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 do I know if my hot tub heater is bad?
Another way to test for a bad heater would be an OHMs test, which checks the resistance of the element. To do this, follow these steps: Turn off all power to the hot tub. Disconnect the copper tabs (or wires) going to the heater element.
How to tell if a spa heating element is bad?
If scale develops on the heating element, it will decrease heat and result in failure of the heating element. Spas that are newer have spa heater elements housed in stainless steel chamber that can be easily removed. For such heater types, you can check the element, high limit and pressure switch for resistance with Ohms.
Why is my spa not heating up?
This is one of the most common complaints of spa owners. Below is a list of possible causes for spa not heating. A spa heater that has stopped working could have issues with the spa heater element or the spa controller. Note that for some spas, the heater is built into its spa control.
How do I know if my heater element is bad?
Another way to test for a bad heater would be an OHMs test, which checks the resistance of the element. To do this, follow these steps: Disconnect the copper tabs (or wires) going to the heater element. If the multi-meter shows 9-14 OHMs, the element is likely not bad. If the meter shows open, or reads nothing, the element is bad.
How long do spa heaters last?
Will good water balance and monthly testing with your professional hot tub dealer, Hot tub heaters can last a long time. The average life of a hot tub heater is about 5 years.
How do I test my spa heater?
To test hot tub heating elements for integrity, use an ohm meter on its lowest setting. With the meter's test leads, measure the resistance between the two element terminals. The acceptable resistance range for most heaters is between 9-12Ω (ohms), some may be as high as 20Ω.
What would cause a hot tub to not heat up?
If your spa heater won't heat, remove and clean the filter(s) to rule out a pressure or flow rate problem. Low water level, a clogged pump impeller, closed valves, clogged pipes, or blocked spa drain covers can also cause flow issues.
How can you tell if a heating element is bad?
1:104:34How To Tell If Your Water Heater Element is Bad - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's in most of the time of water heater element it's not going to give you a reading it's eitherMoreIf it's in most of the time of water heater element it's not going to give you a reading it's either going to be good or bad. So. I have zero ohms of resistance. And. I also have zero tone.
How do I reset my spa heater?
Locate the spa's high-limit reset. This is a red button found on many spa packs. ... Press the high-limit reset button. ... Turn on your spa and observe its operation. ... Flip the breaker panel switch on or press the reset button on the GFCI outlet to restore power.
Why the heat is not working?
Dirty and clogged filters are one of the primary causes of furnace problems and can cause high operating costs. The heat exchanger can overheat and shut off quickly when filters are clogged with dust and dirt. This also causes soot buildup on the heat exchanger, which makes your furnace run less efficiently.
Should jets be on when heating hot tub?
Before covering your hot tub, make sure to turn on the jets as this will accelerate the pace of your hot tub's heating. By running the jets, you're allowing the heated water to be circulated and evenly distributed to all areas of the hot tub.
Why is my hot tub cold?
If your hot tub won't heat the water properly, it could be the heater element or low flow from your pump. Most heating failure result from corrosion caused by low PH in water supply. Any PH below 7.0 damages the heating element and trips the GFCI breaker.
How do you replace a hot tub heater?
0:008:15How To Replace a Hot Tub Heater | Master Spa Parts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then I have a vise grip that has flat ends on it. So today with the heater we're just going toMoreAnd then I have a vise grip that has flat ends on it. So today with the heater we're just going to show you some parts quick these are your sensors that detect your water flow one on each side.
How do you know if the heating element is bad in a hot water heater?
Touch a probe on the multitester to each screw on the element. If you get no reading, or a maximum reading, the element is bad. Elements do have some resistance, so a reading of 10-16 ohms is normal, with higher ohm readings for 3,500 watt elements and lower readings for 5,500 watt elements.
How do you know you need a new hot water heater?
Here are the five signs you need a new water heater in your homeYour older water heater is getting up there in age. ... It's making strange noises. ... You're getting rusty water out of the tap. ... Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to. ... There are water puddles around the unit.
How do you know when to replace a hot water heater?
5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Water HeaterYour Water Heater is too Old.Rusty Water or Heater Inlet Valve.Water Heater Noise.Water Heater Leaking.Water Heater Not Heating.
