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Heater Failure - Due to Water Flow
Are the ball valves open? Is the water level correct? Is
the filter cartridge dirty? (remove if in doubt) Are the jets wide open? Is the impeller
clogged? Is the system primed? Are the fillings tight?
Heater
Failure - Other Possible Causes
Are the 0-rings in place? Is the bib fitting tight? Is the
thermostat set properly? Is the Hi Limit switch tripped? (If so, why?) Are the heater
wires burnt? Are the contactor wires burnt? Is there proper voltage to the pack? Is the
timer in control (if so, was pack run long enough?) Are all wires in place? Is there power
to the heater? (Indicator light would be on.) Is the pack in the proper mode for heater
operation? Does the heater work on high speed? With a 110 volt pack, was the pack run on
low speed only? A 110 volt pack will only heat on low speed at a rate of 2 to 3 degrees
per hour. See also Total Lack of Heat
section below.
Pump Will Not
Run At All
Is the pack supplied with the proper voltage? (Most 1 hp
require 120v, 1-1/2 hp require 240v.) (Check motor data plate.) Is the timer set to have it
operate (low speed only)? Is the GFCI tripped? (120 volt packs have GFCI protected pumps.)
Pump
Runs But Does Not Move Water
Is the spa filled above all intake ports? Is the impeller
clogged with debris? Is the pack plumbed to the spa correctly?
(Skimmers to front of pump, Jets to discharge.)
Low
Speed Pump Does Not Function
Is the tubing attached between the spa and air switch? Is
the pump flood primed? Is the impeller clogged with debris? Is the air switch set for low speed operation? Is the pack set for timer operation? (See
Timer Trouble Section.)
Hi Speed
Pump Does Not Function
Check each of the things under Low Speed Pump Does Not Function
except the last one about timer operation. Is the hi limit switch tripped? (See
section Pump Will Not Go From Low To High Speed.) Is the impeller spinning inside the pump?
Blower
Does Not Function
Is the GFCI reset? Does the air switch work? If the GFCI
trips, is there water in the blower or blower lines? Is the top of the air loop mounted
higher than the water level, as it should be? Also see Air Blower Does Not
Work at All section below.
NEED PARTS??
Total Lack of Heat
This section applies only to the total lack of heat, not to
the lack of enough heat rise. First, make sure the pack is in the mode of operation such
that it should be heating. (Low speed pump only is standard.) After each check, if a
correction is made, check heater for amp draw to verify problem or corrected problem.
- Make sure valves are open and water level is high enough
in spa.
- Remove filter cartridge and recheck heater with amp
meter. (120v should read 12.5 amps; 240v should read 25 amps, however this may vary on
specific spa models - check your instruction manual for proper readings for your unit.)
- If #1 and #2 check OK and your water flow is still weak
with air bubbles coming through (the air induction being closed) check for loose pipe
connections at all joints. (A slow drip may result when the pack is turned off at such a
loose joint.) Also, be sure all jets are open for maximum water flow.
- REMOVE PACK COVER. Using volt meter on a minimum 240
volt scale (120 on a 120 pack) check to see whether the power coming in is enough to power
the pack: 210-240 on 240v, 110-120 on 120v. If not, have an electrician look into
it.
- On 240v observe contactor or heater relay. If it
activates when the thermostat is turned up and still no amperage is being drawn, check for
240 volts at the wire ends of the heater cord. If it does not activate, go to check #6. If
240 is found where the cord meets the relay but not at the element, check the "Hi
Limit’ switch breaking power to one line on the element. To do this, look to see if
the heater indicator light is on. If not, check to see if the "Hi Limit" switch
is tripped. Press on the red button sticking out of the bottom or front of the control
box. If it resists just a little before stopping and you hear a "click, it was
probably tripped. The indicator light should now be on to indicate power to the element.
If the light does not come on, check Amp draw on the heater anyway - the light may have gone bad. If the
heater draws amperage, the light is broken and needs replacement in order to indicate
power to the heater. (No harm will come to the pack if the light does not work.)
- If heater relay does not activate, check for proper
voltage at the point where the black or red wire meets the relay coil. (Your specific
wiring diagram should identify the coil voltage.) Also verify that the right relay is in
the unit by checking the ratings against the diagram.
- If voltage is not found at the relay coil, check flow
switch/pressure switch as described in #8. If flow is OK, check thermostat for power out.
