When I start the first stage of Jets one the tub makes a sucking...girgling sound that comes from the jet redirector knob near the seat. Hitting the button again starts the second stage and it sounds like air is being sucked through the knob. I've removed the filter and tried running water through the filter intake pipe...no luck....took the control lever off and could not see anything wrong but I suspect there is something blocking the flow.
Picture of the jet redirector is attached

After another check with a flashlight I discovered a small cap...check valve?...loose in the pipe about 14" below the knob. I can take a long screwdriver and push this to the side and the jets will work for a bit until it blocks the pipe again. So now my question is this: How do I get that out without ripping my tub apart? Is this needed? What about another piece of PVC...just small enough to slide down and hold this loose piece to the side? Drill a bunch of holes in it to allow water to flow? I am in hack mode....any ideas?

Use a shop vac that has a built in blower.Take off diverter valve and blow air thru filter assembly and the part will be blown out.Simple as that. " title="Cool" />