Question: My topside control panel shows a FLO message. Why does it do this?
Answer: When diagnosing a FLO message it is important to consider that there are 3 different types of FLO messages that your Spa’s logic is capable of displaying (a Solid FLO message, a Flashing FLO message and a Solid FLO2 message). First determine which message you are seeing. If you are seeing a Flashing FLO message, check to see that you still have water movement ie your circulation pump is still turning/waterfall is still running, jet and blower buttons still work. If this is the case turn the GFCI breaker off to the spa and remove your filter. Make sure there is nothing in the filter area and turn your GFCI back on again. If the Flashing FLO message goes away within a minute then you have found where the problem lies with a dirty or soiled filter. It’s very important to remember that if you just finished fresh filling your spa then you could also have had an air lock that caused a Flashing FLO message. By removing the filter you just removed the air lock. If the Flashing FLO message did not go away when you removed the filter then you possibly have an obstruction or blockage in the circulation system. If you have a Flashing FLO message and no water movement ie the circulation pump is not turning/waterfall is not flowing then you may have a bad or plugged circulation pump.
If all else fails contact our Service support team to book a diagnostic and repair of your spa.
If your Topside is displaying a Solid FLO message you will have no water movement in the spa. Inspect your Flow Switch for hair or debris wrapped around the paddle. Also check to see that your spa is not in Summer Logic (spa water reaches 2 DEGREES above the set temperature). If your spa is in Summer Logic, cool the water off by opening the cover and or adding some cold water to the spa. If neither of these are the case you could have a bad Flow Switch or a bad connection to the Flow Switch. If all else fails contact our Service support team to book a spa diagnostic and repair of your spa.
If your Topside is display a Solid FLO2 message there will be no water movement in the spa. If there is water movement in the spa contact our Service support team to book a diagnostic and repair of your spa.
If there is no water movement in the spa check to see if there is hair or debris wrapped around the Flow Switch paddle. If this is not the case you could have a bad Flow Switch.
If all else fails contact our Service support team to book a diagnostic and repair of your spa.
95 thoughts on “My Hot Tub Spa’s Topside Control Panel Displays A FLO Message”
Our topside display flashes flo cool, what does this mean? We have circulation and water falls work.
Hello,
Theresa
Thank
you for contacting Aqua-tech for your issue.
The flashing FLO msg means the heat has been deactived to the spa. The COOL msg means the spa is a minimum 20 degrees below its set temperature.
Few
questions and possible Answers for you.
Have
you removed your filter? To see if the flashing FLO goes away?
It
may be soiled/dirty/greasy, not to the naked eye.
Please turn off the power to the spa, remove your filter, remove any floating debris in the filter area that could get stuck in the plumbing, turn your power back on and wait
approx. 5min to see if the flashing FLO msg goes away. De-grease your soiled pleated filter or replace your soiled micro filter. Do not run your spa for more then 5min without a filter.
With
the COOL msg, have you just performed a fresh fill? This is normal until the
spa reaches the desired temperature via topside or your spa is not heating due
to the fact that your flow switch is not sensing proper water flow because of a
soiled filter.
If all else fails contact your local Sundance Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your spa.
Ann what make and model hot tub do you have?
Hi,
I have the same problem and tried to remove filter, release the air lock from the bib but still showing “Flo & Cool”.
I did changed the water and refilled it, put on new filter cartridge. Anything you recommend?
Thanks
Laurent what make and model spa do you have and also what is the date built? You can find this info on the id sticker near the Sentry control box.
What if your spa is flashing FLO and I have checked the filter and that doesn’t fix the problem. All jets and circulation work except the Spa temperature is starting to drop. Could it be the Flow Switch? Last time I replaced the Flow Switch a couple years ago though was when the FLO error was solid and there was no water circulation and that fixed everything.
Sean you could have an airlock that needs to be purged. Try running the spa for a short period of time without the filter and jam your garden hose in the filter inlet. You could also have something plugging the circ line and or circ pump. You could also have a poor connection at the Flow switch and or a bad Flow switch. If all else fails contact the local Sundance Support Desk in your region to perform a diagnostic and repair of your spa.
