Hydromassage (Jacuzzi) tub in-line heater

[Dave Hahn]

Curious about what appears to be an in-line heater mechanism mounted to the PVC plumbing just beyond the hydromassage tub motor. It could not be accessed due the tile work in front, just visible from the motor access on the side.

Ideas as to what it is and how it works?
The master bathroom had its own 20-gal water heater separate from the rest of the house.


(yes, I'll be mentioning the sprayfoam support for the tub)

[A.D. Miller]

Curious about what appears to be an in-line heater mechanism mounted to the PVC plumbing just beyond the hydromassage tub motor. It could not be accessed due the tile work in front, just visible from the motor access on the side.

Ideas as to what it is and how it works?
The master bathroom had its own 20-gal water heater separate from the rest of the house.


(yes, I'll be mentioning the sprayfoam support for the tub)

It appears to be an in-line heater. It has not been bonded. And, the tub is not being properly supported on the expanding-type foam insulation bed they provided.

[Jerry Peck]

There is a door/panel right in front of it, could you not get to that access?

That foam is not rated for use in setting those tubs.

Are those boxes secured in place? Not best facing up, but the code does not address stupidity.

[Dan Harris]

From my experience of installing/ selling in-line heaters on CM tubs, the heater is just a heating element, connected to a 20 amp circuit.It should be on a seperate cicuit, it does not heat the water, just helps to keep the water warm as it circulates thru the wp plumbing.
More info can be found at gruber-systems.com