Hot Tubs 101

Matt Giovanisci: 00:00

Everyone. And welcome to hot tubs 101 by Swim University, where we help you keep your hot tub clean and clear all year. My name is Matt, and I'm the founder of swimuniversity.com. And on this episode, we're talking about hot tub error codes and how to fix 5 common problems. Let's dive in.

Matt Giovanisci: 00:33

Real quick. If you want more help taking care of your hot tub, be sure to grab our free hot tub cheat sheet at swimu.com/spasheet. Okay. Let's get into these 5 common hot tub error codes. If you feel comfortable working with your hot tub's electrical components, you may be able to fix these problems yourself.

Matt Giovanisci: 00:52

However, if you're unsure at all, I highly recommend calling in a professional because electricity and water do not mix. It is very dangerous. That is a warning. That is a disclaimer. Please, please, please find professional if you are just not a professional.

Matt Giovanisci: 01:13

Now, error code number 1 is fl0orf l c. This code appears when your hot tub is having water flow issues. Now you might see this code if your jets aren't working or if you have something blocking the water in your circulation system. So you wanna start by checking your skimmer for blockages and cleaning your filter. It may also be time to replace that filter cartridge if it's really dirty or if it's starting to fray and come apart or the plastic is cracked.

Matt Giovanisci: 01:43

You gotta replace it. If you've just refilled your hot tub and you're seeing this error code though, you might have what's called an airlock. That's when air gets trapped in your plumbing lines. Now, you can push the air out by running your jets on high and then on low for 20 second increments. The last thing to check is your circulation pump.

Matt Giovanisci: 02:04

And this, you know, make sure that, again, it has power going to it. That's the first thing. That's the only thing really. Just make sure it's working. Finally, if your hot tub is, if your hot tub water is actually flowing, but you're still getting this error code, it could just mean that your pressure switch needs to be replaced.

Matt Giovanisci: 02:21

Its job is to shut off the heater when the pressure is low. So that might just be it. Error code number 2 is o h or o. Like, oh. This error means that your hot tub is over overheated.

Matt Giovanisci: 02:39

Sorry. I'm doing my Philadelphia O's today. I don't know why. It means it's overheated and that and therefore, it could be unsafe to use. So first, you wanna make sure that your water is flowing properly and that your filter is clean.

Matt Giovanisci: 02:54

Filter being clean is a common a common theme you'll see here. Then make sure that your pump isn't running for an extremely long period of time, because this could cause the motor to overheat. And your hot tub can overheat if there's been a long stretch of hot weather in your hot tubs outside. So make sure that your spa cabinet is staying cool enough to avoid overheating the motor. Finally, if the water isn't actually overheated, make sure you get a, some sort of temperature sensor or a temperature, like a thermometer, temperature sensor.

Matt Giovanisci: 03:31

That's the thing we need to replace. If it's if it's actually overheated, but you're getting this error, then it might be time to check and replace the temperature sensor in your hot tub. But don't trust the temperature that's on your control panel. Use a thermometer to double check. Error code number 3 is d r or d r y as in dry.

Matt Giovanisci: 03:54

If there's not enough water traveling through your heater when it kicks on, you'll see this error code. Your heating element can get damaged and what's known as a dry fire. This is what happens when your water level dips too low. So make sure that your water level is at least halfway up your skimmer, and you're never running your hot tub when it's, when it isn't properly full. Now to explain, dry fire a little bit because it sounds it sounds crazy, but the idea is that you have this heating element inside your hot tub and it's in a it's in a tube.

Matt Giovanisci: 04:28

And the heating element, this looks like a metal barb, and that metal barb gets really, really hot. And the water passes over that, which is what heats your water. This this I'm very familiar with this, in the home brewing space because electric home brewing is something that I do and a lot of other people practice. And the worst thing that you can do is turn on that heating element when there's no water. When that happens, it that's what's called a dry fire.

Matt Giovanisci: 04:57

And it destroys the element and you will absolutely have to replace it. So you don't wanna do that. Error code number 4 is c o o l or cool, if you didn't if you know how to spell. If your water temperature drops below 20 to 40 degrees below that below your set point, meaning, so if you're, let's say, you're, set at a 100 degrees and it's down to even 80 degrees or 60 degrees, this error code could show up. So first, you wanna put your cover on and let your heater run for 24 hours.

Matt Giovanisci: 05:33

If the water is still cold, then you might need to reset the heater. Flip your heater breaker off and then on, or hit your heater's reset button. If your heater shut off because the water got too hot or you had air in your lines, resetting the heater will get it going again. So finally, if there's still no heat, you could have a bad heating element, maybe from a dry fire, and you might need to replace it. Finally, error code number 5 is s n a or s n b.

Matt Giovanisci: 06:08

This code is an abbreviation for sensor and the letters or sometimes number indicate which sensor is malfunctioning or out of balance. It can also appear when the connection between the sensor and the circuit board is wonky or when your circuit board is fried. In this case, you may need to replace the sensor, and that's when it's smart to call in a professional. Remember, if you need more help with hot tub maintenance, grab our free hot tub cheat sheet at swimu.com/spa sheet. And if you found this episode helpful, subscribe for more hot tub maintenance tips on your favorite podcasting app.

Matt Giovanisci: 06:46

And when you do, leave a review. Your support will help more hot tub owners just like you find this show. That's it. Thanks again, and happy soaking.