Hi, each number (one by one) is flashing on topside controle panel. I did turn ouff the braker..after everything was ok and then, an hour later the problème came back. What those symptoms mean?
Thanks!
Anne-Marie what make a model spa do you have and what is the date built. All of this info can be found on the serial number label near the Sentry Control Box.
Hi, I have a 2000 Sundance Altamar spa and Ive been troubleshooting a solid FLO message. I saw your info regarding the “summer logic” which isn’t mentioned in the 2000 manual. Ive already replaced the flow switch and just replaced the circulation pump (it was still the original) yesterday. Once I powered it up, it ran and heated the water. Water was at 100 degrees this morning and everything was normal. After work had solid FLO message again. When I power cycle the breaker, temperature reads 101 before the message shows up again. I have the temp set at 99. If I turn on another pump everything is fine until the cycle stops, then FLO again. Even with the FLO message being displayed all filter cycles seem to still run.
If it is summer logic causing the FLO message, will it return to normal operation on its own once the water temp drops? Or do I need to flip the breaker to get it back to normal?
Once I saw the info on your site about summer logic, I changed the circ pump cycle from 24 hours to 4 hours and took the cover off to try to drop the water temp.
Damon if Summer Logic is causing the solid FLO it should go back to normal once the water cools. Be sure to check that you don’t have a poor connection where the Flow switch wires enter the sensor harness and where the sensor harness clips into the PWA. Be sure that there are no obstructions in the circ pump, heater and or the circulation line after the heater and Flow switch and make sure your filter is clean. If you hook a flexible hose up to the discharge side of the Flow switch and run this directly over the lip into the spa and receive no solid FLO msgs then you may have something after the Flow switch causing back pressure. If the problem persists you could have a bad PWA. If all else fails contact your local Sundance Spas Service Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your 2000 Sundance Altamar Spa.
Thanks for the reply Nigel, I really appreciate it.
After I posted, the FLO message was on, I dropped the temp setting and I left the cover off over night. in the morning the FLO message was gone and it appeared to be functioning normally. However, later in the day the message came back and has been on.
I know the pump and heater are obstruction free because I had them both apart in the last few days.
One interesting thing is that even though I have the temp set to 93, its listed on the panel as currently being 99 to 100 which is where it was before i dropped it to 93. I’m going to drop it even more and see what happens.
Does it mean anything to you if I can reset the breaker and if I start pump 1 right away the FLO message doesn’t show up until it it shuts off? To me, it seems that pump is able to move enough water to activate the switch (and a good connection to it). Is the PWA the circuit board?
Damon check your temperature with a couple of external thermometers. Place them in the filter area where the temp sensor is. If there is a large difference between the topside reading and your external thermometers you could have a bad temp sensor.
The PWA is the circuit board.
Typically Solid FLO msgs are related to a blockage, bad Flow switch and or connection, summer logic, bad PWA. Typically the circ pump would be off with a Solid FLO.
A Flashing FLO msg could mean other things like a soiled filter, low water level, stuck weir door (not enough water supply to circ pump). Typically the circ pump would be on with a Flasing FLO. IF all else fails contact your local Sundance Spas Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your Sundance Spa.
I have the flo code on steady. I have replaced the filter, the heating element, the pump and motor and the pressure switch. Water is flowing as close to normal as I can tell but i cant get the heater to come on. What else can I do??
Mark what is the serial number of your spa?
if your pump goes bad can that cause a flo error message. After refilling it, it ran on low speed but when I put it on high it ran for awhile and then stopped. I unplugged it overnight and it came back on at low speed but once again, at high it shut off and the pump is very warm or hot.
Mike what is the serial number of your spa?
I let it sit overnight and it started again but now nothing. the flo flashes at first and then goes solid.