How do I test a heating element?
1:042:29Water Heater Not Heating? Heating Element Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow touch a lead to one of the elements terminals and the other lead to the second terminal. TheMoreNow touch a lead to one of the elements terminals and the other lead to the second terminal. The meter reading should indicate 10 to 30 ohms of resistance if the component has continuity.
How long should it take for a hot tub to heat up?
Typically, water heats up by five to ten degrees Fahrenheit in an hour. Heating your hot tub to the desired temperature in the 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit range can take three to eight hours.
How do you test a sauna element?
0:002:41Testing the Elements on Tylo Sauna Heater and Steam GeneratorYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you see the dual element a to the largest in tanks first of all to test them we just checkMoreAnd you see the dual element a to the largest in tanks first of all to test them we just check across the ends of the elements with an ohm meter.
How does spa heater work?
An electric resistance spa heater creates heat by applying an electrical current to a heating element, which is a metal resistor. The resistor extends throughout assembly housing inside the unit. The resistor heats when a current is applied to it.
Why does my spa heater fail?
Dry fire is a common cause of spa heater failure. This is caused when spa water flow does not reach and flow through the heater or when the heater is turned on with no water or too little water in the housing. This leads to the element rising above the safe level until it fails and destroys the heater element.
Why does my spa heater stop working?
There is a pressure switch connected to the heater chamber which detects water flow that is too low to protect the spa heater. The heater stops working until the right water flow is achieved. If it is a flow issue, it is not necessary to repair the spa heater parts. The problem could be due to a dirty spa filter.
Why does my spa heater burn out?
A spa heater element burns out fast if it is used without water around it. Hot tub elements can be tested to see if there is a short in the coating that envelopes the heating element. The spa heating element can also buildup scale from the hard water or salt systems used.
What is spa heater?
There are different types of spa heaters but the most common are the electrical flow through spa heaters. This type has a heater element enveloped in a heater manifold. There are gas spa heaters and even solar spa heaters. Actually, spa manufacturers obtain their components from third party manufacturers.
What does "open" mean on a spa heater?
For such heater types, you can check the element, high limit and pressure switch for resistance with Ohms. An “open” means the meter has a high reading. “Short” means there is no meter activity.
How to check if spa pack is working?
Check the electrical outlet of the spa pack. Find the red button . If it popped out, just push it back in place.
Why does my water heater light flash?
The light flashing indicates that one of your sensors is reading an over temperature condition. Check the water movement as it may not be enough to exchange heat correctly in the manifold. This means it is heating with insufficient water flow. Check also for any bad component if it is not a water flow issue.
What happens if you put dead air in a spa?
If there is dead air in the heater it can cause overheating of the element (known as a dry fire). Here is how to un-airlock your pump.
Why is it important to have a spa chemical balance?
Your spa chemical balance is extremely important when it comes to making sure your heating elements aren’t harmed or become exposed to corrosion due to the high acidity or scale build up in water. Make sure the spa chemistry is balanced and correct, using our chemical guide.
What is the most important part of a hot tub?
Heaters are an extremely essential part of your hot tub. So when it comes to making sure the heater is working correctly, this is at the top of the to-do list. Check out some fixes and things to look for if your heater goes out.
How many amps should a heater draw?
If your heating element is in good shape, it should be between 4.0 and 5.5kw. Additionally, it should draw at least 15-25 amps at 240v, and have 9-12 ohms of resistance. You can test your heater with any multi-meter and amp meter, or with an Ohm meter. Be sure to first take your heating elements ...
How to find heater relay?
Find the heater relay. The wires from the heating element lead to the relay. Some relays have an exposed coil in its control circuit; some relays use self-contained coils, usually in a black box. In either case the relay has a chart identifying the pins and the control and load voltage rating.
Where is the spa identification tag located?
Check the spa's identification tag for the input voltage. The identification tag, located in the electrical service area , states the spa's model number, serial number, input voltage (VAC) and the system's amperage.
What is a spa relay?
Spas sometimes use relays with low-voltage control circuits. Spas use relays to turn the heating element on and off. A spa's relay contains two separate electrical circuits. When the spa's thermostat detects cold water it allows electricity to energize the relay control-circuit's electromagnet.