The wire leading to the flow switch from the thermostat should be carrying 120v. When
checking for this voltage, disconnect the wire from the pressure switch so you do not get
test interference from voltage that might be coming from the other side of the heater
relay coil. Be sure the thermostat is turned all the way to "Hi" before looking
for voltage. Also, make sure the thermostat sensing bulb is located properly to sense the
water temperature. If the bulb is exposed to air, COVER IT. If out of the well, insert and
center it. If no voltage is found, adjust calibration on the thermostat by turning Allen
screw at top of switch clockwise until a "click" is heard or you reach 1/4
revolution (whichever comes first). If you turn it around 1/4 way without hearing the
click, your thermostat must be replaced.
- If you have a pressure switch, adjust it as described in Pressure Switch section below.
No
Heat - Details For Straight, Flo-thru Heaters
Heaters are considered Flo-Thru type heaters because the water flows
through unrestricted by elbows or thermowells. Most are 6kw and are rated for 240 volts.
Some have the elements welded directly to the manifolds such that if the element wears
out, you replace the entire heater assembly. Some elements can be removed for replacement
but are more fragile. If you go to replace an element, be sure to hold the base of the
post with a 1/4" open-end wrench to prevent twisting of the post. Otherwise you stand
a good chance of breaking off the post. Be sure to hold it tight again when reinstalling
the wires on the new element.
To determine if the element in a flo-thru is bad, test it the same
as you would a regular element. If the wires have been removed, check it for continuity.
You should see approx. 9-11 ohms of resistance if it is good, maximum resistance if bad.
Be sure to measure resistance between a post and your ground to make sure the element is
not ruptured. You should see maximum (infinite) resistance if it is good. If the needle
moves at all on the meter, you have a rupture in the element sheath. You would need to
replace it. The continuity test to ground is best done when the manifold is full of water.
The hi limit and thermostat bulbs are usually positioned under a
protective metal insulated cap secured to the manifold by a wing nut. Make sure the
sensors are fully under the cap and that the cap is tightly secured. If insulated properly
you should not be able to see the side of either bulb under the cap once the nut is tight.
If you can see it, ambient air can get to it and affect the temperature control
performance. If you are sure the bulbs are straight in the grooves on the manifold, and
that the cap is tight, you could add some insulating tape or something to help block
ambient air from that area of the heater for more consistent performance.
Grounding of the heater is achieved through the use of nuts with
external tooth lock washers securing the manifold to the control box. Be sure to reuse the
same nuts if you remove them. The lock washer breaks through the protective coating in the
box to establish ground.
Air
Blower Does Not Work At All
- Be sure GFCI is reset and working. If not working,
replace it.
- If GFCI cannot be reset, you probably have water in the
blower or GFCI receptacle. These must be totally dried out. Try using a hair dryer on
these components. If water is found in the blower line, it may take several hours to dry
out. If water is not the problem, check for improper wiring, and if this is not the case.
- Check for power where the black wire from the blower
meets the air switch. If power is found, the blower may be bad. Replace. (Be sure your
neutral wire is hooked up and that you do not have an open neutral condition on the GFCI
before replacing the blower.) If power is not found, the air switch may be bad. Check the
wire powering the air switch and check the switch for continuity. If no power, check the
wire leading to the switch for continuity and replace as needed. If you have power but do
not get proper switching action, replace the switch.
- If none of these things fix the problem, the blower may
need to be replaced.
Heat
Works, But Tub Does Not Reach 104 Degrees
- Be sure thermostat is turned all the way up and that the
equipment area is well ventilated. Hi ambient temperatures around the pack will effect
thermostat calibration. Also make sure the thermobulb is properly located and protected to
sense water temperature.
- Slowly turn the thermostat from "Hi’ back
toward "Low. See if you hear a click.
- If a small click is not heard, the thermostat may be set
too low. To adjust, insert a properly sized alien wrench into adjustment screw found just
below the shiny silver plate on top side of the thermostat. Turn the screw clockwise to
raise the setting. One quarter revolution is equal to a rise of 100. If you have to turn
the screw more than 1/4 revolution to achieve the desired effect, replace the thermostat.
If the "click" is still not heard, replace the thermostat.
- If replacing the thermostat does not correct the
problem, call a spa professional.
Pump
Will Not Go From Low To High Speed
- The equipment may be equipped with a special safety
circuit that activates when the pump is left running on high speed for extended periods of
time. This would cause the water in the spa to reach temperatures high enough to cause the
hi limit switch to trip, disengaging high speed operation (as well as the heater.) If this
is the case, when the air switch is in the position intended for high speed operation, the
low speed pump will not shut off with the timer operation (turning the bypass). When the
air switch is in the position intended for low speed operation, the timer will be able to
shut the low speed pump off. If this accurately describes the present operation of the
equipment, reset the hi limit switch, make sure the high speed pump now works.
