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

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.

What are the message codes on a Cal spa pump?

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. Note: The priming procedure described here applies to Cal Spas built in 2013 and earlier. Beginning with the 2014 product line, Cal Spas pumps have a different method of priming.

When did I start priming my Cal spa pump?

Note: The priming procedure described here applies to Cal Spas built in 2013 and earlier. Beginning with the 2014 product line, Cal Spas pumps have a different method of priming. See the 2014 owner’s manual for a full description. Note: The priming procedure described here applies to Cal Spas built in 2013 and earlier.

What to do if your hot tub is low on power?

Many models require turning off the power for a few minutes and turning back on. For hot tubs powered by 240 volts, turn on the lower amp breaker. If your hot tub is 120 volts, unplug and re-plug after two minutes. Red and green blinking lights mean low water flow. Reset your spa by turning the power off and turn back on.

What do you need to know about SPA will not heat?

NOTE: If you have a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in the main control box please click here for circuit board troubleshooting. The information below is for mechanical control boxes, without circuit boards. “My spa will not heat” is the number one complaint we hear, it accounts for almost every repair that is sent in to Spa Care Center.

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.

Do you need a replacement circuit board for spa?

IMPORTANT: Many circuit boards look alike, but may not work in your spa. DO NOT order a replacement circuit board based on appearance. Circuit boards must be identified by a part number and/or chip number. Read below how to identify your chip number. Do You Need to Replace Your Circuit Board?

What to do if your spa does not reset?

If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and call customer service. Spa is shut down. The sensor that is plugged into the sensor “A” or “B” jack is not working. If the problem persists, call customer service. (May appear temporarily in an overheat situation and disappear when the heater cools.)

What to do if your hot tub is not working?

A difference in readings between temperature sensors has been detected indicating a possible water flow problem. Make sure spa is filled to proper level and that pumps are primed and filter cartridges are clean. Press any button to reset spa. If message does not reset, call customer service. Potential freeze condition detected. No action required.

What kind of priming process does Cal spas pump use?

Beginning with the 2014 product line, Cal Spas pumps have a different method of priming. See the 2014 owner’s manual for a full description. Note: The priming procedure described here applies to Cal Spas built in 2013 and earlier. Beginning with the 2014 product line, Cal Spas pumps have a different method of priming.

Why does my hot tub keep over heating?

Low water levels could be the culprit for the over heating, so you may just need to add more water to the hot tub. Check the shut-off valves in the hot tub. If they are closed while the hot tub heater is on, it could cause the water to reach unsafe temperatures.

Why does my spa circ pump keep running?

This is a fairly new issue about 6 months, and yes the spa is always up to the set temp. I do think its only the circ pump running, but when we first got the spa, circ pump would shut off and we never tried changing anything like the timer (wouldn’t know where it was anyway) Hubby’s thinks with it running all the time it will burn out faster.

Why is the circulation pump on my hot tub not working?

CLOGGED IMPELLER: Circulation pumps usually pull water from the skimmer/cartridge filter, and it’s not uncommon that bits of debris, or even parts of the filter itself get sucked into the pump, clogging the impeller. Open up the circulation pump as described above to check this possibility.

Where can I buy Cal spas replacement lights?

Lights – the ONLY Online Source for Genuine Cal Spas Replacement Parts! Quick Spa Parts offers spa lights that instantly turn your hot tub into a romantic spa retreat. All Quick Spa Parts lights are built by a trusted manufacturer, recognized as a leader in quality spa products.

What to do when your Spa is shut down?

Spa will be shut down for 15 minutes. Check water level in spa. Refill if necessary. Make sure pumps are been primed and filter cartridges are clean. Press any button to reset or wait 15 minutes and spa will automatically reset. If message spa does not reset, call customer service. Insufficient water detected in heater. Spa is shut down.

How to refill a spa with fresh water?

Refilling your spa with fresh water. 1 Remove the cartridge from filter canister. Unscrew the cartridge and remove it. While the spa is filling up, this is a good time to prepare the filter. 2 Fill the spa. 3 Turn on power to the spa. 4 Prime the pump. 5 Install the filter into the filter cannister.

How often should I refill my spa filter?

Your spa should be drained every four to six months and refilled with fresh tap water. After you have drained your spa, refill it in this manner. Click here to learn how to drain the spa. Unscrew the cartridge and remove it. While the spa is filling up, this is a good time to prepare the filter.