How to read 240 VAC?
Turn a voltmeter to VAC. Test the input voltage at the terminal block. Place one voltmeter lead on each terminal. The wires from the circuit breaker lead to the terminal block. Systems with a 240 VAC input rating should read between 210 and 240 VAC. Systems with a 120 VAC rating should read between 110 and 120 VAC.
How do I know if my hot tub circuit board is bad?
The first signs of a faulty circuit board are usually the obvious ones, such as damaged cables, plug-ins that don‘t work, or lack of any screen on the display, located on the top side of the panel. In order to make sure the circuit board is not working, one can try turning off the spa and turning it back on. If there is still no response, the issue is with the circuit board.
How do I know if my hot tub fuse is blown?
Checking if the fuse is blown requires disconnecting the power from the hot tub circuit entirely. Once this is completed, the fuse is tested with an Ohm meter. There are proper test for checking spa fuses:
How do you test a hot tub temperature sensor?
Testing spa or hot tub thermometer sensors and ensuring they work properly is extremely important. Testing the hot tub or spa temperature sensors is performed in separate steps.
How do I reset my hot tub thermostat?
It may need to be reset if it has stopped working completely or tripped and there are steps on how to properly reset it.
What to do if the hot tub is overheating?
Although owning a hot tub can be quite a blessing, especially in the midst of the summer, during the hot, long days, there is always the danger of overheating if certain precautionary measures.These measures include:
Why does my hot tub temp keep going down?
There are several reasons that can cause the temperature in a hot tub to drop down, most of them pointing to other, perhaps more serious issues. Such reasons include:
What is the temperature of a hot tub before it starts working?
A good example of this issue would be if, for the sake of argument, the temperature on the thermostat is set to 103 degrees, but the water is falling below 100 degrees before the heater has started to work at all. It can happen vice versa, of course. For example, the temperature rising over 105 degrees before the hot tub heater has begun to work.
How to tell if a heater is tripped?
Check between the two terminals. If there is no continuity, the high limit has tripped. Depress reset button & re test.
What is a spa heater?
Spa heaters consist of an element inside a stainless steel housing. As water flows through the housing, heat is exchanged from the element to the water. The assembly may also incorporate sensors: hot tub high limit switch and thermostat. Heater assemblies come in various forms.
Why does my GFCI heater trip?
A heater causing the GFCI to trip, usually indicates a short caused by water intrusion into the element's outer sheath. Water can seep inside at various other entry points like the epoxy seal or the braze. The most common cause will be a pin hole in the sheath caused by corrosion.
How to prevent a heater from twisting?
When connecting the electrical wires to a heater element, always use two wrenches to avoid terminal damage. Hold your lower wrench stationary while firmly tightening the top nut. This will prevent twisting of the terminal pin, or fracturing its epoxy potting.
Why is my spa water low?
Check your filter to make sure it's not clogged, and that there aren't other obstructions restricting spa water flow. Excessive scale buildup on the heater element, as a result of poor water balance, can reduce heating efficiency.
Why is my hot tub turning brown?
Maintain sanitizer in hot tubs. Slimy brown film inside a spa may be evidence of metal dissolving bacteria that is slowly eating the heater sheath. This will not be a problem if spa shock is periodically applied and sanitizer maintained.
Why is my heater not heating?
Note: Catastrophic failure of the heater element can be caused by a dry fire. This occurs when the heater is operated with little to no water present, or with greatly reduced water flow.
Why does my thermostat keep fluctuating?
Heat fluctuating – often caused by an errant heat sensor that is due for replacement , though this symptom can also be cause by a clogged filter or faulty thermostat.
What is the most important part of a hot tub?
It could be said that the heater is the most important part of the whole hot tub or spa. Sure, the jets are kind of a big deal, but without the heater a hot tub is just a very tiny pool. So if something happens that keeps your hot tub from getting hot water, you will need to troubleshoot the heater right away to get back to enjoying jets ...
What is the Allen type screw on a hot tub thermostat?
Usually a small Allen type screw is located on the thermostat and giving it a quarter turn can recalibrate the unit. Heat sensors can go bad like anything else, and if they are the cause of the issue they may need to be replaced. High limit switch may have tripped, especially if the hot tub was recently drained.