If the hi
limit switch is not the problem, follow the instructions below.
- Check wiring inside to be sure nothing came off. If so,
use the unit's wiring diagram to put wires back. Be sure they fit tightly on the
air switch. If not, crimp down on the edges of the connector carefully. (If overdone, it
will not go on without breaking the air switch.)
- If wiring inside is OK, check for loose wires at rear of
pump. Correct if necessary as described in #2.
- If wiring inside is OK, the air switch may be faulty.
Using your volt meter check to see that power is alternated from your high to low pump
wires when the air switch actuator button is pressed. (Usually, black for low and red for
high.) Be sure that the air hose is not pinched between the button and the air switch, and
that there is no water in it. If the air switch does not work, remove actuator button and
blow into the line as the button may be bad. If power does not transfer from Hi to Low,
replace the air switch and try again.
- If power does transfer but the pump does not respond,
check for power at the pump and if it is there, replace the pump. If it is not, replace
the cord to the pump. HINT: Make sure common wire is hooked up before replacing pump or
cord. If power is found at the rear of the pump but the pump does not respond, replace the
pump.
No Low Speed Pump
-
If your pack is not equipped with a timer, and your air
switch is in the low speed mode:
- Check wire (Black) leading from air switch to the pump
for 120 volts, if voltage is not there, replace the air switch.
- If power is there, check the back of the pump (the Black
wire) and see if you have 110Ov. If not, replace the cord.
- If you have 120v and your common wire is hooked up,
replace the pump.
-
If your pack is equipped with a timer,
your timer interrupts power between the air switch and the pump (low speed only):
- Be sure you have power coming to the timer (Black wire)
from the air switch. If not, replace the air switch. (Before replacing, make sure the air
switch is in the low speed mode.)
- Be sure you have power to the pump from the timer. If
not, check to see that the bypass is not activated. If
the bypass is not on and power is not coming through, replace the timer.
- If power is coming through timer, check the Black wire at
the back of the pump for power. If it is not there, replace the cord. If it is there,
replace the pump. Check your common wire on the pump to be sure it is hooked up before
removing pump for not operating.
Pump Will
Not Come On At All
First, determine what voltage the pump you are
troubleshooting requires to work. The plate on the side of the motor will tell you this.
Then also check to make sure the pack it is connected to is wired appropriately for this
pump to be used. (Some replacements are improperly applied in the field.)
Once you are sure the motor requirements match the wiring
method, check for proper voltage at the air switch where the pump wires attach to it using
the method described under VOLTAGE TESTING. If proper voltage is not found, check the wire
that powers the air switch for voltage. If proper voltage is found where the wire feeds the
air switch, and not where the pump wires attach, replace the air switch. (A continuity check
of the air switch function will verify this problem area.) If power is found at the pump
wires, check the back of the pump for voltage. If none is found, replace the cord. If
proper voltage is found, replace the pump.
Water Gets Too Hot
Water that is too hot can be caused by several things:
- Thermostat out of calibration: Recalibrate as described
under Heat Works, But Tub Does Not
Reach 104 Degrees, only in this case
turn the calibration screw counterclockwise to reduce the temperature setting.
- Thermostat sensing bulb not applied: Make sure the
sensing bulb is applied to the manifold under the heat tape (older models) or inside a
thermowell if provided. If in a thermowell, make sure the bulb is centered in the well.
- Heater relay contacts may be stuck closed: Replace relay
and determine cause (could be chattering thermostat, low voltage, bad pressure switch, or
pump cavitation). If contacts are damaged, install a suppressor on new relay coil.
- Hi speed pump may have been run for too long: If water
exceeds 122 degrees and equipment includes new hi speed shutdown relay, check circuit and
hi limit operation.
- Hi limit may be defective: If water exceeds 122 degrees
and includes the hi speed shut down circuit, the hi limit probably needs to be replaced.
If it does not include the new circuit, see if the hi limit is tripped. If the limit is
not tripped, it is out of calibration and must be replaced. NEVER RECALIBRATE A HI LIMIT SWITCH.
Timer Troubles -
Various
Most trouble associated with timers involves the lack of
understanding of how it works. Here are the general rules:
- The timer only controls the low speed pump - NOT THE HIGH SPEED.
- When the pack leaves the factory, the timer switch
controlling the low speed is open such that the low speed pump will not come on. All
trippers are in the OFF mode so the low speed will not come on unless the bypass is used
or the trippers are pulled and lined up with the arrow on the dial.