Mike it seems the circulation pump works to some extent. If it is the same line voltage as the spa you could wire it direct to your line voltage and see if the pump stays running continuous. If it does than you know the pump is ok. FLO messages are typically caused by plugged circ pumps and or circ lines or bad circ pumps. The message can also be caused by soiled filters, plugged or bad Flow switches or a bad connection from the Flow switch to the PWA. In rare instances a bad PWA could cause a solid FLO message. If the pump checks out try and look at the filter, the circ line, the wiring to the Flow switch and the Flow switch.
thanks for the info. I tried opening the valve right before the pump which is used to drain it and it flowed fine. Not sure about rewireing the stuff. might have to get someone in. the pump got real hot. is that normal
Pumps can get hot quick
Hello,
I hope you can help me with a flashing ‘FLO’ message and no heat on my 2004 Sundance Altamar. I have removed the filter and still get the ‘FLO’ msg. I put my hand over the intake to the circulation pump and felt a lot of suction. Next, I watched the flow switch and it closes and energizes the circulation pump. After reading numerous posts and boards I replaced the circulation pump this afternoon and still receive the flashing ‘FLO’ message. Not sure what direction to go now.
Regards,
Pete
Pete check the flow through the circulation/heating jet. If you don’t have good flow here you could have an air lock or a restriction in the circ line after the circ pump. Alternatively take the hose off the Flow switch before it goes into the spa and attach a 2nd hose and drape it over the edge of the spa. If you have good flow through the hose and the FLO message goes away you could have a restriction after the Flow switch going into the spa. If you still have the FLO message and good flow you could have a bad Flow switch or bad connection to the switch. If you don’t have good flow you could have a restriction between the circ pump and the heater.
Hi. I have a similar problem to previous post. Flashing FLO which clears after the hosepipe clearance and will work for a few hours but the FLO fault returns. Sounds like maybe a restriction after the switch but wouldn’t this clear in the same way?
All pumps seem to work ok – flo just stops water heating up – thanks for your help.
Jon make sure you are working with a new filter. If it is still reverting back to the FLO message after a few hours with a new filter check the connections from the Flow switch to the control board. If this checks out ok test the switch with your multimeter. You should have a reading of continuity with the circ pump on and an infinite reading with the circ pump off. If this all checks out and you have good flow through the circulation jet consider changing the Flow switch as it could be an intermittent switch issue. Alot of the Flow switches out there are see through so have a look at it if it is a clear switch while the circ pump is running. If the paddle is not completely contacting the post you could have back pressure in the line somewhere forward of the switch.
Hope some one can help, I have a evolutions s10 hot tub and is running a in.xm2 pack and the heater is the in.therm, on my main display it shows no flow condition and on the in.xm2 it shows FLO, I believe I have checked everything and don’t seem to be getting any further forward. Have by passed the pressure switch to see if that changes any thing, I have a big feeling it is something to do with the in.therm heater but as these units are sealed there doesn’t seem to be much you can do diagnostic wise. Some people have said about reset switches and the in.therm may have deactivated its self? At this moment in time I feel I may have a very good bonfire on my hands.
Hi Jamie. You could have a look inside the heater manifold to see if there is any blockage. Typically a flow message is caused by only a handfull of things: 1. Dirty filter, 2. Low water level, 3. Blockage in the circulation line and or circ pump, 4. A failed circ pump, 5. Faulty or intermittent connection to the psi switch and or a bad psi switch. If you decide you want to try a new in.therm let me know and I can send you a purchase link.
I have a Jacuzzi J 485. I replaced the circulation pump several months ths ago and have had no problems. The last 2 weeks I noticed the waterfall running for a short period of time and then shutting off. Then after awhile I will run for a bit and shut off again. Not sure if it’s an air lock, electric or if a bad temp sensor is telling to pump to shut off.
Hi Samuel. When the waterfall shuts off is the circulation pump still running or does it shut off as well?
I have not removed my access panel when it has shut off. Bit i have notice there is no suction/water flow in the filter compartment when the water fall is not working. There is when it is working. This is telling me the circulation pump is probably shut off when the water fall is.