Is it OK to fill your spa with soft water?

Never fill your spa with soft water. Soft water makes it impossible to maintain the proper water chemistry and may cause the water to foam, which will ultimately harm the finish of the spa and void your warranty. Turn on power to the spa. When the spa is filled to the correct level, turn on the power at the GFCI breaker.

What to do if your spa part is not covered by warranty?

If it is, and it’s a part that’s covered by the warranty, you should call your spa dealer to schedule service. Some parts are not covered under the warranty, particularly wearable parts such as jet inserts and lights.

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.

What should the temperature be on my spa?

Contact your dealer for more assistance. If power to the spa was shut off, the temperature may have reset after the power was restored. The automatic default for temperature is 100°F. If power goes off and then comes back on, the spa may reset to factory default temperature of 100°F. Raise the temperature on the control panel.

Do you need to measure for a Cal spa cover?

The Cover Guy custom manufacture’s all Cal Spas replacement Spa Covers. The Cover Guy has all the Cal Spa models on file so you never need to measure for your new hot tub cover! When ordering your Cal Spa replacement hot tub cover just leave the dimensions field blank.

When did Cal spas start making hot tubs?

Cal Spas was founded in 1979, and they currently offer more than 250 product models. Each of their hot tubs can be customized from a list of thousands of options, and the company places an emphasis on innovative touches and quality workmanship.

Is it possible to void a spa warranty?

You will never be asked to do something that will void your warranty. You may not be able to resolve every problem your spa may have. When that happens, you will be advised to call for service. If your spa is under warranty, you must have all service performed by a qualified spa service tech or you will void your warranty.

Is it worth it to get a Cal spa?

Yes, Cal Spas are worth a closer look if you are considering a new hot tub. The company offers a variety of customizable products, including hot tubs and swim spas. However, pricing isn’t readily available without a quote from a local Cal Spa dealer, which can slow down your decision-making process.

What are the features of a Cal spa?

Cal Spas Swim Spas X-Series combines our best models from the Swim Pro™ line and takes it to the next level of visual and ergonomic design with new features such as Elite™ cabinets, Cal Grip™, Cal Touch4 Control™ and Cal Armor™. Hot Tub Hydrotherapy is essential for many of you in your daily routines and rehabilitation.

What to do if your spa control is not working?

If only a part is not working, look for error messages or blinking lights. As a first step, reset your breaker. If the problem persists, turn the breaker off and disconnect the panel to examine the circuit board.

Is it better to replace a spa control panel?

You will be better off just replacing your complete spa control. The hot tub control panel is like a timer that keeps the spa’s temperature constant. It turns off the spa when you forget to and troubleshoots problems. Thus, it is very important to have a spa control system in good working condition.

What to do if your spa message does not reset?

Check water level in spa. Refill if necessary. Make sure pumps are been primed and filter cartridges are clean. Press any button to reset or wait 15 minutes and spa will automatically reset. If message spa does not reset, call customer service.

What does it mean when your Spa is shut down for 15 minutes?

Means there isn’t enough water to start it or a possibility of a dry heater – spa is shut down for 15 minutes. Check to determine conditions such as closed valves, suction flow restrictions, pump prime, low water level, trapped air and too many closed jets.

What to do if your hot tub does not heat?

To do this, consult the manufacturer’s guide or find it online. There are some simple things you could try if the hot tub does not heat the water. First of all, open and close the spa door on the spa cabinet, and see if it starts heating. If the hot tub is gas-powered, you should check if the pilot light turned off and turn it back on.

What causes a heater in a spa to not heat?

Some other things to check are: 1 Faulty heater Contactor 2 Burnt wires 3 Fuses and/or breakers at spa or house 4 Faulty thermostat

What should I do if my spa pressure switch is not working?

Put the wires back on the pressure switch. Run the spa without the filter, if you see the contactor close and you have the proper readings at the heating element then you’ve solved the problem (Replace the Filter). If removing the filter didn’t solve the problem, then the pressure switch should be replaced.

How does the lounge seat at Cal spa work?

The Lounge Seat features spa jets that are specially positioned to target the upper and lower body during soothing hydrotherapy sessions. The ergonomic design ensures that spa users do not float out of the seat from the water pressure. Sit back and relax as the Cal Spas hot tub rejuvenates your body from head to toe.

