Bought a used 5ftx 32"

Yes, most jetted tubs will not operate without water.

Try this place Marisa. for a standard jetted bathtub with a normal faucet pair, go to Home Depot.

https://www.google.com/search?q=vita+spa+tub+parts+manual

Vita Bath Jets - Whirlpool Tub Parts

https://www.whirlpooltubparts.net > Vita Bath
Vita Bath Jets ; Aquatic 20284-WH Directional Jet · $9.99 ; Vita Bath Aqua Fall Tub Spout · $59.96 ; Vita Bath Monster Jet Body · $19.95 ; VITA BATH Monster Caged Jet ...

the following links should help
Stanley Opener 440 OpenerRemotes Chart http://www.thehealthhome.com/stanley-garage-door-opener-manual-440.pdf

most hot tubs have two motors. one is a circulation pump to move water when the heater starts and the other comes on when the jets are being used. from the sounds of it, the one pump isnt running properly

sounds like it may be either the air button or the air switch (on motor).
pull the pump and plug into an outlet. take a straw and blow into the air switch where the air tubing was connected. If the pump comes on then you know the button. If the pump doesn't come on then you will need to replace the air switch on the back of the motor.

It kind of sounds like you have not purged air from near the pump impeller. Try adding water through the filter, often times this forces prime.

Most of the control buttons on a tub are not electrical. These buttons are connected to an air line that runs to the motor. Sometimes an aggressive button push can literally blow the air line right off of the bottom of the button.
This problem is as easy to fix as it sounds. Find the loose air line and push it back onto the button. You will need to open up your access panel. Bring a flashlight.
Be sure to check the connection at the motor too. Good luck

Our reset for the jets were hidden in the master closet behind the tub. We also found another access point to the tubs inner workings in the same place. Also, make sure they open all the air intakes and the tub is filled prior to testing. On ours if water is not above a certain level it won't come on.

Sorry, the tub will have to pulled out to find out what is leaking so it can be fixed. There is just no other way UNLESS you can open up the wall on the blind side of the tube. (but its probably and exterior wall...if the house is vinyl sided, it can be done. If brick, you'll have to pull the tub). If you just wanted to convert to a tub only, maybe Bathfitters has an insert solution...

Some jets you can stick your finger into the jet its self and move it in 360 degrees. Others have a notched round trim piece that when turned counter clockwise, will loosen the jet where you can manipulate it as described above. You will need to retighten it after your done so it doesn't end up the same way. If you have trouble, you may want to use a little spray lubricant on it so it will loosen.