SPA TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Trouble Probable Cause Troubleshooting Steps Next Steps
Spa is inoperative
  • Power failure
  • GFCI has tripped
  • Heater’s high-limit thermostat has tripped
  • Spa lock is activated
  • Check for problems with your power source
  • Reset the GFCI
  • Disconnect the power for 30 seconds to reset the thermostat; then check for clogged filters
  • Deactivate the spa lock
  • Contact an electrician if your power source is inoperative
  • Call for spa service if the GFCI won’t reset
  • Call for spa service if the high-limit thermostat has tripped
Spa won’t heat, even while the jets and lights operate (green logo “Ready” and blue logo “Power” indicators are blinking)
  • Integrated pressure switch is open
  • Circulation pump thermal cut-off has tripped
  • Air lock was created after filling the spa
  • Check for clogged filters; the switch should reset once the water is again flowing through the heater
  • Check for clogged filters and air locks in the plumbing, and disconnect power to the spa so the pump can cool; the pump should reset once it has cooled and the power is reconnected
  • Place the water hose down the main filter in the filter compartment, and fill the spa completely to push the air lock out
  • Call for spa service if the heater trips frequently
  • Call for spa service if the circulation pump trips frequently
Jet operation is weak or surging
  • Spa water level is too low
  • Filters are clogged
  • Comfort Control® lever is closed
  • Add water to the spa
  • Clean the filters
  • Open the Comfort Control® lever
Reach out to your dealer if you have further questions about optimal jet performance and maintenance
Light is inoperative
  • Spa lock is activated
  • Light wiring or assembly is faulty
  • Deactivate the spa lock
  • Replace the light assembly
Call for spa service if you are unsure of how to replace your light assembly
Moto-Massage® DX jet is inoperative or erratic
  • Comfort Control® valves are closed
  • Filters are clogged
  • Open the Comfort Control® levers
  • Clean the filters
Contact your dealer for more questions about jet maintenance
Blue logo “Power” indicator is blinking The heater’s high-limit thermostat has tripped Disconnect the power for 30 seconds to reset the heater’s high limit; check for clogged filters Call for spa service if the thermostat continues to trip
Green logo “Ready” indicator is blinking A problem with the temperature sensor Disconnect the power for 30 seconds Call for spa service if the indicator continues blinking
Control touchscreen is on but inoperable
  • Remote control is too far away from the spa
  • Communication between the control system and the remote is interrupted
  • Move the remote closer to the spa
  • Press the Jets button on the dock unit; if it’s necessary to reset the panel, press and hold the touchscreen in any blank area until it turns black
Contact your dealer to learn more about the possibilities of customizing your hot tub soak through the intuitive control panel
Control touchscreen is off and black
  • Power to the spa is off
  • Battery needs to be recharged
  • Battery is in Shutdown mode
  • Battery is not recharging
  • Turn the power on
  • Put the remote control back in the docking tray to recharge
  • Press the touchscreen and wait 40 seconds
  • Call an electrician if your power to the spa will not turn on
  • Call for spa service if your battery is not recharging
Remote responds intermittently within the 30-foot range An outside source is interfering with the signal Change the channel on the remote by pressing the Lights button on the dock unit until the buttons flash and you see a change channel screen on the remote; press UP or DOWN to adjust the channel, and OK to set it Reach out to your dealer with further questions about operating your control panel and remote
Touchscreen continues to read “Searching for spa” on a black screen Remote is not paired with the control panel Press the Jets button on the dock unit until the buttons flash; press and hold on the screen until Pairing Yes/No displays; press Yes to pair Contact your dealer for technical support if problems with your control panel or remote continue

