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No Heat
Pump is running but water is not heating.
Ensure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature. The heater may not had enough time to heat the water. It takes several hours to heat a cold spa.
On 120 Volt units, the spa only heats on low pump.
The air blower and air venturii inject air at ambiant temperature, causing a rapid loss of heat.
Combining low outdoor temperatures and no skirting around tub will cause heater to lose much of its efficiency.
See Equipment Does not operate.
Check hi limit switch. See What is a "hi-limit" switch? below.
Pump is not running.
What is a "hi-limit" switch?
A "hi-limit" switch is a device which will cut the current to the heating element if for any reason the temperature of the water should reach aproximately 119°F or above. While a simple reset of the device will restore heat to the spa, verifying the operation of the thermostat, the most likely cause of this condition, should be done ASAP.
Simply push on hi-limit button (typicaly red). You should feel a slight clic as it resets. Look for the cause of tripping:
- The water in the spa is at least 1/2 the depth of the skimmer opening.
- The gate valves may be partly closed.
- The filter cartridge may be dirty or needs replacing.
- The spa may have been drained while the power was still on.
Use of a spa with temperature readings of over 104°F may lead to hyperthermia, loss of consciousness, or even death, especially combined with the use of alcohol and drugs.
Although some thermostats are adjustable it is often safer to replace the unit altogether.
Leaving the pump(s) on high speed for extented periods of time may also cause extremely high water temperatures in some rare cases.
While the hi-limit is in an open state, it may trigger some odd behaviour in some systems. Some pumps may not operate in high speed for example.
Poor Water Circulation.
Pump is running but no water comes out of jets.
No water coming out of jets but can't hear pump.
Poor Water Circulation
Pump is running but no water comes out of jets.
There may be an "air lock" in the water plumbing. Make sure gate valves are open. If so, open slightly the union connector in front of pump and allow air to bleed out of plumbing while the pump is running. Hand tight fitting when water starts to circulate.
No water coming out of jets and can't hear pump.
Water pressure from jets weak or surging.
Make sure gate valves are fully open on equipment.
Open all air venturi valves.
Remove filter cartridge and see if the water pressure increases. If so, clean or replace filter cartridge.
Water is not clear.
Check the ph level and chlorine/bromine in spa.
Clean or replace filter.
If water is more than four months old, empty and refill spa with fresh tap water (preferably not from a water conditionner) and adjust alkalinity, ph and chlorine according to your water analysis expert's recomendations.
Equipment Problems.
Equipment Problems
Equipment Does not operate:
First, check the main circuit breaker on your power distribution panel.If the GFCI has tripped, simply reset it by pushing lever fully to off. you should feel a clic. Then push it to on. If the GFCI tripps repeatedly, locate the source of the fault (water on or near equipment) before using the spa. If fault is not apparent contact service representative immediately, or e-mail me, fully describing your symptoms.
Air blower not working:
If switch is of the air type, see that air tube is connected at both the button and the control panel. Verify that the blower is plugged in to the control panel or otherwise recieving power. If switch is part of an electronic Top Side control module, verify that it is plugged in to the main panel under tub. If blower tripps GFCI see "GFCI".
Spa light not working:
If switch is of the air type, see that air tube is connected at both the button and the control panel. Verify that the light is plugged in to the control panel or otherwise recieving power. If switch is part of an electronic Top Side control module, verify that it is plugged in to the main panel under tub.
Replace light bulb. :-)
Low speed pump is not working:
If switch is of the air type, see that air tube is connected at both the button and the control panel. Verify that the pump is plugged in to the control panel or otherwise recieving power. If switch is part of an electronic Top Side control module, verify that it is plugged in to the main panel under tub.
Open all spa jets.
Open all shut-off valves on equimpent.
Clean or replace filter.
Some pumps that will run on high speed but not on low, may be an indication on some systems that the water has reached its set temperature therefore no remedy is indicated as the pump will resume normal operation when called upon.
High speed pump is not working:
If switch is of the air type, see that air tube is connected at both the button and the control panel. Verify that the pump is plugged in to the control panel or otherwise recieving power. If switch is part of an electronic Top Side control module, verify that it is plugged in to the main panel under tub.
Some pumps that will run on low speed but not on high, may be an indication on some systems that the water has reached a very high temperature at some point in time, and this condition has caused the hi-limit sensor to trip. This is a twofold safety mechanism that requires some investigation.
See other items listed under Low speed pump is not working.
See also Water Not Circulating? for other helful hints.
GFCI is Tripped:
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), is a device which monitors current going in and out of an appliance so equipped. Any minute fault (loss of current to ground) will cause the device to open the circuit (turn off power) to the appliance or load down the line from it.
It is a safety mechanism that should be in place with all appliances or electrical outlets in contact with or anywhere within ten (10) feet (3 meters) from water or damp location. The distances may vary from one Province (State) to another. Verify your local Electrical Code or Authority.
Most localities require all hottubs/spas to be protected with a GFCI. A GFCI must be tested monthly for proper operation. A "TEST" button is provided on all such devices regardless of their format. Any such device which fails this simple test even once must be replaced before the use of any equipment, in this case your spa. Using an unprotected appliance may result in personal injury or death.
Various equipment failures or presence of water inside electrical components will cause a ground fault. The presence or absence of a ground (earth) wire although necesary, is irrelevent as faults can still be detected without one.
The following items will cause a Ground Fault:
- Water or exessive moisture in dry (motor) end of pump.
- Water or exessive moisture in air blower.
- Most faulty heater elements (if insulator is ruptured).
- Water or exessive moisture in control panel.
- Faulty wiring.
- Poor connections.
Although GFCI's integrated in control panel are fully functional, they must be replaced more often than those installed in your home's main power distribution panel as they effectively shut down power to the entire spa support system. This way someone using the tub at the time cannot simply reach over and reset the system while in the tub.While it would be an expensive upgrade, it would be the safest setup.
Most often, if an individual component is at fault, the GFCI would trip only when that faulty component is turned on. The trickyest component is the heater. When it ruptures, it often renders the entire tub inoperative.
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