How to tell if a hot tub heating element is bad?

To test if a bad heater is causing your tripped breaker, you can disconnect the copper tabs (or wires) from the spa pack to the heater element. Once disconnected, turn the power back on. If the breaker stays on, you’ve determined that the heater is bad.

How to test the heating element in a hot tub?

You test the element by using an Ohm meter, or any multi-meter will work also. Just place it on Ohms, at 1000, and place your test leads on each of the terminals (power to spa heater should be off). As mentioned above, a measurement of 9-12 Ohms of resistance usually indicates a good element.

How many years does a spa last?

Essentially, a spa’s life span is based on a combination of two factors – spa quality and spa care. A hot tub can last anywhere from 5-20 years or more. Cheaper hot tubs made with lower quality materials won’t last long. If those hot tubs are not well maintained, they may not last more than 5 years.

How to tell if your hot tub heater element is the problem?

With the spa on, test both of the leads on the element at the same time. If the meter is reading 240v, the element is the problem. If the meter is reading zero, the problem is with the circuit board. With the spa on, test both of the leads on the element at the same time. If the meter is reading 120v, the element is the problem.

How to troubleshoot a problem with a Cal spa?

Troubleshooting 1 Message on the control panel. A message on the control panel may indicate a problem. 2 Problems starting up. Note: The priming procedure described here applies to Cal Spas built in 2013 and earlier. 3 Power and electrical problems. 4 Heat problems 5 Jet problems 6 Water pressure problems

What does message on Cal spa control panel mean?

A message on the control panel may indicate a problem. Note: The message troubleshooting shown here applies to Cal Spa control panels built in 2013 and earlier. Beginning with the 2014 product line, Cal Spa control panels display different message codes. For a description of these message codes, see the owner’s manual.

Why does my spa heater keep going on and off?

Switching a heater on and off many times per day puts more strain on the element. If your spa does not have a timer, don’t lose any sleep over it. A defective control, such as a chattering contactor or thermostat, can pulse power rapidly on and off, causing premature failure.

What happens if you raise the temperature on a Cal spas heater?

Raise the temperature on the control panel. If the HL or HFL message appears on the control panel, the pressure may be defective. This will shut down the heater. Call your dealer or Cal Spas customer service. A heating mode may not be selected.

How big is a Cal Spa hot tub heater?

Cal Spa 5.5kW Heater HEA14100451 that connects to 2 inch inner diameter plumbing. This is a 19 1/2 inch total length heater that includes the tailpieces. Titanium heater for longer lasting heat. Titanium flow through type heater…

Why is the heating element on my spa not working?

If for any reason one of these components fail then the required voltage to the coil will be jeopardized and the contactor will not close in order to send power to the heating element. As mentioned above, it is usually one of these components that will cause a spa not to heat.