Troubleshooting Guide
Mechanical/Electrical Problems
IMPORTANT: Anytime the GFCI trips, it’s indicating an
electrical problem which calls for an electrician with hot tub experience. A
pro can handle your control pad, circuit boards, connections, wires, pump and
heater repairs. Stay out of the water until the repair is made.
Problem: Weak water flow at jets
Possible Cause: Water level low.
Action: Raise water level half way
in skimmer opening
Possible Cause: Obstacle in skimmer
or intakes.
Action: Look for hot tub toy or
T-shirt as culprit.
Possible Cause: Clogged or
collapsed filter element.
Action: Hose off element.
Chemically clean, if necessary, or replace.
Problem:
No water flow, pump can be heard
Possible Cause: Pump not primed.
Action: Hose water into filter opening.
Possible Cause: Obstacle covering intakes.
Action: Remove intake obstacle.
Possible Cause: Pump sucking air from air leak in lines
or low water level.
Action: Raise water halfway in
skimmer opening. Check and fix air leaks; call in a pro if you can’t do it.
Possible Cause: Pump plugs not
airtight.
Action: Secure using thread sealant, Teflon tape or
appropriate gasket/O-ring to prevent air leak.
Possible Cause: Air lock.
Action: Burp the line.
Possible Cause: Bad strainer lid,
O-ring or loose lid.
Action: Tighten lid and/or fit new O ring.
Possible Cause: Broken pump impeller.
Action: Call in a pro to check and
repair.
Problem:
Pump doesn't turn on
Possible Cause: Electric off.
Action: Pay your electric
bill.
Possible Cause: Timer set to “off”
position.
Action: Reset timer and retry
switch on pad.
Possible Cause: Circuit board
malfunction, control pad contact corroded, open circuit or short circuit.
Action: See if GFCI has tripped;
test it and reset it. Press the pump switch on the control pad. If pump fails
to respond, call in a pro to check, repair or replace either pump, pc board,
control pad or whatever!
Possible Cause: Seized pump/motor
shaft ball bearing.
Action: Repair by pro needed.
Problem:
Heater operation weak
Possible Cause: Dirty filter
element slowing flow to heater.
Action: Examine element; clean or replace it.
Scale buildup on heater coils.
Call in a pro to check, repair or replace. See GFCI notes on
pump above.
Problem: Loss of water
Possible Cause: Leak in shell,
pipes or hoses.
Locate leak. Ask dealer to correct.
Evaporation. Hot days help.
Be sure to cover the hot tub when you exit.
Frolicking soakers splash a lot.
The remedy is up to you. Are you a party pooper?
The dog is drinking it.
Not good for dog’s body chemistry. Tether dog.
Problem:
Heater operation weak
Possible Cause: GFCI breaker
popped. Ground connection loose or corroded. Circuit board malfunction.
Check circuit breaker. Call electrician to locate fault. Stay
out of hot tub.
Local current cessation.
If other appliances/lights work, call the electrician. If
not, call electric company.
Problem:
LED flashes
Possible Cause: See owner’s manual.
Follow instructions.
Problem:
Hot tub light won’t go on
Bulb burned out/wire loose.
See owner’s manual to replace bulb or call in hot tub expert.
Copyright ©2000-2006 Richards Hagy, Limpid Pool & Hot Tub
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