- The only way the low speed pump should come on without
the use of the timer (if the pack is fresh out of the box) is if the installer happens to
push the air switch and instead of high speed they get low speed. This can happen if during
shipment the equipment is stored in a room or truck that gets very hot inside, in which
case the hi limit will trip and engage the hi speed shut down circuit (see Hi Speed Pump Does Not Function).
- Usually, each tripper on the timer is good for only 30
minutes of low speed operation, however this will vary from unit to unit (some are good
for 15 minutes). If continuous low speed operation is desired, all trippers must be pulled
to the ON position.
- The bypass (if you have one) will only affect operation
until a tripper set in a position that will nullify the effect of the bypass function
comes in front of the arrow. That is, if the tripper in front of the arrow is pushed in,
and the next several trippers are also pushed in, turning the bypass to have the low speed
pump come on will only be effective until the next consecutive tripper pushed in comes in
front of the arrow, or a maximum of 30 minutes. If you wish to have the low speed remain
on, you must either turn the bypass again when it shuts off, or pull the next several
trippers to their "ON" position for as many minutes as you desire the pump to
run. The opposite is true for the use of the bypass in conjunction with trippers pulled
out in the "ON" position. The bypass would only keep the low speed pump off
until the next pulled out "ON’ tripper lines up with the arrow.
- The clock on the timer is rarely going to be bad. If it
loses time, consider whether there may have been a power outage or if someone is welding
nearby. A neighbor’s welding can affect your timer’s ability to keep time. The
arcing has an affect on the cycles (usually 60Hz) and can change them. If it gains time,
someone could be changing the dial position on the timer. Simple adjustment of the tripper
positions can inadvertently affect the timer dial setting whether you are aware of it or
not. If a time clock is legitimately not keeping good time, it should consistently need the
same time adjustment every 24 hours. Monitor it’s performance untouched for a period
of several days. If you truly have a bad clock, consistent time loss or gain will be
evident. Replace timer.
Troubleshooting
Pressure Switches
A pressure switch will allow power to pass through it as
long as there is a measurable amount of pressure in the cavity to which it is connected.
This pressure can be created whenever the pump is running and as long as there is some
water in the bottom of the pump housing whether the rest of the pack is full of water or
not. That is, as long as the valves are shut creating a sealed cavity in order to build
pressure. Therefore, when the valves are open, the heater will not come on when there is
not enough water in the plumbing to maintain pressure.
If you see that you have good water flow and your heater
will not operate, check to see that the thermostat makes a "click" noise. If you
hear the "click" and the contactor will not close, check (with your volt meter)
to see that the power is found at both terminals on the thermostat. Disconnect the
thermostat wire leading to pressure switch before checking thermostat for voltage. Then,
check for power at the coil where the wire from the pressure switch meets it. (Double
check as to what coil voltage should be.)
If you have proper voltage at all three points, the
pressure switch is not at fault. If you do not find power at any of the three points, your
air switch may be at fault or you may be expecting the heater to operate when it is not
supposed to be in the first place.
If you find power on one side of the thermostat and not the
other with the thermostat turned all the way up, the thermostat is either defective, out
of calibration, or the spa water is already hot. If you find power at both terminals on
the thermostat and none on the contactor coil, the pressure switch is either out of
calibration or is not functioning and must be replaced.
To check calibration, see if the black toothed gear on the
back of the pressure switch is turned as far counter-clockwise as it can be. With the pump
running it should turn the heater on. If it does, turn in clockwise now until the heater
shuts back off and re-loosen it one-and-one-half turns. If it does not turn the heater on,
replace it.
On the other hand, if you cannot get the heater to shut
‘off while the valves are open and the pump is running "dry", then the
switch is either broken or frozen shut and must be replaced, or the contacts of the heater
relay are welded closed.
To replace it, first shut off the power and then remove the
two wires going to it. If you have service valves to the equipment pack, shut them off. If
not, and the pressure switch is of the type that has a barbed fitting and a hose
connecting it to the heater, have the new switch close by and proceed as directed in the
next paragraph. If you haven’t any valves and the switch screws directly into the
heater manifold, you will have to drain the spa in order to change the switch.
If your switch is connected to the manifold with flexible
tubing, pull the tubing off of the switch and cap, plug, or clamp off the tubing to
prevent water spillage. (If you have service valves to shut off, you won’t need to
worry about this.) Then remove the retaining nut holding the switch in place on the
control box. Remove the switch from the control box, install the new switch, re-attach the
nut, and re-attach the tubing.
If your switch screws directly into the heater manifold and
you have service valves, you might want to drain water from at least the heater before
removing the switch. Otherwise, depending on how the heater is oriented, you may get water
inside the control box and on your wiring.