Hi Sam. This says that on some level the circ pump has good flow when it is running so you should be able to rule out an airlock. To be safe make sure your water level is at operating level. Because the pump is shutting off make sure the spa is in Standard mode and the circ pump is set to run 24hrs. If it is not programmed this way it could be why the pump is shutting down. If this all checks out you could have a bad circ pump. You could try hooking it up direct to incoming power to see if it runs consistent without shut down. If it runs consistent without shutting off in the time frame you describe then you could have a bad circuit board.
Nigel, I have tested the flow switch and it seems to be working. I have also replaced the capacitor in the pump. I used a multimeter to test the current the circuit board is putting out when the pump is running and when it is stoped. Getting 120 volts from circuit boards to the pump power cord both ways. That’s leadig me believe the pump is the issue. Just stumped bc it will come on for 45 seconds and then shut off. Then it will kick itself on from time to time for about 45 seconds.
Because the pump is shutting off make sure the spa is in Standard mode and the circ pump is set to run 24hrs. If it is not programmed this way it could be why the pump is shutting down. If this all checks out you could have a bad circ pump. You could try hooking it up direct to incoming power to see if it runs consistent without shut down. If it runs consistent without shutting off in the time frame you describe then you could have a bad circuit board.
I am having problems figuring out how to verify it is set to 24 hours.
Hi Sam. Here is a link to an owners manual for the J-400 series: https://www.jacuzzi.com/media/3193/j400-series_english-2010.pdf
Ok Nigel last time I’ll bug ya. I am pretty sure it is the pump which is under warranty. I rewired the pump to run hard wire. It did the same thing. Ran for about 30 seconds and then shut off. It was also very hot. Like I said the pump is only about 6 months old and worked fine until this started about a month ago. I just want to see if there may be something wrong with my tub that caused the pump to go bad or if maybe I was just u fortunate and got a bad pump.
Hi Sam. Sounds like you could have a bad pump.
Hi,
I have a Sundance Optima 1997-1998 and have a Flashing FLO. I have replaced the flow switch to no avail. I have pulled out the circ pump-all clean and operational. Flashing FLO goes away if run pump 1. During this period can feel warm water exiting outlet in spa from circulation pump. However if I turn off Pump 1, flashing FLO occurs. Circ pump is still running but no heated water felt at outlet, only cold water. Does this mean circ pump is not delivering enough flow to keep FLO switch engaged or is it something else? Thanks
Hi Wayne. When you run the jet 1 pump and the FLO message goes away does the heat icon come on?
Hi,
Yes heat icon comes on and warm water is felt entering the spa
Hi Wayne. Check that the paddle is touching the post in the flow switch when the jet pump is off. If it is not touching the post you could have some back psi in the circ line after the flow switch or between the circ pump and the heater.
Hi Nigel,
Cannot view the paddle but by shorting wires to flow switch, no continuity signal when Pump 1 is stopped. However circ pump of course is still running
Hi Wayne. Sounds like your circ pump is not producing enough flow to activate the flow switch. Here is a link to a flow switch with a clear T fitting: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/electronics/flow-switch-with-transparent-tee.html Hook up a hose to the flow switch after the flow switch and drape it over the top of the spa. If the FLO message goes away this would indicate back psi after the switch. If the msg remains this would indicate blockage before the switch ie dirty filter, plugged pump, plugged heater.
Hi Nigel,
Thanks for this. Won’t be filter as the same result when I remove it. Circ pump was clean when I pulled it. Either bad circ pump or partially blocked heater. However if back psi after flow switch, what should I do?
Hi Wayne. If back psi after the switch check the line after the switch going to the circ jet for blockage.
Hi Nigel,
I have connected hose to outlet of flow switch and FLO error has gone, water is flowing and heating icon is on with just the circ pump operational. Spa plumbing only seems to have a hose connected from FLO switch outlet to water outlet in spa. I have blown through this tube with air coming out in spa.
So can’t think of any place for PSI back pressure. Any thoughts would be most welcome.
Hi Wayne. Do you have ozone on your spa?
Hi Nigel,
Yes I have ozone and bubbles are exiting from circulation outlet. I have blown water through plumbing from outlet of flow switch to circ jet and in reverse, full flowing water.
Hi Wayne. Usually with ozone there is a mazzei injector or Bowles injector T fitting after the flow switch before the circ jet. Try bypassing it or removing it.
