II have a 2002 Optima spa. Several months ago the button on the top-side control panel for the 2 speed pump (#1) stopped working. There’s a second, smaller control panel on the opposite side of the tub which also will not work. But when the preset filter cycles occur the pump will come on and the icon comes on on the display. I tried shutting off the power and unplugging the control panel from the electrical panel, and then replugging everything in but it’s still the same. There also was a time where the pump was coming on and off all on it’s own, sometimes several times / minute. Is my control panel toast?
Spa pump not responding to buttons but still comes on during cycles
- January 29, 2014
- by Aqua-Tech
- 5:59 am
- 160 replies
160 thoughts on “Spa pump not responding to buttons but still comes on during cycles”
Derek it sounds like you may have a bad remote panel. Try disconnecting the remote panel from the sensor loom inside the skirt panel. Then try your main control panel button again. If it still does’nt work you may have a bad main control panel, bad connection at the PWA or a bad PWA. If all else fails contact our Service Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your Sundance Spa.
Hi do u know anything about Aries Spa’s? A Gecko spa pack?
How can I help you Angela with your Gecko spa pak questions?
Hi! My HL light came on. I bought a new spa pack. The controls on the information center dont work. The bottobs dont work. I called the company that I bought it from and the guy said Aries changed the spa pack and the control center. That I have to buy a new one that goes with the new spa pack. Is that correct? Also, theres no water movement. Nothing is clogged. The guys also said that the white T-nob in the right wont switch from UP – DOWN. WHen u change the heater u have to put these down so the water wont drain out of the hot tub while replacing it. He said to drain it and look to see if it broken. Is that correct?
Angela the HL message on most platforms means hi-limit. It’s an overheat temp message. Some topside controls are not compatible with some control boxes. Some platforms require the control box to be configured to the topside. If you push down on the knife valve and pull up on it you should be able to feel if it is opening and closing. With the stem all the way extended it is open. With the stem fully retracted it is closed. If the stem doesn’t move at all it may need replacing.
I’m hoping that it may be the smaller remote panel that’s topside, but i’ve looked several times down below and i can’t figure out which wires to disconnect. I can see the strip for the mail control panel, but can you give me any clues (or a picture) as to what the remote panel wires would be plugged in to on the circuit board? I really appreciate any help you can give me! Cheers
Derek your main control panel is the grey ribbon cable that is plugged into the circuit board at J7 near the top of the board over to the right or left.
The remote panel is the ribbon cable that is plugged into another ribbon cable near the bottom of the Sentry control box.
When you open the door to the box you should see two ribbon ccables connected near the bottom of the box where the wire access holes are connected with a mating harness. Disconnect this harness and your remote panel will be deactivated but you should still have control through your main panel.
That did it! I had looked at that ribbon cable several times before but didn’t realize that was where they connected. Now with the remote panel disconnected all of the pumps are working properly once again!! Thanks so much – I REALLY appreciate the help, and the detailed explanations to walk me through it. I’m very impressed by the support offered here – great advise which i’m very grateful for. Cheers
Just purchased a used Sundance spa an the display panel continues to blink…..I can turn the heat up an down, turn the light on…..but niether pumps , blower or display buttons are responding…..
Bobby what is the make and model of your spa and what is the date built. All of this info can be found on the id sticker near the Sentry Control Box.
hi,
I have the same issue Derek had. Pump 2 is not working on a Sundance Optima 880
2007 i think. The pump only works on the cycles and when I unwinterised up my spa from winter, a Ice message appeared and the two pumps were functionning. although I couldnt stop the system. Once the temp was reached, the pump 2 stopped, and the only way to make it run, was to disconnect J7 like specified in answers to Derek. I have no idea what to change now, can someone help.
thank you all
Nicolas try and disconnect your remote panel near the bottom of the Sentry control box. If all else fails contact your local Sundance Spas Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your Sundance spa.
Sundance series 880 spa temperature increase button does not work. All other panel functions work.
John if the decrease button works and the increase button does not you could have a bad topside control. Check the ribbon cable for breaks. If you would like a link for prices and availability to a new topside control send me your serial number of your spa.
Serial # oxa3lcd-100395092-311
Alarmar model
John here is the link: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/control-panel-sundance-880-2009.html
hi there,
I have a Sundance Optima 880 2014 i think. The pumps only work on the cycles and the buttons do not work. I can turn the lights on and off with the control panel though. Everything worked while the spa was cold but now that it has heated up it no longer functions. can someone help?
thank you!
Mark what is the serial number of your Sundance Spa? You can find this on the id label on or near the Sentry Control Box.