Once removed, we suggest you replace the switch with one
that has stainless steel threads. (The one you removed may have plastic threads as they
are less expensive.) To install a plastic thread switch properly with a mass of wires
around may prove difficult if not impossible as the threads are prone to cross-threading
if it doesn't go in perfectly straight. This will result in a leak, either now or later. A
stainless steel pressure switch is easier to install with a little PTFE Tape applied to the
threads.
In either case, once the new switch is installed, re-attach
the two wires and BE SURE TO OPEN THE SERVICE VALVES. Now turn the
power back on. With the system running, you must calibrate the switch as previously
described.
Relays vs.
Contactors
Relays look significantly different depending on the brand
of the spa pack. On many packs, the small "ice cube"
looking things in the packs are called relays, while the larger, open-circuit counter
parts are called contactors. They each do the same thing, allow control over a circuit
that can’t be controlled directly by the component powering the relay or contactor
coil. This could be due to high amperage (such as in a heater) or due to a GFCI protected
circuit needing control over a non-GFCI protected circuit.
Either way, they each have two things in common, a coil, and a
switch or set of large contacts. A relay coil is always identified as terminals A and B on
the relay while the switch terminals are numbered. The contactor coil and switch terminals
are generally more obvious.
The thing to remember is always be sure to replace a relay with one
of the same coil voltage and equal or greater contact rating. Check the wiring diagram to
be sure the relay you are removing is of the correct coil voltage in the first place. If
the contacts of the component are burnt up, it is usually due to problems with the
component controlling it such as a chattering pressure switch or thermostat. You will
however run into the occasional burnt coil or lightning strike victim. If the relay is
mounted with the protective shell facing down, drill a small hole in the bottom of the
shell so that condensation cannot collect inside and short out the contacts. Water leaking
into the pack can collect and cause this as well.
Thermostats
- Mechanical vs. Electronic
Mechanical thermostats have been used on equipment forever. There
are some electronic types available, but they are usually more expensive and therefore not
so widely used. Mechanical thermostats are prone to calibration swings due to changes in
the temperature around the switch body, capillary tube, and sensing bulb. Electronic types
only respond to temperature changes at the bulb, generally the very tip of the bulb. In
both cases, a thermostat gives the best performance if the bulb is inside a dry-well (also
known as a Thermowell), completely surrounded by the spa water.
The next best location is under the insulated cap of a flo-thru
manifold. This is only true provided the cap is kept tight and the air around the manifold
remains at a somewhat constant temperature. If the air temperature changes, the water
temperature will swing too. The colder the air around the manifold, the warmer the spa
because that cooler air takes away the heat being transferred to the sensing bulb under
the cap.
As for calibrating electronic thermostats, it is usually not
possible. They must be replaced. They generally have trimpots inside that are very easily
broken. A little too much pressure on the screw could create more problems for you.
Spa Side Controls
There are many, many different types of Spa Side Controls,
and each can have their own specific problems. Here we will consider the most common ones.
There are three manufacturers of basically the same 6 pin spa-side control. They are
Tridelta, Len Gordon, and Press-Air-Trol. Each will plug into a socket provided on the
control box of many models. Which one will be used depends largely on the preference of
the spa manufacturer.
There are two methods of sensing the temperature with these
controls. Some controls still have the mechanical bulb and capillary thermostats in them.
Most now have electronic temperature controls (called a Thermistor) available with the
spa-side control heads. The mechanical have historically proven to be unpredictable and
subject to the same problems as thermostats mounted directly in the equipment packs
because that is in fact what they are. Electronic temperature controls are generally more
reliable. They employ thermistors in their bulb-like sensing units. These bulbs are shaped
just like the mechanical sensing bulbs in order to fit into the same applications. Instead
of the fluid used in the mechanical units, the electronic models have wire leads conveying
a small electrical current from the thermistor in the sensor. The two controls are
otherwise the same with the lights inside working as they always have.
Over and above the problems you may have with the
mechanical thermostats, the common problem you will occasionally encounter with either
control is a faulty harness that they plug into or a bad cord going to the control. In
many cases, the spa side control sometimes cause nuisance tripping due to water getting
inside the socket on the control box. This normally will occur sometime after
installation. When you have trouble with this tripping upon installation, it is often due
to a problem inside the cord of the control itself such that one of the light supply leads
is touching the ground lead.
In order to determine if one of the leads is shorting out
against the ground, simply do a continuity test between each terminal and the ground
terminal. If any continuity with the ground terminal, you will have trouble.
If your Spa Side Control is not like those described above,
contact a local spa professional to check it out for you. |
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