HOT TUB ERROR CODES & THEIR MEANING

Error Code Meaning Next Steps
No Code Means there is no message to display. The power was shut off to the hot tub. GFCI breaker is still on, however, control panel displays blank. Fuse(s) to system is/are blown. The hot tub control panel is automatically disabled until return of power, but the system will function to reset the time of day of each time of power-up. Hot tub settings will be preserved. Contact your store for the unit to be serviced.
OHH or HH Stands for “Overheat” – and the tub shuts down. One of the sensors detected temperatures of 118°F (47.8°C) at the location of the heater. DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER. Take off the hot tub cover to allow the water to cool down. You can reset by pushing any button once the heater cools down. Verify that the knife valve located on the heater’s return side is closed—once verified it’s closed, be sure all the knife valves are in the open or up position. Shut the power down to the hot tub and call the Beachcomber store if the hot tub won’t reset.
OHS or OH Stands for “Overheat” – and the tub shuts down. One of the sensors detected that the water in the hot tub is 110°F (43.3°C). DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER. Take off the Heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. The hot tub should automatically reset for a temp of 107°F (41.7°C). Duplicate actions used for “OHH”. Shut the power down to the beachcomber hot tubs and call your store if the hot tub won’t reset.
ICE or IC Stands for “Ice” – The system has detected a potential condition for freeze. No action is needed. The blower and pumps activate automatically in spite of the status of the hot tub unit.
SY or STBY Means the hot tub unit has entered Standby mode. Check that the Microfilter is in place and secure before depressing any buttons to remove the hot tub unit from Standby.
SnA or SA Means the hot tub unit has been shut down. The sensor plugged into sensor “A” jack is malfunctioning. Contact your store if you continue to see this problem. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
Snb or Sb Means the hot tub unit has been shut down. The sensor plugged into sensor “B” jack is malfunctioning. Contact your store for the hot tub unit to be serviced if the problem continues.
SnS or Sn Means that the sensors are not in balance. May just be a temporary condition if it is alternating with temperature. If this error code displays as periodical blinking, then it means that the hot tub unit has been shut down. Contact your store for the hot tub unit to be serviced if the problem continues. Follow action plan required for the error code “SnA”.
HFL or HL Means that a significant difference has been detected between the temperature sensors. This code could signify the unit has a flow problem. Check the level of the water in hot tub unit and refill levels if needed. Make sure the pump has been primed if you see that the water levels are adequate. If the problem continues, there are 4 solutions you can try:

