View Full Version : hot tub cycles off /on
Hot tub is older Cal Spa Eliminator series. Hot tub turns on and runs fine and heats for a few minutes then shuts down. After a few minutes rest, it starts itself back up and runs fine again for a few minutes then repeats the cycle. I had a technician out and he doesn't know the answer.
The winter freeze protection switch was on and I switched it back to the timer position. Doesn't make any difference. Water flow is good while running. The motor case does not seem to be too hot.
Any ideas??
1.2 days ago I wrote about the unit cycling off/on at random times. After the tech left with no answers I looked myself and discovered debris in the cooling vents on the rear end of the motor. I removed the debris and the unit is functioning fine now. Apparently the debris was blocking the cooling air enough to cause the motor thermal protection to shut the unit down.
I copied your findings onto this question so others can see how the repair was done. Thank you.
odatrobert
02-13-2011, 03:16 PM
Have a 5 year old Hot Spring (@400 gal). We have very hard water in our area and use the tub every morning where we enjoy first cup of coffee, and many times late at night just before bed. The tub get lots of use. We use BAQUA Spa chemicals, and I try to keep the water balanced. When it runs, it really works great. For the past month or so, I find the power light flashing and no power or heat. I can trip the breakers and it may work for hours or 2 minutes...never know. I purchased a chemical recommended by the dealer to eliminate calcium build-up. Used as directed and did get a small amount of "dust" in the water, but in the process it removed almost all of the "smooth" acrylic finish below the water line. I also get large (small fingernail size) flakes on a daily basis. I have cleaned the tub 4 times and get the calcium power every time, but the power will not stay on. I did remove the filters (5) and learned the power/heater would stay on for sometimes 2-3 days and not cut off. Filters back in, and the problem starts all over. I have 2 different style filters, Hard Plastic (recommended by the dealer) and the paper style. I clean the filters in a muratic/water bath on a weekly basis.
We need the hot back....you know how hard it is to drink a cup of coffee in the shower?
Many thanks....Robert
MaryH
02-14-2011, 09:17 AM
Is the main GFCI (http://www.hottubworks.com/SpaParts/ElectricalFuses.php) tripping causing no power what so ever to go to the spa? Or is it just the heater is not getting power until you remove the filters? If the GFCI is tripping it is more than likely the heater element that has gone bad due to the calcium build up. I would recommend a titanuim heater element. The typical Hot Springs heater is part number 73790 and has a titanium element.
odatrobert
02-14-2011, 01:25 PM
Mary.... No the GFCI never trips. The unit just quits. The only thing that works is the flashing red light on the front panel saying "I quit... get ready for cold water!!!" Will not start again until the breakers are reset. Also, it doesn't make any difference - filters in or out. Right now the tub has been flushed and drained and sits empty with the circuit breakers off.
MaryH
02-15-2011, 09:21 AM
That indicates the high limit (http://www.hottubworks.com/SpaParts/HeaterHiLimits.php) is tripping deactivating the heater (http://www.hottubworks.com/SpaParts/HeatersLanding.php). It will reset by turning off power to spa for 30 seconds and then back on. I believe you may have a flow issue. You said originally that when filters (http://www.hottubworks.com/HotTubSpaFilters/Filter_Search.php) are removed it would work but now doesn't. Does the green light flash when the red one is? You may have debri in the small circulation pump (http://www.hottubworks.com/SpaParts/PumpsCirculation.php)or somewhere in the plumbing line to the heater causing the flow of water to be restricted enough to cause the high limit to trip when the heater comes on. The circulation pump is the small pump in line with the heater. Since the spa is drained you may want to take this pump out and inspect it as well as the plumbing lines for debris build up.