Hi there thanks for the quick response…serial number is OXO3LCD-100436881-0812. Spa has recently been moved and was working perfectly after fresh fill when cold and for first 24 hours or so hot.
The Spa is recirc and temperature controlling correctly and the pumps are working during the daily auto cycle with an LCD icon on display.
The main control panel looks fine (no misting), is backlit, the light buttons work correctly, but no other button functions are working (Temp, Pumps, Programming).
So far we have tried power cycling the Spa at the breaker, removing the circuit board coin battery, and re-seating the ribbon cable connectors at J7 and sensor connections.
Is it possible there is a loose connection at/under the control panel itself ?
Mark you could have a bad connection in the ribbon cable or at the PWA where the topside harness connects to the PWA and or a bad topside control panel on your 2012 Sundance Optima Spa. Check the ribbon cable for breaks. The ribbon cable is gelled into the bottom of the topside so no real serviceable parts there.
Hi there I have a 2010 Sundance Optima 880 and first it’s been serviced for many different things. Now it is no longer under warranty and the side panels are popping off it looks like bulging on the left side while facing the tub. And curious if it’s an easy fix? Thank you
Trisha when the skirt panels bulge like that they are warped and simply need to be replaced. They are held on with wood screws that can be removed with a phillips screwdriver.
Hi, I have a. Probably 15 or old jacuzzi spa. The control panel has 2 buttons, jets and temp. Neither button will do anything. If I kill the power it heats to 100, the default when power goes out. At this time I’m unable to change the temp or turn on jets. One pump comes on as usual when calling for heat. Any ideas ? Thanks
Rick, what is the make and model number of the control Pak?
I replaced it 5 years , it is Balboa R576000 . The tub is 200 miles away, this is what I could find picturon the pictures i took before I left. Thanks
Rick alot of the Balboa paks have a lockout for the pump ie when the water is cool like after a fresh fill the circulation pump will work til the spa heats within a certain range of your set temperature so like 20 degrees within your set temp. That could be the reason why the jet pump won’t turn on. Once it gets within range it will unlock the other jet pump. If you are unable to lower or raise the temperature reading on the keypad then you could have another issue. If your water is much colder then your set temperature give it til it reaches set temperature and then try the pump again. If you are within range or at set temperature and the buttons are still not active I would check around the controller box area for broken or cut cables especially coming down from the topside control into the control box. Check the PWA inside the control box for any damage or burn marks. In some cases with a 5 yr old pak it is more cost effective to replace the pak complete if you have a bad PWA. If you just have a bad topside controller it may be more cost effective to change out the topside. If your looking to change out the whole pak let me know and I could make some recommendations based on how many pumps you have, what their voltage rating is, if you have an ozone unit and a light. To locate a replacement Balboa PWA I would need the Serial number, Description number and Eprom chip number off the PWA. It sounds like you have a VL200 mini oval topside control with the jet, temp and light button.
I believe the topside controlled is echo digital control 2500-154,52223, as I found the exact one on ebay,. 2 buttons one for pumps, one for temp. Jet button also operates the light. There are 2 pumps which operate the jets, first pump also runs when heating. No smaller pump for hearing alone. Tub is 220 volts. Tub is starting at 100 degrees. The control panel will not raise or lower this temp. You cannot turn on our off jets from control panel. One set of jets will run when the tub calls for heat only. Sound like the control panel or circuit board ?? Searched and found no burns or broken wires. Thanks
Rick if the water is at 100 degrees now you could have a bad PWA (circuit board). I’ve attached a purchase link to a replacement pak bundle. Has a very similiar plumbing footprint as the Jacuzzi R576000. Comes complete with keypad and pump cords and also a light. https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/spa-parts/spa-paks/balboa/intelligent-balboa-vs501-bundle-kit-for-replacing-existing-spa-paks-part-number-vs501.html
I have a 2005 Sweetwater Palermo spa. It heats and circulates but the control panel buttons will not work the temp also shows much higher than the set temp when I turn it off at the breaker ? Any ideas what it could be ?
Melissa it sounds like you may have a bad topside control panel or bad connection from the panel to the PWA. Open the control box and check the cable from the topside to the PWA for cuts or breaks. I’ve attached a link for your convenience. Let me know if I can help in any other way.
https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/electronics/sundance-spas-control-panel-led-part-number-6600-631.html
Hi, I have a Oslo 3000 hot tub (6 sided with wooden exterior and access doors) with Balboa control panel, 1 blower button, 1 jets button, light button and set button. Just had the heater replaced and now the panel has froze, it reads 10 and the little red heat light is on but none of the other buttons are working so can not set the temperature or use jets and blowers but it is still going through its cycles.