What does blinking red light on hot tub control panel mean?

Blinking Red Light. A blinking red light on the control panel may indicate it needs to be reset. For most models you will turn off the power to the spa for a minute or two and then turn it back on. Turn on the lower amp breaker first if you have a hot tub powered by 240 volts.

How to troubleshoot LED lights in hot tub?

Check the transformer, the switch, the wiring and the lights one by one. Concentrate on one area at a time and ensure it is working correctly before moving onto another area. Hold the transformer in your hand and plug the LED lights back in. The transformer should feel warm after a moment but not so hot that it burns you.

Why is the blinking light on my spa not working?

Sensor plugged into jack B is not working. SnS = Sensors out of balance. If alternating with temp, may be temporary condition. If display shows only this message (blinking) spa is shut down. HFL = Substantial difference between temperature sensors detected.

Why are my LED lights on my hot tub not working?

Low voltage LED lights have thin wiring that easily breaks when stressed. If the insulation has scraped away, it may create the conditions for a short, especially around water. Look for discolored or cracked LEDs and replace them.

Why is my spa water not turning on?

The spa isn’t heating, or the water is a lot cooler than it used to be, but everything else seems operational. The water got very hot but then everything just shut down…now the spa won’t turn on, although power seems to be getting to it.

When to call for service at a spa?

You may not be able to resolve every problem your spa may have. When that happens, you will be advised to call for service. If your spa is under warranty, you must have all service performed by a qualified spa service tech or you will void your warranty.

Where are the Cal spas hot tubs located?

Cal Spas was born. Cal Spas current headquarters grew into a 1-million square foot State-of-the-Art manufacturing plant in Pomona, California. When you bask in the warm waters of your new hot tub or swim spa, you are free to let your imagination wonder while the stresses of the day disappear. Cal Spas, too, was borne of pure imagination.

What to do if your spa heater does not heat?

Once they are removed, tape them together; turn the thermostat dial down to the off position, and turn the power back on. Make sure the spa is on the heater/filter cycle and water is flowing from the jets, turn the thermostat dial up while watching the contactor, if it closes when doing this, then re-test the heater using the amp-meter.

What to do if you have a problem with your hot tub?

There are a few possible solutions that you can try to fix your hot tub if you have a water flow or circulation problem. A few of them are very simple. And you can try them yourself before calling a specialist. Some of them you may need some help with. 1. Check the Water level Firstly, and easiest.

Where does the water come from to heat a spa?

Find the two wires that feed the heating element coming from contactor (. With the spa in the heater/filter cycle and water flowing from the jets, watch the contactor that is feeding the heating element while you turn the thermostat dial up and down. ( This may require two people.)

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…

What kind of heater do you need for a Coleman hot tub?

4kW 240V (or 1kW at 120V) replacement spa heater used in Coleman and other brand hot tubs. This heater comes WITH PRESSURE SWITCH INCLUDED. Free shipping in the continental USA. C2400-0535-TPS is a Balboa Instruments style stainless steel heater… Spa Components replacement heater for select Cal Spas that use a 15 1/2 inch x 2 inch heater.

How many Cal spas are there in California?

Cal Spas Swim Pro™ Swim & Fitness Spas allow customers to enjoy the convenience of a complete aquatic exercise regime in the comforts of their own backyard. We offer 6 different models in our Swim Pro™ line.

Why is the water not hot in my spa?

GFCI trips when powering up the system or when calling for heat. Spa won’t heat. The water gets too hot. Water leaks from around the shaft of the pump motor. I can’t seem to find the leak in my spa.

How can I troubleshoot my hot tub and spa?

It would be impossible to troubleshoot your spa without one. Make sure the batteries are fresh in the meter to insure you get accurate readings. GFCI trips when powering up the system or when calling for heat. Spa won’t heat. The water gets too hot. Water leaks from around the shaft of the pump motor.

What should I do if my spa water is overheating?

Under this mode, the pump will run the low speed every 30 minutes approximately to check the water’s temperature and to start heating if required. Please leave the Spa Cover off for a few hours and either reduce the set temperature or change the heating mode to Rest Mode to allow the pump to cool down.

What to do if your spa pump is not working?

