If your hydropool spa is not heating, the water temperature is inconsistent, or the water level is not the same throughout the day, you may be experiencing circulation blockage or sensor issues.
Another problem could be the heater, which needs to be switched on to warm up the water. Listed below are some common Hydropool spa problems and their solutions.
If you suspect any of these problems, it is best to contact a repair technician.
If you’ve tried troubleshooting your Hydropool spa with no success, check your heater and thermostat.
Troubleshooting a Hydropool spa
If your hot tub is too warm, the first step to troubleshooting the problem is determining the cause. You may be using a thermostat that’s calibrated too high or broken. Try turning the screw on the thermostat a quarter of an inch to the left to reset it.
The temperature probe may be partially in the thermowell or broken. Calcium buildup can also cause this problem. In some cases, the spa’s high limit switch may have blown.
To safely replace the heater element, you must make sure that the water is moving. First, disconnect the electrical wiring from the spa pack. To do this, remove the front panel and unscrew the terminal block nuts. Color-coded wires connect the heater and control box. You can also check the wiring inside the spa by connecting bare copper bonding wire to the control box. After disconnecting the spa pack, look for debris and rot.
To test the heater, locate the heat indicator on the topside control panel. If it’s not there, the problem may be the pressure switch. Pressure switches screw into the heater manifold and have a cable leading from the circuit board. Each terminal has two small wires. If you can’t locate it, you can bypass the pressure switch to confirm it’s not the problem. However, if you have trouble with the pressure switch, it may be another problem.
Sensors
If your spa is not heating or cooling properly, one of the main reasons may be the temperature sensor. The display may show “unknown water temperature” when you first power it up after refilling. If the water temperature is below 39 degrees F, the sensor is likely malfunctioning. If the spa is not heating up at all, it may be due to overheating and will need to be restarted manually. Then, if the “dr” message repeatedly appears on the display, it is most likely caused by a problem with the temperature sensor.
In order to determine if the temperature sensor is malfunctioning, you must open the hot tub’s cover to remove any debris that has accumulated. If you cannot remove the cover, you need to turn the blower on to cool the spa. If the problem persists, call a service technician. If the error code indicates a major difference in temperature between the water temperature and the temperature settings on the sensors, there may be a flow problem. Also, check to make sure the water level in the spa is correct and that the pump is primed.
The temperature sensor should be installed within the spa wall and not behind the heater manifold shield.
This is the larger silver bullet. Balboa M7 systems include both a hi limit sensor and a temperature sensor in their heating assembly. These sensors should be checked regularly, to avoid overheating the water.
If the problem persists, a service technician should replace the sensor and then repair the water flow and temperature problems.
Thermostats
If your hydropool spa is running at an unregulated temperature, you may need to check your thermostat. The problem could be as simple as an incorrectly calibrated thermostat. It may be preventing the spa from opening when the temperature gets too high. You can find the thermostat tool on the back of the spa. Turn the screw to the left about a quarter of a turn. If it still does not work, you may need to replace it.
Another common problem is a faulty pressure switch. This component screws into the heater manifold and has two small wires on each terminal. If the pressure switch is not working, you can bypass it to rule out that issue.
The hose filter should be clear of debris before restarting the circulation system.
The thermostat will also shut off the spa when the water level drops too low. A few other possible causes of hydropool spa heat issues include a low-speed pump or incorrect circulation pump. In addition, the footwell suction should be checked for obstructions.
Another cause of hot tub water failure is a faulty thermostat. Thermostats come in two basic styles – mechanical and solid state. If the mechanical type is causing the problem, check for corrosion around the switch. If the problem persists, replace the whole thermostat.
Also, check for engaged switches using an ohm meter. If the clicking noise is low, the switch is engaged.
Overheating
Overheating can occur for several reasons. For instance, your spa may have stopped working because the water temperature has reached 108deg F or more.
It could be due to several reasons, including pump failure, sensor failure, or heater malfunction. If you see the message HFL displayed on your spa, follow these steps to fix the problem. Once you find out what’s causing it, you can start looking for a solution.
First, you should check the error code “overheat”. If your hydropool spa has an overheating message, you should try resetting the high limit switch on the spa.
If the water temperature reaches this value, you can risk ice. If the message does not disappear after restarting, you should consult a professional to check the pump or thermostat. If your spa does not turn on, you should first clean the filter. If the problem persists, check the temperature sensor and high limit circuits. If these are not the problem, check the wire or plug.
Another problem that could cause overheating is using hot water. While the water temperature is not a direct reflection of the temperature in your hydropool spa, a hot water tap may cause the temperature to rise.
A high-limit switch may be broken or calibrated too high. To reset the high-limit switch, turn the screw a quarter-inch to the left. If the temperature stays high even after this, it might be a sign of a malfunction.
Pumps
Your hydropool spa’s pump may be one of the first things to check. In many cases, the pump’s switch may be broken or loose. If the pump continues to run, it could be due to a defective o-ring or a deteriorated seal.
It may also be due to insect infestation. If you use a remote control or a time clock to control the pump’s operation, check the switch to ensure that it is in working condition.
In most cases, the pump has a two-speed motor. The low speed is used for filtration, while the high speed is used for heating cycles. However, some brands may use non-standard fittings. If this is the case, contact parts technical support.
In general, the replacement pump installs the same way as the old one. You should always make sure to disconnect the spa’s power cord before installing the new one.
Sometimes, you may encounter an airlock in the pump. This may occur after filling the hot tub. You can either turn on the jets or try loosening the top fitting of the pump.
If the pump is making squealing sounds, it may have worn bearings. If so, you may want to lubricate the bearings or replace the pump altogether. Once the bearings have been replaced, you may also notice a difference in the water level.
Keeping your Hydrocool spa safe with chemicals
If you have a hydropool spa, you know that chemicals are essential to its proper functioning. Adding these chemicals can help you keep your hydropool safe from harmful contaminants. But what if your spa starts to smell or deteriorate after using the chemicals?
The solution is easy!
So how do you treat chemical spills and problems in your swim spa. You’ll be glad you did when you see the results of these steps!
First, determine the pH level of your water. When your pH is too high, you’ll notice a brown scum on the surface of the water. If this is the case, try adjusting the pH levels by adding a pH increaser or decreaser.
If you notice green scum, the problem is likely caused by dissolved metals.
Copper, magnesium, and other dissolved metals can interact with the sanitizer, causing your hydropool to smell.
If you’re concerned about chemical issues in your spa, consider installing a prefilter to filter the water.