Instead I have started to drain the spa and as the level came down to a certain level, Flashing FLO error started going off then on until water level dropped a bit more and now flashing FLO error remains off and heater is working. Water level is probably 8 inches below full spa level. Do you think the circ pump although working can’t push against the head of water in the full spa?
Hi Wayne. No that doesn’t sound like the case. Still sounds like something forward of the flow switch creating back pressure. Are the flow switch and circ pump OEM parts or after market stuff?
Hi Nigel,
Have taken off plumbing from inlet and outlet of heater. Put hose from town water to both inlet and outlet of heater separately with good flow of water through heater. As mentioned previously, circ pump delivers flow after flow switch and ozone injector. Hose from town water shoved in circ pump outlet in spa resulting in free flow of water up to detached hose at ozone t piece after flow switch. No back pressure and all free flowing plumbing. I cannot think of anything except poor circ pump under load or control box problem. What about temp sensor, would this cause the flashing FLO error somehow through the control system??
Hi Wayne. A temp sensor will not cause a FLO error code. A PWA could cause a FLO code but it is rare. Also if it was the PWA why wouldn’t the FLO message show up when you bypassed the flow switch. That’s why it leads me to believe it’s a flow issue or back pressure issue.
I would remove the Mazzei ozone T fitting from your spa and hook everything back up as before without that T fitting. It’s very common for calcium deposit chips to get lodged in the Mazzei T and the heater. Possibly while you were working through this and flushing things you removed debris. By simply looking in the T fitting you would be able to see debris. By simply shaking the heater debris would usually fall out of it. If possible replace the circ pump if it is older. It’s tough to see if there is debris in the wet end without taking it apart. Use this model if you are replacing it: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/pumps/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-laing-series-circulation-pump-part-number-6000-125e.html
Hi Nigel,
I guess the circ pump should be replaced. Your link indicates a pump at 60Hz. In Australia, need 50Hz, 240V. Can you provide appropriate link?
Thanks
Wayne
Hi Wayne. These pumps are global friendly ie 50/60 Hz. That being said we don’t ship to Australia so hopefully if you need one you can find a Sundance dealer down under to provide you with this part number.
I have a 2007 Sundance Maxxus (mnf. date: 06/15/07). After refilling with new filter and replaced flow switch it is flashing FLO…ICE…COLD when I turn power on. Both jet symbols are flashing and the heat icon and circ. icon are not displayed. When I push the #2 and #3 jet button they shut off. When I push the #1 jet button I hear a click. Not sure what might be the issue so if you could point me in the direction to start that would be very much appreciated as I would prefer not to have a repair person come at $100 and hour and the closest 1 is 2 hours away.
Thank you.
Hi Shane. Check your 20 amp glass mini fuse for the pump. If that checks out ok you could check for proper voltage at the test point for that pump after you press the jet button. If you don’t have proper voltage you could have a bad relay and or contactor and or board. If you do have proper voltage you could have a bad pump.
Hello, Help, have flashing flo message on sundance majesta 880 spa. Cleaned filter. all flow and pumps seem to be operating. Flo switch bad? Is there easy way to tell if it is flo switch. Any ideas ?
Thanks
Hi Joe. Try to run the spa briefly without the filter first to see if the flashing FLO message goes away. Let me know how you make out.
Hi Nigel,
Thanks for the reply. I have ran without filter. still getting flashing flo signal. Looking at flo switch it does not appear to be opening and closing but it is hard to tell. All pumps seem to be working but there is no flow on waterfall feature. Guessing that may be cuz flo switch cuts that off too?