With over 25 years of experience, we’re equipped to help with any spa issues you have or to discuss a new spa. When your spa pump is making noises… This usually happens if you recently drained the spa. Open the lock nut until you hear air hissing, then tighten up again as water begins to leak.

Can You troubleshoot a hot springs pool pump?

Troubleshooting a pump is a no-brainer for many, but if you have any doubts of what to do, then call the professionals here at Hot Springs Pools & Spas! We care about your safety first and deal with spas on a daily basis, so we can identify a problem quicker than a regular handy-man.

What kind of chemicals are in calspas owner’s manual?

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium (hexavalaent compounds), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to:

Do you need to clean the filter on a spa?

Click here to learn how to drain the spa. Remove the cartridge from filter canister. While the spa is filling up, this is a good time to prepare the filter. If you need to clean the filter, it will need to soak for 24 hours in filter cleaning solution, so it’s a good idea to have a second filter on hand.

What happens if your hot tub is too hot?

If the switch detects unsafe temperatures, it opens to break the circuit and keep the heater from literally melting down. Once the water temperature in the hot tub has decreased, the high limit switch must be reset manually. The high limit switch will trip if: The hot tub water is too hot and may harm bathers or the spa.

How many degrees an hour does spa water heat?

If you are getting either one of these readings, then the heating element is working properly. Spa water heats at a rate of 3 degrees an hour wired at 110 volts and 10 degrees an hour at 220 volts. If you did not get a reading at all then continue with next test.

Is it normal for a spa unit to leak?

Losses, due to evaporation, splash out or prolonged uncovered periods are normal and are expected. Excessive water loss, more than approximately 1/4″ daily, should be investigated, unless the unit is covered for long periods of time.

How often should a hot tub leak be investigated?

Excessive water loss, more than approximately 1/4″ daily, should be investigated, unless the unit is covered for long periods of time. Products are available to help determine if there is a spa or hot tub leak, where the leak is located and to help seal the leak. There are companies that specialize in spa or hot tub leak detection and repair.

Can a Cal Spa hot tub be voided?

Beware, Cal Spas will void your warranty! The hot tub looks nice and well made on the showroom floor, but beware (if anything goes wrong) they will use every excuse in the book to void your warranty and blame YOU to get out of fixing it or replacing it. I purchased model: Bel Air 851B on 5-23-16, delivery…

What to do if your spa water has shut down?

The spa has shut down. One of the sensors has detected that the spa water is 110°F. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow water to cool. At 107°F, the spa should automatically reset. If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and call customer service.

What does it mean when your hot tub is not heating?

In this case, your control panel topside may show LF or FLO (or a similar flow message). This means there is an issue with water flow, and not enough water is passing through the heater. As a safety feature, the heater should be designed to cut out so it doesn’t burn out.

Why does my hot tub keep turning off?

1. Water flow or circulation problems. 2. Hot tub heating element fault. 3. Hot tub control board fault 1. Water flow or circulation problems If your water is heating up very slowly. Or if your heating keeps turning off. You may have a flow problem. In this case, your control panel topside may show LF or FLO (or a similar flow message).

What to do if your hot tub does not reset?

DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow water to cool. At 107°F, the spa should automatically reset. If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and call customer service. Spa is shut down.

What should I do if my spa pump is not working?

Fill the spa with water level at 4 to 6 inches from the top. Open the gate valves. Noise may be a sign of damage or age. After you have tried all other troubleshooting, contact your dealer for service Let pump cool for an hour and try operating the spa for a shorter time Spa. Pump will reset automatically.

How often does spa water need to be heated?

Spa water heats at a rate of 3 degrees an hour wired at 110 volts and 10 degrees an hour at 220 volts. If you did not get a reading at all then continue with next test.

What are the reviews of 79 Cal spas?

Review #2044804 is a subjective opinion of poster. after 14 months of owning this tub a black grease like substance has appeared around the water line. Eleven months, Six cleanings and several sets of filters later we still have the same issue. They are basically saying its our fault and a mixed chemical cocktail.

Why is my hot tub leaking from the bottom?

It happens, but leaks in the PVC pipe are actually pretty rare. Much more common are leaks on the backside of spa jets, caused by loose locknuts or deteriorated spa jet gaskets on the inside of the spa. Spa leaks occur in other gasketed equipment – anything with o-rings and gaskets.