Thanks in advance, Ady
Ady if the temperature of the spa water is 10 degrees it could be that the spa control is in lockout and will prevent activation of the blower, pumps etc. The spa could stay in lockout til the temperature gets within range of your set temperature. Usually 20 degrees of set temperature. Let the spa heat up and then try the topside buttons again once you are at your set temperature. If the panel screen is frozen on the number 10 and your actual water temp is much higher or lower try power cycling the spa to see if that corrects the issue. If neither of these work check the wiring in and around the PWA for damage. If you have a 2nd remote topside panel other then your main control panel try unplugging the remote panel to see if things correct. If you have no remote panel and you see no damage you could have a bad PWA.
Hi Nigel,
Thanks for quick and informative response, How do I power cycle the hot tub? Bearing in mind nothing works on the control panel.
Cheers, Ady
Ady, power cycle the spa by shutting off your main gfci in the house to the spa. Leave it off for 5min. Then turn it back on.
Hello there…maybe you can help.. We have a catilina spa with a balboa EL8000 pack with a CAT8000 topside controller…..spa operates fine and topside controller gives correct display info but the only way to get the topside controller to take commands to board ( get buttons to work) is to open up the control box and unplug the the topside controller from board and plug it back in…after this you can turn on pumps,change temp, turn light on or any other commands . But only until the spa times out at predetermined settings ..either 15 or 30 minutes…in my case it is 30 minutes and after this you can no longer send commands on the topside controller ( still displays current water temp) to turn on the pumps for use you have to get back in to control box and unplug and replug back in again..all the time the display unit is showing no error codes .. Any thoughts??…..thanks..
Daniel it seems the topside control is working on some level. First check the cable connections from the topside control down to the PWA. Make sure there are no breaks in the cable. If the cable checks out ok try and disconnect your aux panels or remote panels if you have any. Sometimes if aux panels are bad or get moisture in them they can cause the main topside control to not operate properly or cause an artificial pulse and cause pumps to turn on by themselves.
If this all checks out ok you could have a bad PWA.
Hello I have a Hawkeye millennium hot tub. It was working fine. I decided to drain it and fill it up last night. After filling it up, when I turned it on the display wouldn’t show anything. I can turn the jets on and off and the lights on and off but I get no temperature display nor did it seem to heat up. The recirculation pump turned on when I turned breaker on but can’t tell if heater is working cause I have no display. How can something work one minute and stop just from filling up new water
Probably just coincidence Ben. You can check to see if the spa is heating with an amp meter. Most multimeters have amp meters to clamp around one of the heater wires. If your heater is a 5.5 kw heater you should have an amp reading around
22 or 23 amps. Sounds like you could have a bad topside control and or PWA. Check to see if there is any visible damage to the topside control cable from the topside right down to where it connects to the PWA.
I have a Sundance Altamar hot tub.. The display error is FLO 2.. I opened the door to the electronics and a mouse has chewed through the ribbon cable that connects to the top display. that ribbon cable connects to another ribbon cable that has a black rubber around the cable. that is where the mouse chewed — right before the black part of the cable. can the cable be replaced? does it need a new display to? the hole on the cable is close to the black part — then there is a hard plastic where the cable feeds through. I can send a picture if needed.
Hi Tim. You will need to replace the topside control. A cut cable on a topside control however won’t cause a FLO2 message. Typically a cut/broken flow switch cable would cause that or a bad or plugged flow switch. Check the cable from the flow switch to the PWA for cuts and if you can send me the serial number of your Altamar I can send you a link to both a topside and flow switch. Your serial number can be found on the spa id label usually on top of or near the Sentry Control Box. The flow switch cable is something I have seen chewed up by mice before.
he serial # AL406116. I am not sure what the flow switch cable is. Thanks for your help
Tim the flow switch will be behind the skirt panel to the right of the topside control. It will be inline of the circulation line directly after the heater. It has a grey wire coming off the top of the switch that connects to your PWA or main board. The switch will be a clear t fitting that you can see through to a paddle assy. Or if it an original switch it could be a yellow plastic t fitting. Here is a link for a genuine replacement switch. We have them in stock. Purchase tonite and it would ship Tuesday: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/electronics/flow-switch-with-transparent-tee.html
Here is the link for the topside control. Also in stock: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/sundance-parts/electronics/sundance-spas-control-panel-lcd-part-number-6600-860.html
Nigel,, the cable from the control panel on the right side — where that bottom part of the cable connects to another flat ribbon cable that is where the mouse chew through it… and it is behind the skirt… that is the part I will need too.
