Question on how a jetted bath tub works

[FIRE UP]

Gents,
First off, please either send this or, if you're a moderator and it's in the wrong area, place it where it needs to be if, there's even a place for this type of question.
That being said, here's my situation. We've got a 22 year old home with the jetted tub in the master bath that was installed when the home was new. We've been in the home for about 17 years now and that tub and it's controls have been operating just fine. The other night when the wife was getting out of her bath, she touched the "touch" button to stop the jetting action 'cause the water was draining and getting low and, the tub/jets would not shut off.

Let me say that the control(s) for this jetting action are NOT air operated. It's a little brass looking button about the size of a penny, about 1/2 way the length of the tub, about 3-5" from the top, not sure. You simply touch it and the jetting starts or stops. There is no movement in that button. I guess it's some sort of "grounding" type of situation. There is another button, of the same looks, about 2" up from the bottom of the tub, on the opposite side of the "on/off" button, close to the front of the tub. I think between the lower button, the wife, the water in the tub, and the upper button, it starts or stops by a "continuity" thing in between all those components.

What I'm asking here is, exactly how does this system work, and is there a wiring schematic some place that will help me understand it? And, like stated, if this does not belong here, please send me to where it does belong so I can find out more about the system and how it works and even better, how to analyze a problem like I've got. Thanks
Scott​

 

[nehog]

Any brand or model information? Pictures of the control system (box and valves) might be helpful too...

 

[Frank The Plumber]

There are two possible types of switches that I am aware of on a motorized tub.

One type will be an air button that is connected via an air hose to an air actuated diaphragm switch. This button is large about an inch around. The switch motion range is generally about a 1/2" in range motion. It may be that the air tubing under the tub has come off.

Another type is a ground actuated switch. This type of switch is generally very similar to the air switch. The difference being that this switch is a ground contact switch and has no motion range to actuate it.

There are a few other control pad type switches but they are generally grouped controls and tend to be maker specific.

You should be able to search the manufacturer for Trouble shooting info , or in some cases a consciencious installer will leave the install guide under the tub by the motor assembly.

 

[FIRE UP]

Gents,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. It is NOT an air operated switch. It is, like stated a "Brass" looking button, about the size and depth of a nickle. No movement at all when touched. It's just like those "touch" lamps we have. Simply touch them and the light turns off or on. Well, the jets do the same thing, touch that button and it goes on or off.

And, as of this minute, it's working. But, that doesn't mean it will work in the next few minutes. I hate that sort of thing. Either break, or not. The only trouble shooting info I can find is extremely limited. You can find trouble shooting for air actuated stuff all day long but, this kind, really scarce. I'll keep on the hunt to see what I can come up with. I'll keep whoever cares, informed of my findings. Thanks again. Surely appreciated.
Scott

P.S. It really wouldn't do any good to take pics 'cause the access to the working end of that whole system is only a tiny access door in our closet and, there's no identification on any part of anything. Lots of spider webs though. Yuk.
Scott​

 

[mrb]

its probably a capacitive touch sensor. try cleaning everything, there may be a buildup of soap residue or something thats affecting its operation.

also, your font and different colors make your post difficult to read. the forum default font, size, and color is not a bad thing....

 

[copterdoctor]

what you talkin bout?

 

[ishiboo]

its probably a capacitive touch sensor. try cleaning everything, there may be a buildup of soap residue or something thats affecting its operation.

Agreed. That's how the touch lamps work. If you can push the button and have it function when you're not in the tub, it's a capacitive touch switch

I'd check for buildup, also verify the wiring to the switch is still good... you're dealing with VERY small voltages/currents so it needs to be in tip-top shape. Clean the contacts where the wires attach. (The switch itself has no contacts, I mean where it plugs in). If all fails, the switch itself may need to be replaced, or the control board it attaches to.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Whose brand is it?