How do you drain a spa at calspas?

Pull the hose outward about ½” to start water flow. Push inward to shut off water flow. Let spa drain completely. Push the hose inward about ½ inch, then remove the garden hose. Replace the cap. Push the knob in about 2″ until it snaps back into place. Turn off the power at the breaker. Remove all filters.

Are there any replacement parts for Cal spas?

Spa Guts provides universal replacement fits for all brands of spas, including Cal Spas ®. Spa Guts hot tub parts are not manufactured or endorsed by Cal Spas ®, nor is Spa Guts in any way associated with Cal Spas ® .

How long does a Cal Spa hot tub last?

Cal Spas ® hot tub shells and frames routinely last 30-40 years, but the moving parts behind the access panel door seldom run more than 10 years. Collectively, those moving parts are called a ” spa pack.

What should the temperature of spa water be?

Spa water heats at a rate of 3 degrees an hour wired at 110 volts and 10 degrees an hour at 220 volts. If you did not get a reading at all then continue with next test. Make sure that the heater/filter cycle is on, and the thermostat is turned all the way up doing this test.

How can I tell if my Spa is heating or cooling?

IMPORTANT: Some spas have the thermostats located on top. These are called Spa Side Controls, they have built in air buttons and orange indicator lights. One of the indicator lights says heater, this light comes on regardless if the spa is heating or not.

Is there a message code on my spa?

If you have a message code on the control panel of your spa, such as the one shown at right, follow the steps below. If you have a message code on the control panel of your spa, such as the one shown at right, follow the steps below. Note: The message troubleshooting shown here applies to Cal Spa control panels built in 2013 and earlier.

Can a dry filter cause a spa pump to fail?

A dry filter can allow air into the filtration system which can cause the pump to fail to prime. Fill the spa. Place a garden hose in the filter canister and fill your spa with regular tap water about six inches from the top. If the water level is too low or too high, your spa will not operate properly.

Why does my calspa hot tub overheat?

1) Is the filter timing (FC, F2, F4, F6, FC, etc…) set to the proper code? I found on my CalSpa if it was set at F6, F8, or FC, it would overheat the water and shut-off. This is because it requires an additional motor for those cycles.

What’s the code for a Cal Spa hot tub?

I’ve learned the F2, F4, F6, F8, and FC codes from Cal Spa’s current manuals. I get a OH code (I assume Over Heating) and the tub gets 108+. I have it set on F2 (sometimes F4: I understand F8 or FC can be a problem unless there is a special motor). However, the tub still gets to 105+.

How to order a new Cal Spa hot tub cover?

When ordering your Cal Spa replacement hot tub cover just leave the dimensions field blank. Leave us a note in the note section saying what model you have, and The Cover Guy will take care of the rest. You can Order your new Cal Spa Replacement Spa cover here.

Why is there no water coming out of my hot tub?

And could mean little of no water is getting through the hot tub pipes and heater. Turn on the jets and run for 10-15 seconds if water is coming out. Repeat until you see air bubbles coming out of the jets. If you try this and water is not coming out the jets, but you hear the pumps trying to start, then you may have a more serious airlock.

What do you need to know about Cal spas?

Cal Spas. Consumers can add a Spa Surround to any of the company’s hot tubs that makes the whole hot tub area look custom to their backyard. Cal Spas is one of the oldest manufacturers of hot tubs in North America and with that comes tremendous experience and a quality product.

What to do if your Cal spas heater wont turn on?

Do you need a circuit board to troubleshoot a spa?

If you have a Printed Circuit Board in your control box click here for more information. Important Note: To troubleshoot your spa, you will not only need basic tools, but will also need a multi-meter that can check for Voltage and Resistance (Ohms). It would be impossible to troubleshoot your spa without one.

Why does my dead Spa have no power?

The greater disappointment is not being able to use the spa at that moment. If you’ve ever found a “dead spa” with no power, no indicator lights, nothing at all – this post is for you. Here, we outline the seven most common reasons that a hot tub has no power.

Why are there no lights on my hot tub?

If you still have no indicator lights on your control panel, look underneath for lights on the spa pack. For a control panel that is unresponsive with no LEDs or temperature reading, check the wiring harness from the spa pack to the circuit board for a loose connection or damaged wire.

How to troubleshoot a problem with a Cal spa?