Hey Tim. Nice talking to you earlier. Yeah that ribbon cable from the smaller topside control connects to your main topside. Most people are like you ie when the smaller control goes down they just go without it. Sometimes I have found that if the ribbon cable got wet on that smaller control it would randomly turn on the pumps and blower. So if you just unplug it you should be fine. The part is still available but we don’t stock it anymore as there is such little call for it. It’s about $265 for that small control. Takes approx 2 to 2.5 weeks to bring in. 2004 was the last year that Sundance Spas used that small control on their spas. In 2005 they used the small control for controlling the lights on their new waterfalls and underwater lighting and then a few years after that they eliminated the small control completely from their spas and now they just use the big control for everything. Most things are wifi now as well so alot of people control their Sundance Spa options from their iPhones and Android devices on the newer spas.
Hi there! Hopefully you can help! We just got a used 2015 Jacuzzi J345. After filling it and everything working fine (just waiting for it to get to temp) we had a leak. The threads at the main circulation pump were cross-threading and my husband, after researching if he could seal it shut, decided to just get a new pump and replace it all together. It’s all filled up and good to go except now when we turn on pump #1 it only turns on the waterfall and not the pump that is lo/high/off. Pump 2 kicks on and off when the button is pushed. I feel like it’s a setting thing bc both pumps worked yesterday once the spa was filled, and then pump 2 started to run continuously without timing out last night, and we’d go turn it off and a few minutes later it would kick on again. And. Ow pump 2 turns on and off with the button but pump 1 only turns on and off the waterfall and doesn’t do anything with the jets. Ugh! Please help!! Thank you!
Hi Melissa. After a fresh fill of the spa the pumps turn on as a freeze protection precaution as typically tap water is cold. The jet 2 pump would perform as you describe run continuously. The jet 2 pump would typically shut off when the spa temperature is out of danger and typically between 40-50 degrees from your set temperature. Then the jet 1 pump would turn on and typically run til your temperature is within 15 degrees of your set temperature.
If you have flow through your waterfall but not your seating jets while jet 1 is running you would want to check each jet face in the spa. Most of the jets are adjustable at the jet face. With a simple rotation left or right you can turn flow off or increase flow.
Hi there,
I currently own a Jacuzzi 355 and I am experiencing a problem with one of the 2 pump buttons. One of the button works just fine but the second one just won’t operate. I know the pump is fine as when I reset the breaking this pump and the jets related to it work for about 20 mins. All the other buttons of the mainboard work just fine. What would you suggest I do? Should I change the wire connected to the mainboard?
Thanks!
Hi Philippe. You could check for voltage on the board with that pump button pressed and the icon on. If you have proper voltage at the board then the pump or connection to pump is bad. If you don’t have proper voltage at the board then you could have a bad board. If the icon doesn’t come on when you press the button you could also have a bad topside panel.
Hi I have a gecko mspa-mp-p122-p222 board and a coast spa 3 pump control panel. I recently had a new pump and heater. I filled tub and ran everything, everything worked fine. So I left it overnight to heat up. I’m the morning all flow had stopped. Control panel was still on temp saying 30°c but thermometer says 20°c. All icons come on when I press buttons but nothing happens. I left tub off for 24 hours and put back on seams to have solved problem temp only saying 28°c going to wait and see if it cuts out at 30°c
Hi Dt. Often you can see that happen with a simple power cycling of the spa that things reset and go back to normal. If it does not go back to normal it sounds like it could be a logic or board isssue.
Hi thanks for getting back to me.
After I restarted hot tub it said 28°c (thermometer said 18°c )it ran fine with cover off everything working as it should. Once hot tub temp gets to 31°c, control panel gets 3 flashing lights and flashing heater icon. Could this be the temp hi limit sensor. I’m going to test heater with multimeter tonight is there way of testing temp hi limit sensor or board. It seems like the hot tub thinks he water is to hot and is cutting power to heater. Is there a thermostat or thermometer that I can check.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Dt. Only way to know if its the board is to try a new one. If the hi-limit is sensing more ambient temperature then water temperature then this could be. Check that the hi-limit is inserted properly. If your temp sensor is off it could also be causing the control to give a false overheat condition.
Hello.
We have this Durasport Antigua spa with a CTI Mini Max Digital Spa Pak controller (CT250 rev. 6) that hasn’t been used for 7-8 years now. But, I’ve managed to get it up and running again, with one exception. There seem to be a intermittent issue with the top side controller (CTI 1-628B-S) where the buttons are only working sometimes. I have checked the wiring and applied electro clean on the relevant contacts, but still I struggle with missing signals from the controller. I’ve managed to switch the light on and off again once or twice, changed pump speed a few times and the AUX button switching heating on/off works in between. I can also adjust the temperature setpoint with the HEAT button, but I have to try multiple times and push quite hard.