Do heating elements go bad?
Once a heating element goes bad, it usually needs to be replaced. If you don’t know how to turn off your hot tub, check with your manual or the manufacturer. Just like light bulbs can burn out with time, heating elements don’t last forever. Replacing them should be a simple task.
Can you unplug a hot tub?
It is important to note that fiddling with your hot tub electrical system, when the tub itself is full of water, could be a disaster. Make sure to unplug your hot tub from the power source before doing anything else to troubleshoot your heater .
1. Age of the heater
Water heaters, or any appliance for that matter, are not made to last forever. An average water heater will typically last for about 10 years, though this can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as how well it has been maintained.
2. Discolored Water
When your hot water heater is spitting out discolored or cloudy water, then you know something is a midst. Rust-colored water is a tall-tail sign that there is either corrosion coming from the inside of the heater itself or from rusty pipes.
3. The Heater is Leaking Water
Leaking is a sure sign of a water heater that needs replaced immediately. Leaking water can cause water damage to your home, which is not a cheap fix. And where there is leaking water there is a chance of mold.
4. Running out of hot water
If the heater is running out of hot water quicker than normal, it may be time for a new heater. Sediment buildup near the heating element or the heater’s burner may be the culprit, or it could be an electrical issue.
5. The water heater is making unusual noises
While it’s not all that uncommon for the water heater to make noises, if these noises are not something you have heard before from the appliance, it could be a sign that the appliance will be failing soon.
6. Water temperature is inconsistent
If the hot water tank cannot maintain the temperature, then that is one of the many signs your water heater is going bad. At first, you may be able to correct the issue by turning the temperature dial on the tank up to get the desired water temps.
7. Low water pressure
A failing water heater will typically start to lose water pressure. Not only is that an annoying problem, especially when you’re trying to get shampoo out of your hair, but low pressure can also cause sediment to build up in the tank much quicker than with strong water pressure.
What happens if a spa heater is clogged?
If this becomes clogged, you may notice reduced water flow coming into the spa or hot tub. A spa heater relies on sufficient water flow to operate. A pressure switch, screwed into the heater chamber, senses when the water flow is too low to properly protect the heater.
Why is my spa not heating?
LOW FLOW. Low flow in your spa or hot tub is most commonly associated with a dirty spa filter. If your spa heater won't heat, remove and clean the filter (s) rule out a pressure or flow rate problem. Low water level, a clogged pump impeller, closed valves, clogged pipes or blocked spa drain covers can also cause flow issues.
How does a spa heater work?
A spa heater relies on sufficient water flow to operate. A pressure switch, screwed into the heater chamber, senses when the water flow is too low to properly protect the heater. Pressure switches break the electrical circuit powering the heater element, and the heater shuts down when the water flow is insufficient. It will start heating again once proper water flow is established.
How to tell if a hot tub heater element is short?
Hot tub heater elements are similar to an electric hot water heater element, and as such, spa heater elements burn out very quickly if operated without cooling water surrounding it. Hot tub heater elements can also be tested to determine if there is a short in the coating surrounding the heating element. Use a test meter set on ohms (Ω) to measure spa heater element resistance. A good element should usually display 9-12 ohms. If it pegs to "infinity," or keeps rising slowly, there is a short in the element and it should be replaced.
How to tell if thermostat is faulty?
If you have a thermostat "knob" instead of a lighted red arrow, you can test your thermostat to see if the unit is faulty internally or if the sensor bulb has become corroded. For newer spas and hot tub heaters with a topside control panel, the thermostat is usually replaced by a temperature sensor.
Why do spas have a switch?
Many spas have a cabinet switch or spa pack cover switch to prevent operation unless doors are tightly closed. Spa cover needs replaced. Warped, broken and ill-fitting spa covers can allow heat to escape as quickly as the heater adds it to the water. Loose wires. Connections must be tight and not oxidized.
Why is my water temperature not showing on my topside?
If your topside control panel is displaying incorrect water temperature, it's likely a bad temp sensor. However, if it's not displaying properly, does not respond to input or appears to be water damaged, you could have problems with a topside control panel. 3. HIGH LIMIT SWITCH.
