Testing A Whirlpool Bath

[crokett]

I am thinking plug the drain hole, hose to fill it up then plug it in and turn it on. Any thing else? Does the pump need to be primed or anything?

[viking4949]

Be sure you have all of the jets pointing down if they are adjustable. I was house sitting once and tried to turn on the whirlpool tub without being in it. One of the jets was pointing up, and when I filled it and turned it on, it shot water all over the bathroom...lesson learned.

[Uncle Cracker]

Probably no need to prime the pump. If it's original equipment, it's designed to work with a flooded suction, and that's what you'll have if you fill the tub to the right level. There may be accessories on the tub, such as audio, lighting, or heater, so you will want to check those also. And watch for water seeping where it shouldn't be, which might be an indication of a cracked tub or (more likely) a leaking fitting or split pipe.

[chopnhack]

Assuming that the crating can handle the amount of water you need to put in to test the tub, make sure that the intake is completely submerged. If its not you can damage the pump, if it cavitates. Brings me back to the point above, 1 gallon of water is roughly 8 lbs. Be careful

[crokett]

There isn't any crating. It is just the tub. I checked it over before we bought it, no cracks in the tub, hoses aren't cracked or loose, etc. I don't think it was ever installed anywhere. I got it at a good enough price that I'd have to spend a fair bit to make it the same cost as a new one. I've located what I think is the installation manual and will read that. I have time - I plan to test outside and not before the weather warms up a bit. I don't want water freezing in the lines.