Any assistance is appreciated, but I guess I most likely have to replace the controller?
Thanks.
Hi Alf. Sounds like you may have a bad topside control.
2009 Jacuzzi J-480. I accidentally mixed up my wires and plugged the ribbon coming off the top side board into the remote control and amplifier boxes into the LED light DCU. I heard the pumps kick on and realized what I did and unplugged them. All the buttons on the topside board work except for Jets 1 and 2. The Jets will still come on during set circulation times.
Hi Sam. Try disconnecting the remote and just running with the main topside to see if it makes a difference. If it does you could have a bad remote topside. If it makes no difference you could have a bad Main topside.
Hi Sam..I recently drained my tub and replaced both 3hp pumps and the 1/15th hp circulation pump. When I filled it and turned it back on, the circ pump came on as usual and after about a minute both 3hp pumps came on for the cleaning cycle. A bit later the breaker threw and I lost the 2 25a fuses. I replaced the fuses and disconnected the heater. Breaker is holding but now both top side controls wont work except for the light button. I could hear a clicking sound from the mother board after I replaced fuses and turned spa on. Balboa heater element bad or ???? Thanks for any help!
Hi James. If the breaker holds with the heater disconnected, the circulation pump and both of the jet pumps running it sounds like you could have a bad heater.
Why would my top side controls not work then? Thanks Nigel
I’m not sure James. You perhaps have an issue with the PWA as well. I would solve the tripping breaker issue first and foremost as it is a safety issue if the breaker is tripping.
Hi, I have an Aquaterra Verona hot tub. My topside control will not operate my jets. I can turn on the lights, and adjust the temperature but i can not turn the jets on or off without using the temperature controls. Is it possible that powering on and off will reset the controls or is my topside control bad?
Hi Brad. A power cycle of the spa is always a good idea if you are experiencing an anomaly with the controls. If the spa is currently running a programmed cycle you may not have the capability to cycle it off or on. Make sure no cycle is running before you try to activate the pump. If this all checks out you could have a bad topside or circuit board.
Hi Nigel,
I have a 2006 Jacuzzi J-480. A couple hours after a very brief (2 second) power failure, the left side pump turned itself on and I pushed the appropriate Jet button and turned it off. The next day (yesterday), both Jet buttons (1 and 2) turn on and off the right side pump. I can no longer turn on the left side pump. I have powered down for 5 minutes with no success. Is my control panel gone or is there a possible solution?
Thanks!
Hi Jeffrey. If you have a smaller remote topside in addition to your large main topside try disconnecting the smaller topside to see if that makes a difference. If you only have the one topside it sounds like you could have a bad circuit board PWA. It’s pretty rare that the main topside is bad but it is possible as well.
have a TSC-9 panel –when i turn it on everything works but when i try to change the temperature it will only go to 59 and when i change it to 92 it defaults back to 59– what can the problem be –thanks
Hi Jenny. Does the heat light come on or heat icon come on when you increase the temp readout to 92? Also please check your current water temperature with another thermometer to check if the temperature of the water is 59.
Hello, I recently replaced the heater on my 2004 cal spa. It heat it up to 100° no problem, but since then the heater only turns on when I manually press the Jets button. High-speed Jets are the only thing that work and it also will not let me put it in economy mode. About a year ago I replaced the main circuit board, and recently while plugging back in the top side panel wire I was a little rough with the port and it bent away from the board. It didn’t appear that it damaged any solder, but is it still possible that this is what is causing my problems?
Hi Erik. Yes this is possible. Try a new topside first. It that doesn’t work you may have a bad board.
I have another topside and still does the same thing. It sounds more electrical. Is there any way to isolate the pumps low and high speed motors without going through the circuit board?
Hi Erik. If your incoming power supply is the same as your pump voltage you could rig wire the pumps lo speed to your incoming power to check if it runs on low. Follow the name plate on the motor to check for voltage and which stake is low speed and which stake is load.
Hi!
I have an aqua rest Select 150. It works well until it reaches desired temp. Once that happens, the jets seem to pulse for a couple beats and then stop, pulse then stop, and continue to do that until we unplug the hot tub. It appears to be circulating well up until that point. All jets are open and on. The fountain is on. The water is full.
There is also an alert ‘30’ on the panel. The panel only works sometimes. I can’t seem to turn off the jets with it nor the lights but I can change the temperature.
Any thoughts or advise would be appreciated!