Hi Joe. If you have no flow through your waterfall that means you could have low water an airlock or the waterfall topside control is either turned off and or the smaller circ pump is not running. Make sure your water level is touching the bottom of the pillows, the waterfall valve topside is rotated to the on position and aleviate any air locks by opening up the union to the smaller circ pump a bit til the air is released. You will lose some water during this process. If all this checks out check for proper voltage with your multimeter on the circuit board at the circ pump test points. If you have proper voltage there you could have a bad connection from the board to the circ pump, a plugged circ pump and or a bad circ pump. I’ve attached two purchase links to circ pumps that would fit your Majesta depending on the date built of the spa. Let me know if I can help out more on this: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/pumps/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-lx-series-circulation-pump-part-number-6500-907.html
https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/pumps/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-aquaflo-series-circulation-pump-part-number-6000-907.html
Have tried the air lock and water levels are good. Still no water flow from waterfall and no reaction when open or close waterfall valve. If it is a clogged circ pump, how can I unclog or check. Thanks
Hi Joe. Easiest way is to drain the spa, loosen off the union in front of the smaller circ pump and reach inside of the pump to see if there is blockage in the eye of the impellor.
I have a 2007 sundance maxxus 880 spa. It has been flawless and i went out the other day and i have a flashing flow message and my temperature was way down.
I have 3 pumps in this unit and only one seems to be working. No circ pump and now because of the cold weather, the one working pump is on because its showing an ice message.
I shut power off and pulled the filter. That Did not do anything. I ordered a flo switch and replaced it but that did not do anything.
On the display, the bubbler lights up and i hear the relay turn on. That happens with all of the pumps but they do not work. The relays click but no body is home at the pumps. On the display the two pump lights are flashing now continuously.
PLEASE HELP
Hi Andrew. The 2007 Maxxus came with a High Output Dynamic Flow, 24-Hour Filter/Circulation Pump, 3 larger jet pump and the aromatherapy blower. Easy to differentiate between the 4 pumps. The Circ pump is a smaller pump compared to the other 3. If you have a flashing FLO message and there is no water movement through the waterfalls you must check with your multimeter that you have proper voltage going to the circ pump set points. If you have proper voltage going there and there is no flow through the waterfall you could have a plugged circ pump, bad connection at the circ pump and or a bad circ pump. If you don’t have proper voltage at the circ pump set points you could have a bad circuit board fuse and or a bad circuit board. The circuit board on the 2007 Maxxus houses a 20 amp glass fuse. I’ve attached a purchase link for the circ pump on your model spa for you convenience in case required. It is in stock and would ship tommorow: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/pumps/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-aquaflo-series-circulation-pump-part-number-6000-907.html
Would that explain the other pumps not working? If the fuse was cooked?
Hi Andrew. The fuse is connected to the operation of the pumps. The Maxxus is a bit of a different animal. There are also 2 extra relays that are connected to pump operation on the Maxxus. A smaller pump relay and a larger magnetic contactor. The first place to start after the 20 amp glass fuse on the circuit board however would be the test points for the circ pump.
Hello,
Thanks for the reply. I drained hot tub, checked circa pump for clog. Nothing significant found. I also, replaced flow switch. Again no luck. Any ideas how to solve this mysterious “flo” problem that has our tub shut down. Thanks
Joe
Hi Joe. If all this checks out check for proper voltage with your multimeter on the circuit board at the circ pump test points. If you have proper voltage there you could have a bad connection from the board to the circ pump and or a bad circ pump. I’ve attached two purchase links to circ pumps that would fit your Majesta depending on the date built of the spa. Let me know if I can help out more on this. They are in stock and would ship today:
https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/pumps/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-aquaflo-series-circulation-pump-part-number-6000-907.html
https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/pumps/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-lx-series-circulation-pump-part-number-6500-907.html
I have a 2002 Sundance Altamar that has a FLO error on the display. The circulating pump still works but neither of the just pumps nor the heater work. I have replaced the flow switch and the filters but this did not clear the FLO error. I removed the filter and placed my hand over the pump suction pipe. When my hand was sucked onto the pipe, thus restricting flow to the pump, the FLO error cleared and I was able to quickly start the jet pumps. The same happens when I cover the circulating pump discharge pipe in the hot tub, again restricting flow. The FLO error message will clear and I can start both Jet pumps. The hot tub has an ozonator.
What should I look at for the possible cause of this FLO error code??
I can live with jump starting the spa in this manner until the Sprinwhen ain’t is not 10 degrees outside so I can have the time to drain the spa and carry out any suggested repairs.
