Stiff air control on hot tub, replace or lubricate?

[bpardy]

Hi there, I have a 2021 AquaRest spa that has been in operation for about 7 months. This spa has two air controls to control bubbling on each side of the hot tub. On one of the two, the control knob has become very stiff to turn in the last month or so. The other one turns freely so I don't think it is a problem due to outside air temperature. It takes a strong grip and a decent amount of force to rotate the stiff control knob. I attached a photo of what I believe is the part at issue here, from the manufacturer's parts site. Only the upper piece with the knob protrudes from the shell. When turned, the control does operate correctly by injecting bubbles (or not).

So I am wondering - is it safe (chemically and bacterially) to try to work some lubricant in there under the control knob? Or should I just plan to remove and either clean up or replace the whole part? I was thinking that some vegetable glycerin would be a safe lubricant since I know the tub already gets some of that deposited by users with skin care products on, but maybe mineral oil or another lubricant would be more appropriate.

Any suggestions on how I should proceed from here?

Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Let’s see what @RDspaguy suggests.

 

[RDspaguy]

I'd pop the top off and see. It's probably a broken tab on the plunger gate or a unseated o-ring.
I doubt lube would help, but know you aren't getting any in there without taking it apart.

 

[bpardy]

I'd pop the top off and see. It's probably a broken tab on the plunger gate or a unseated o-ring.
I doubt lube would help, but know you aren't getting any in there without taking it apart.

Thank you very much! I assume these are all similar items and removal would work like I see in YouTube videos for other spa air controls. It seems like parts/dis/assembly information is pretty minimal out there. I will give it a shot and see what I can do.

 

[RDspaguy]

How they come apart depends on brand. If yours is the one pictured, it likely snaps on, and getting just under the edge of the handle with a flathead screwdriver and prying up will pop it out. Use a rag under the screwdriver to avoid scratching the shell.