Hi Jess. Sounds like you could have a bad topside panel and or circuit board.
Hello Nigel. First, just outstanding that you provide this Q&A free of charge. I am in a similar situation as many here. Sweetwater Bahia, just refilled for the season, ICE notification appears, both pumps going until acceptable temp (around 50) then single low speed jet only. Temp comes to 98-99 and is displayed. Filter cycle defaults to three times a day. I have no input thru the control panel. I have shut the breaker, inspected the control ribbon, and the board (nothing noticeably apparent). Are there any tests that I can perform to isolated the control panel (Sundance Spas Control Panel LED Part number 6600-832) or the board? Many thanks!
Hi Christopher. If the topside panel has some responsive action ie the jet pump buttons work, the light button works than you may have a bad board. If none of the buttons respond than it is worth trying a new topside first.
I have a 2002 Sundance Optima tub. The heat only turns on when the low speed pump is running. If I turn up the heat, the flo pump runs, but the heat will not. Is this a bad hat sensor?
Hi Mark. Sounds like the programming is set for Economy mode. Switch it to Standard mode and the heat should come on with the circulation pump if there is a heat call and it should heat thermostatically from there.
Hi, I have a 2011 Dynasty hot tub.
1 jet pump will not turn off. the other jet button works fine
all other buttons work fine.
any thoughts?
Hi Seth. If the spa is at your set temp and you don’t have another keypad you could try switching your pumps around on the circuit board to see if the working pump button will turn off the pump. If it does you know the pump is good and you either have a bad keypad button and or a bad board. Check the cable from the keypad to the board for any cuts or breaks as well. If you need a new keypad or board let me know what model controller and or keypad you have and I could send you a purchase link.
I have a 6month old aqua rest 400. The jet/ motor button light stays on top side. Motor won’t come on at all. Temp setting buttons and display function as does LED light. Have tried unplugging to reset.
Hi John. If you don’t have any error codes on the topside keypad like DR, LF, OH, HH etc and you hear no sound at all from the pump motor but the indicator light for the pump is on you would want to check for proper voltage with your multimeter at the pump set points on the circuit board inside the main control box and or for burnt connectors or a bad connection on the board. If the connections are good and you have proper voltage at the set points for the pump then you could have bad connection between the board and the pump and or a bad pump. If you hear sound from the pump motor like it is running but you just have no water flow then you could have an air lock that needs purging. If you don’t have proper voltage at the pump set points then you could have a bad board.
I have a lifesprigs ls 7000 spa puchase date 6/04 with aacura ‘power master’ unit inside- I just found it with a tripped breaker- reset breaker- the top control panel just reads “canc” now and no functions of any buttons on top- at one point the canc went away to read “file” on screen and I could make pump hi/low button work- but after resting the acura unit I am back to “canc” on screen and no buttons working. the spa pump is running and lights say it is heating and filtering.
Hi Todd. Try pressing the SET button on the keypad while CANC is displayed. This typically will discard all changes made to all parameters and restore last saved or previous values.
I have a 2004 Dream Maker Eclipse Hot Tub model B6L. All I need to know is where the damn top side control panel wire plugs into. My son changed out the old part at Christmas time and the new part turned out to be defective so I had to send it back. Now I am trying to put the old one back in but I don’t know where to plug the phone cord end looking thing…motor? Circuit board??? There’s 2 inches of space and I have big hands. Can’t see, can’t get a flash light or a mirror in there. WHERE does this guy plug into?????? H E L P I’m going coo-coo.
Hi Lynn. The topside keypad plugs into the circuit board. Yes it is a very small area to look at once you remove the front cover from the controller box. I find a flashlight is beneficial to see the connection.
Hi We just bought a brand new Auquarest hot tub 110v. Plug and play style We have checked the breKer box we have power to the plugs. The yellow light light on the gfci switch
Thank you for any help
Felicia morris
Hi Felicia. Congrats on your new AquaRest. Usually the power cords have GFCI test ends on them. If the spa is not powering up try pressing the test button first on the plug and then the reset button. The plug works much like a shaving plug in a household bathroom. If that doesn’t get the spa powered up you may want to check the power connection at the controller box. The end of the cord will plug into the controller box circuit board within the spa cabinet. Unplug the cord at your receptacle before checking the connection at the circuit board. The cord will be connected to a controller box like the one in this link: https://support.aqua-tech.ca/store/index.php/spa-parts/spa-paks/balboa/vs100-balboa-controller-kit-part-number-54825-01.html
Hello. I have a Vita SpaR-200. I had to replace the circuit board because of a short. Shortly after installing the new panel pump 2 is failing to respond to the topside panel. It does come on during the normal heating cycles. Pump 1 responds to the topside panel and all of the other controls are working. I removed the circuit to check and see if there was any evidence of a short on the back of the panel. I can’t see any such evidence. I do hear a click when I push the control panel, but the pump does not come on. I switched the pumps around and both pumps are working fine. Does this mean it is the pump 2 switch on the circuit board even though I cant see any signs of a short?
