correctly in your water, this can cause the gasket to wear out more quickly.

To fix this problem, you can replace the valve stem with a new one that will seal correctly and enable you to turn your spa waterfall off.

Follow the steps below to replace your diverter valve stem;

Step 1. Turn off the power to the spa

Step 2. Remove the valve control cover - this should just click off the top.

Step 3. Unscrew the second cap anticlockwise on the top of the valve

Step 4. Gently pull the stem out of the valve. (You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers if you need to grip the stem).

Step 5. Carefully insert the new stem in place with a pair of pliers and rotate it until it locates in the correct position.

Step 6. Check the condition of the o-ring at the top of the valve while you have the valve cap off and replace this if needed.

Step 7. Screw the valve cap back into place

Step 8. Click the valve control cover back into position.

How do I fix water leaking around the edge of the diverter control?

If you notice a small stream of water dribbling out from your diverter control in your spa, this could be caused by a valve cap that has become slightly unscrewed, allowing water to escape. It may also be caused by missing or damaged o-rings around the seal of the valve.

To fix this, first, remove the diverter control cover and try tightening the valve cap by gently pushing down and turning clockwise.

If this doesn't fix the problem, then screw the valve cap off completely and replace the o-rings underneath the cap.

Does my spa require an ozone venturi injector?

Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that can be used to clean spa water and prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. When used in combination with other spa chemicals, it can help to keep the water clean and clear.

Many spa ozonators use a venturi injector to introduce ozone into the spa water. The injector draws in air from the ozonator unit and mixes it with spa water, which helps to distribute the ozone evenly throughout the spa.

Spa ozone injectors are not required in all cases. Some spas already have built-in ozonators, and others may not require the extra level of sanitization provided by ozone. If you are unsure whether your spa needs an ozone venturi injector, consult your spa owner’s manual or contact a spa professional.

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