Chris if the circulation pump works you should have water movement through the small circulation jet in the footwell of the spa. Put your hand down in front of this small outlet first to confirm water movement at this fitting. Whether the jet pumps function is not relevant with respect to a FLO error code as a jet pump cannot cause a FLO error code. Chat me back with your results.
Hi there! I have a Catalina XL 15000 Stereo spa – she is old but has given many years of good service! Just recently all has been normal except, say you’ve been in it for 10 mins or so and decide to hit the ‘jets’ button to change the speed, at that point everything will cut out and the dreaded FLO will be showing on the display. If you just wait for anywhere between 5 and 20 mins the idle circulation pump will kick back in and then you’re ready to carry on. Any ideas why all is well until you change the pump speed? Could the change in pressure be causing the flow switch to get stuck?
Hi Matt. It sounds like you could have low water level so when the jet pump gets turned on it is starved of water and produces the FLO error code. Could be a dirty filter as well where the circ pump can pull a small amount of water through the filter without the FLO error code but the jet pump demands more GPM so produces the FLO error code. Most spas out there have the circ pump and jet 1 pump tied together at some point in the plumbing. Usually through a freeze protection line.
Hi, I have a 2002 garden leisure spa desert rose, with brand new pumps, brand new gecko circuit board and gecko control panel, everything is working fine except I get a 3 dot flashing error code…I took the filter out, it was dirty, called my hot tub technician and will get a new one in three days, meanwhile I soaked my old filter (which is 6 months old in bleach and water, which is what my hot tub technician told me to do) I rinsed it out and put it back in hot tub…flashing 3 dots returned, my question is…if I have no filter in, 3 dots flashing error code goes away, can I keep filter out of hot tub until my new filter is put in 3 to 4 days from now?
Hi Rhonda. The trouble with no filter in is that it will expose you to contaminants in the water as you are in the spa. If you don’t use the spa during this time it will expose the plumbing to blockage. What is the part number of the filter and what city/town are you in? We might be able to get you a new filter quicker.
Hi Nigel….. We have a 2015 Hydropool Serenity Gold Series hot tub and getting solid FLO after filling tub and turning on.
Hi Tracy. If you have a solid FLO and no water movement from the circulation pump check for volatge at the circ pump set points on the board. If you have voltage at the set points but no water movement and no sound from the circ pump you could have a plugged or bad circ pump or bad connection to the circ pump. If you don’t have voltage a the set points you could have a bad board.
I have a ’98 caldera martinuqe with 1 2-speed pump. Pump was replaced as it was tripping the breaker. Ran great for about 36 hours then we were loosing power. Turn off breaker, turn on, run about 2 minutes then the panel display went blank. No power. Purchase a 2nd hand control board (exact same model), hooked it up and now it will not run in low speed at all!! The display shows the temp, FLO, and o3. Alternating through this. If I hit the jets button, it will engage into high speed, and start heating the water. The FLO then disappears. Once the timer has run out on the high speed, the pump used to go into low to continue heating. The pump just turns completely off. We are stumped! Took the filter out, no change in problem. Was advised it could be the pressure switch but there is no flow of water at all unless “I” hit the jets button. Please help!!
Hi Ruth. Sounds like it could be a bad board.
Hello,
We have a 2007 Sundance Maxxus. It does nothing at all. The topside is blank. I have checked all breakers, power is getting to the control board. I have pulled and checked all of the fuses and all are good. Replaced the Control Board with a new 6600-392 Control board. Replaced the Transformer with a brand new one. Still nothing. I am going crazy with this thing. Any help or ideas? Thanks!
Justin, With your multimeter check for 240 VAC at TB1 on the
main terminal block. Then check for power at your transformer secondary. Let me know what these two readings are.
Hello,
I have a 4/99 CA Oasis LA Spa. Serial # 99638. The control panel is displaying a flashing FLO error code. I have tried the garden hose method, checked the water level & cleaned the filters, but the hot tub will not circulate water & the FLO code is still there. Current temperature is 52 degrees! The jets all work, and when they run, the hot tub heats up a few degrees. But when the jets stop, the hot tub stops heating. What could be wrong? Thank you!