Thank you for any help you can give.
Robert
Hi Robert. It does sound like a relay could be bad on the board. Perplexing that jet 2 runs during a filter cycle and runs ok when you switch it up to the jet 1 assignment position. Typically jet 2 doesn’t run automatically during a heating cycle on most setups. What voltage do you have at the jet 2 set points on the board when you press the jet 2 button?
I bought a house that has a Jacuzzi J310 that works somewhat. The heater works fine and the Jets on the side of the tub where the control panel is located work, however, the Jets on the opposite side where the waterfall is do not work.
I am unsure where to go from here to try to get this working.
I do have one question though. Would it make a difference if it we’re hooked up to 110 instead of 220?
Hi Bradd. Do you have two jet pumps or one?
Bradd. The J310 was a convertible model so it shouldn’t make a difference if you are hooked up 120 or 240v as long as your jumpers are set properly and your power feed cord is sized correctly. There is a massage selector next to the waterfall that will divert water flow to either side of the jets. Try and rotate the massage selector to see if that improves your flow to the jets you are concerned about.
I only saw one pump. Where would I look to check the jumpers, and how should they be set?
Hi Bradd. I would try the massage selector first near the waterfall to make sure it is turned to direct water to those jets you are seeing no flow through. Also grab hold of the jets faces themselves as they could be rotated off. With respect to the jumpers please give me the part number on the circuit board. From that I could tell you where you should have your jumpers set. The part number will start with 6600-
Hello,
I had posted a question on February 28 and received a response from Nigel via email. I responded to that email with the following, but never received another response.
Hello,
Sorry for the late response. I am not sure about the voltage. I am thinking maybe the problem lies in the topside control. The button for the light is no longer working. Additionally, the button that controls the jets is acting weird. Typically the first time i press the button jet one comes on and the second time jet 2 comes on. The third turns off jet one and finally the fourth jet two. Now the first time turns on jet one and the second turns it off. Jet two is never affected. I plan on opening the panel and looking for any possible loose wires. If you have any insight it would be appreciated.
Since then the spa side button will not allow me to turn the jets on or off. They do work and the tub still cycles. I can cause jet one to come on by adjusting the temp on the spa side control. If I switch the pumps on the circuit board I can do the same for pump two. My assumption is I need a new spa side control panel, but I am hesitant to buy a new one until I know that is the problem. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Robert Kaefer
Hi Robert. It does sound like a relay could be bad on the board. Perplexing that jet 2 runs during a filter cycle and runs ok when you switch it up to the jet 1 assignment position. Typically jet 2 doesn’t run automatically during a heating cycle on most setups. What voltage do you have at the jet 2 set points on the board when you press the jet 2 button?
Hi Nigel,
Jet 2 does not run on the cycle. It only runs if I switch it with pump one on the board. I checked the voltage and got a reading of zero on both pumps 1 and 2 at their respective points on the board while pressing the jet button. I did obviuosly get a reading when pump one came on after programing to a higher temperature. Sounds more and more like the spa side panel.
Thanks,
Robert
If you are calling for a pump and have no voltage at the set points on the board it typically indicates a board. You may consider having a spa technician attend to the issue.
Hi Nigel,
Just to clarify are you saying it indicates the board where the set points and not the spa side panel? I recently noticed that when pressing the light button on the spa side panel the light does not work. Additionally, when I call for the bubbles when the pump is running it causes the pump to shut off and there is a weird noise. I was hoping this meant I needed to replace the spa side panel as they are less expensive. I recently replaced the board and all was well for a short time, but now not so much.
Thanks,
Rob
Yes
Nigel, I think I just developed a similar issue. I have a 2012-ish Sundance Hawthorn with the dual pump option and the circulation pump (pump 2) now runs, but the display will not take any input. It is still displaying the temp, and the ever-present “blb” warning to replace the UV light but none of the buttons seem to do anything right now. I noticed that my control panel has begun to delaminate / separate from the electronics, and there is some moisture in there, so I’m suspicious that is the issue and I’m banning people from the tub to see if it will work when the panel dries. If it is the display, is that reasonably DIY if I purchase one from you?
