I have a jacuzzi tub in my master bath, and it has started surging through the jets in about an 8 second interval. Also I have started noticing a little bit of water leaking from under the side of the tub. The pump and all hardware are enclosed beneath the tub. What could cause this?

Surging is caused when the pump doesn't have enough water to push to the jets. this is usually a problem caused by air being drawn into the suction of the pump.
take a look at the jet(s) facing the suction cover.
I have seen cases where the water with the air mixed in causing bubbles gets sucked into the suction of the tub and causes the surging because the pump is pulling in too much air.
try rotating the nozzle of the jet facing the suction away from it. point it another way. turn the air control knob closed and see if that is the problem.
the only other issue that could cause this 'surging' problem is a leak in the suction line and could be the source of the water you see under the tub.