  1. For Dirty Microfilter: Go to GFCI or power disconnect and turn off the power. Take out the Microfilter and clean or replace it.
  2. For Air lock in the system: Find the thumb screws of the air bleed and open them partially to let out the air in the piping.
  3. When Hush Pump Has Debris: You can contact your store to service this or clean out debris yourself. To clean yourself: shut all the knife valves and then remove the Hush Pump’s face plate in order to remove the debris.
  4. Circulation Pump frozen or failed: If you suspect freezing has happened, put a space heater or trouble light in close proximity to the equipment in order to thaw out the external piping and pump. Contact your store for service.
LF Means low flow problems are persistent. This error code will display the fifth time that the “HFL” message occurs within 24 hours. With this error, the heater will shut down, but other functions of the hot tub will continue to function normally. Take same action steps needed for the “HFL” message. The heating capacity of the hot tub unit won’t automatically reset, but you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
dr Means that there may not be enough water flow detected in the heater after the third occurrence of dr. code display Verify that all the knife valves are open. Next, check the hot tub’s water levels. If checks indicate the water level is adequate, ensure the pumps are been primed. You can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
drY or dY Means that there is confirmation of inadequate flow of water detected after 7 sec. of heater tests. Take same actions steps used for dr. Ensure that the circulation pump is running. If it is not running, then contact your store for service.
Pr This happens when the hot tub unit is actuated for the first time; eventually it goes into priming mode Priming Mode will go on for up to 4 min. and afterwards the hot tub unit will begin to heat & maintain the water temps in Standard Mode.
–F / –C Means unknown temperature. The temperature will be displayed after pump runs for 2 min.
Std/ St STANDARD Means hot tub unit is functioning in Standard Mode. No action is needed at this time. You can refer to the contents of the Heating modes page in order to modify this mode.
Ecn/ Ec ECONOMY Means hot tub unit is functioning in Economy mode. No action is needed at this time. You can refer to the contents of the Heating modes page in order to modify this mode.
SLP/ SL SLEEP Means hot tub unit is functioning in sleep heating mode. No action is needed at this time. You can refer to the contents of the Heating modes page in order to modify this mode.
Error Code Meaning Next Steps
HL When “HL” error message displays, it means the system shut the heater down because temps at the heater reached 119ºF (48ºC).When “HL” error message is flashing, it means the system shut down because the water temps in the spa reached 112ºF (44ºC). In this condition, only Smart Winter Mode will remain active. DO NOT GO IN THE WATER. Remove spa heat cover to allow the water temp to cool down. You can then reset the breaker which will reset the system.DO NOT GO IN THE WATER. Remove spa heat cover to allow the water temp to cool down to 109ºF (43ºC). Call your service supplier or dealer if problem continues.
FLO Means that the system doesn’t detect any water pressure while pump is running. Check water level and open the water valves. Clean the spa filter or replace the spa filter if needed. Call your service supplier or dealer if problem continues.
FLC The system has identified a problem with the pressure switch. Call your service supplier or dealer if problem continues.
Prr The system has identified a problem with the temperature probe. Call your service supplier or dealer if problem continues.
– – – – Breaker Setting for the Low Level Programming isn’t set to corresponding power or the breaker is used to operate the spa.
FREE Free Protect error message is scrolling. Means that water temps in spa unit fell below 45º degrees. The pumps will then heat the spa unit until water temp achieves 45º degrees F. To clear the error, you may need to reset the breaker.
Error Code Meaning Next Steps
No Code Means there is no message to display. The power was shut off to the hot tub. GFCI breaker is still on, however, control panel displays blank. Fuse(s) to system is/are blown. The hot tub control panel is automatically disabled until return of power, but the system will function to reset the time of day of each time of power-up. Hot tub settings will be preserved. Contact your store for the unit to be serviced.
——- Stands for Temperature unknown. This happens when you initially start your hot tub. After the pump and system has been operating approximately 2 minutes, you will see the temperature displayed.
HH “Overheat” – The spa hot tub shuts down. The sensors have detected 118°F or greater in the heater. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa hot tub cover and let the water cool down. After the heater has cooled down, you must reset by pushing any of the topside buttons. If your spa hot tub does not reset, shut the power off on the spa and call a dealer or service person.
OH “Overheat” – The leisure bay spas shuts down for this error. Also, the sensors will detect that the hot tub water is 110°F or greater. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa hot tub hard cover and allow water to cool off. Once the spa cools down to 107°F, the tub should reset on its own. If the hot tub does not reset, turn off the power to the spa and call your dealer or service company.
IC “Ice” – This is a Potential freeze condition detected No action is required at this time. The pump and blower will activate regardless of spa status during this error.
SA The Spa is shut down or the sensor that is plugged into the Sensor “A” jack is not operational. If the problem does not go away, contact your dealer or service company. (This error may show temporarily in an overheat error and stop when the heater cools down.)
SY The Spa is shut down. Also, the sensor that is plugged into the Sensor “B” jack is not operational. If the problem does not go away, contact your dealer or service company. (May appear temporarily in an overheat error and stop when the heater cools down.)
Sn Sensors are out of balance or not working properly. If alternating with spa temperature display, it may just be temporary. Also, if flashing by on its own, the spa will shut down. If the error continues, contact your dealer or service company.
HL A difference between temperature and the sensors is detected. This could be a flow problem. Check the water levels in tub. Top up if needed. If the water level is okay, check to see if the pumps are primed. If the error persists, contact your dealer or service company.
LF Continuous low flow. (Displays on the fifth occurrence of “HL” error within a 24 hour cycle.) Heater is shut down, but other spa functions may continue to run normally. Follow steps required for “HL” message. Heating capability of the spa will not reset automatically; you may press any button on the topside to reset the tub.
dr Possible low water levels, poor flow, or air bubbles are detected in the heater. Also, the Spa hot tub will shut down for 15 minutes. Check water level in hot tub. Top up if necessary. If water level is okay, check to see if the pumps are primed. Press any button on the topside control to reset, or the message will automatically reset within 15 minutes. If problem still remains, contact your dealer or service company.
dy Inadequate water detected in heater. (Displays on third occurrence of “dr” message.) leisure bay spas is shut down. Follow action required for “dr” error. Spa will not automatically reset. Press any button to reset.
ST Your spa is preset to this mode. This mode operates the heater whenever needed to maintain the programmed spa water temperature. (See Temperature Adjustment).
EC This mode operates the heater only during programmed Heating Cycles (See “Setting Heating Cycles” below). Also, this mode is ideal for areas that charge a premium for electricity during peak hours. This mode will maintain the thermostat setting. If it does not reach the thermostat setting, you may have to allow for more heating time by increasing the Heating Cycles.
SL This mode works in the same manner as the Economy Mode except the thermostat setting is automatically lowered by 20 degrees. This mode is best suited for extended leaves from home and also when it is not important to maintain constant water temperature, such as vacations or business trips.

SPA MAINTENANCE TIPS

Follow these proactive maintenance steps in order to preserve the lifespan of your hot tub or spa. Have questions? Get in touch with someone from our team here.

  • Rinse the underside of your hot tub cover frequently with a garden hose to keep algae, mold, and mildew at bay.
  • Rinse your filters every month to keep clear water flowing. (TRI-X® filters are dishwasher-safe.)
  • Use an instant filter cleaner spray each month to break up oil and other stubborn buildup.
  • Always keep your hot tub covered when not in use to keep debris out and to more efficiently maintain water temperature.
  • Keep detergents and soaps out of your spa by showering with water only before getting into the hot tub.
  • Drain and refill the hot tub as recommended in your owner’s manual to keep your water fresh.
  • Use only the chemicals and cleaners your dealer recommends for your hot tub model. Pool chemicals and other products can throw off your water balance and lead to damage down the road.
  • Purchase authorized Hot Spring parts from your dealer to ensure that you’re outfitting your spa with quality, lasting components.
  • Use only the chemicals and cleaners your dealer recommends for your hot tub model. Pool chemicals and other products can throw off your water balance and lead to damage down the road.
  • Keep your spa’s serial number on hand in case you need to reference it for more troubleshooting advice or official parts and repairs.