Check that you have circulation from the smaller circulation pump Carly either by checking flow through the circulation heating jet and or suction from the circulation side of the filter. If that checks out you could have a poor connection from the flow switch to the board and or a bad flow switch. If you don’t have circulation from the smaller circulation pump you could have a poor connection from the circulation pump to the board, a plugged circulation pump and or a bad circulation pump.
Hey all, appreciate your help. I have a 2008 jacuzzi J480 that up to this point has worked great. I recently developed a problem with a flo / flo2 issue and I replaced the flow switch and that resolve the issue however now I seem to have an issue where the standard mode no longer seems to work. What I mean is when standard mode is turned off if the temperature is below the set point the circulation flow is still working although the heater is off. Previously the standard mode was off the circulation pump never came on.
Check if your economy settings have been extended Rene.
Great forum, Nigel, thank you. Have a 2001 Sundance Altamar with a solid FLO light. No airlock, flow is good. The dealer came out and said I need to change out the circuit board, and before I go that route, I was hoping it’s a lesser cost, e.g. temp sensor. FLO light is solid. After I shutdown the spa, let it cool, circ pump and O2 run normally, temp starts to come up. I can even run jets. BUT, if a make adjustments on the topside, e.g. to temp, it shutdowns and triggers the FLO. Same if I run Jet 1 and then start Jet 2.
And still, if I shut it down for a bit, then Re power it, runs normally for an hour or two or three.
Thoughts?
Does it show as a solid FLO and Solid FLO2 or a flashing FLO and then temperature flashing FLO then temperature.
Also when the msg comes up does the small circulation pump stop?
Solid FLO and yes, circ pump stops.
Typically if the circ pump stops you’d want to look to see if there is any blockage in the flow switch and or line and that the paddle is intact. Also to check that you don’t have a poor connection from the flow switch to the board and that the paddle is aligned with the arrow on the flow switch. If that all checks out I would try a new flow switch first. The Tech should have a board and flow switch with him because if it is not a flow switch the capacitors on the board could be swollen and shutting it down. Typically when they are swollen the board throws a FLO or FLO2 msg briefly and then a watchdog code shortly after that.
I have a Gecko heater system; I am getting a blinking FLO on the topside control. I get FLO from the topside control while the circulating pump is flowing & it is showing FLO on the topside control panel, Then it kicks off for a little bit then kick back on & runs normal for a while then the FLO sign reappears. I have changed water & removed the filter & doesn’t seem to make a difference. Runs normal & then FLO shows up with the circulating pump running then shuts off for a while then kicks back on. Totally confused any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks Dave
What model Gecko heater do you have David?
I have a Sundance Cameo 2002 flashing FLO, ICE and COOL after refill with cold water. Pumps both start running when I switch power on. Is this normal?
Hi Rick, yes both pumps turning on is normal. When the water is that cold the pumps turn on as a freeze protection protocol. The FLO msg is another issue. Could be a simple air lock. Do you have a waterfall on the spa and if so is there water movement through the waterfall?
I have a early 2000s model sundance spa 880 series 2 pumps..Had a solid FLO code couple yrs back. replaced flow switch all was good. Now im getting a intermittent solid flo code. Almost like theres an air lock or something. I tapped the flow switch and pulled the filter and put it back and also power cycled the tub. It went away for a couple days. Other day I went out to check chems and turned on all jets and FLO came back solid again. Turned the jets on and off a couple times and messed with the filter a little and it went off and hasnt come back? Switch going bad? I havent taken a closer look at the switch to see if some debris is maybe in there? heat and all jets work though and water fall. little tab in switch should be touching when jets are on and not touching when jets are off?
Hi Andrew, the paddle should be making good contact with the post inside the flow switch when the small circulation pump is running. If it is not there could be a bad connection or debris in the flow switch or back pressure in the line somewhere. Could also be a filter you believe is clean but deep within the pleats a greasy film is present that sets off the flow switch from time to timne.