But I’ve also had issues with the tub lights for years: some started to cycle really fast and one just stayed red, but then they just gave out and haven’t worked but for a few moments at a time in ages. I’m hoping that is a different issue.
Thanks in advance!
It is reasonably DIY Dan. Lights are a different issue.
Can someone please help? I was given an old spa. It is a Four Winds dos aquas caliente series. I am not sure of the year. It has a Balboa control board and two Waterways pumps. Had some cracked plumbing, which I fixed. Hooked up electric and everything worked well for about two months. Then, I noticed that my temperature had dropped and the Sn code was flashing. I checked and all of the valves were open and all the jets were working. I turned off power at the main breaker for a day. When I turned it back on it started working again. Then it all quit. The display went dark. I flipped the GFI switch and left it off for a few minutes. When I turn everything back on, the display will come on and flash a series of numbers (60, 100, 05, 12) and the code Pr. It will flash for a minute or so then shuts off again. It did this for several minutes and then stays off. I don’t want to call the service guy again. He came one time to help me figure out a leak in the plumbing. Found the problem in about 30 seconds, then stood there and talked about his dog that had recently died for about 45 minutes, tried to sell me a new pump for another 15 minutes, and then charged me $85 for the service call and another $85 for an hour labor. He is the only spa guy in several counties.
Does anyone know what I can do.
Hi Darius. The 60, 100, 05, 12 is your re-boot sequence. Sn is a sensor error code. Pr is the code for prime or your pump trying to prime. If the pump does not prime within 5min the control panel typically would display Dr or dr meaning dry fire but it depends on the age of the controller. If everything was working for two months and it just starting acting up now it most likely is isolated to the controller box. You could rule out your pumps to make sure they both function properly by bench testing them. If they work ok on a bench test you may have a bad controller. If you are looking for a new controller this is an excellent bundle for a spa with two Waterway pumps. It is in stock and would ship Monday: https://shop.aqua-tech.ca/products/balboa-vs501s-replacement-spa-contoller-bundle-kit-pn-vs510s
Hello I have a Sundance Del Sol Redondo 2003 model. Have issue that cycles run and spa heats, but cannot control jets from control panel. Temperature displays fine, and can adjust temperature setting and turn on lights but just cannot start jets. Suggestions?
Don, correct voltage at your pump set points on the board but the pump not turning on when you press the jets button indicates a possible bad connection to the pump, bad capacitor and or bad pump. Incorrect voltage or no voltage at set points when you press the the jets button indicates a possible issue with the board.
I’ll try my luck. I have a 2006 j460. I just repaired a ton of freeze damage. It’s now working fine except for two issues.
1. When I press pump 1 or 2 both pumps will turn on and off with each press, my understanding is they should power up independently?
2. My LED lights seem to turn them selves on randomly?
Want insights into what I’m dealing with here?
Hi Kris. The J460 circ pump can be programmed to run anywhere from 15min to 24hrs. The jet pumps turn on when you press the coorisponding button for each pump. There is blowout cycle at noon where the pumps turn of briefly to circulating any standing water in the lines. The blowout cycle is not programmable. Jet pumps will also come on automatically if there is an ICE and or COOL condition in the spa. Hope this helps. Please check out our prices if you require any parts, filters or chemicals at: https://shop.aqua-tech.ca/collections/hot-tub-parts-jacuzzi-spas
Happy Hot Tubbing!
Good Afternoon,
I have a AquaRest AR-150, this Summer I ran over the Plug that goes into the outlet. When I went to pick up the plug I got a little shock, so I unplugged it and replaced the plug. It does not turn on. I see the light on the plug and can “TEST” it, but still no power I assume to the spa. Is there a possible breaker tripped inside the spa control panel itself that might be not letting it turn on? Thank You!
John first check for proper voltage with your multimeter where the wires go into the control box from this plug.
If you don’t have proper power you could have a bad, wrong or improperly wired plug. If you do have proper voltage you could have a blown fuse and or bad board.
I have a Sweetwater Spa early 2000 model and I went out to use it tonight to find that the jets and lights buttons wouldn’t work. The good news is that it is still at temperature and appears to have the jets turning on to keep it at temperature. What could be the reason for why the jets and light buttons aren’t working? The screen shows the temperature still and no error codes. Thanks!
What model Sweetwater Spa do you have Adam?
I have a Sundance 680 series spa – Peyton model. Neither pump will not turn on / off via control panel nor able to change temperature setting. Temperature maintains 86 degrees and spa seems to cycle to maintain temperature / filtration. The multi colored LED light system works via the control panel button. Notice a short time back the high speed pump would not come on via the control panel button but the 2 stage pump would respond to push button operation. Now neither pumps will come on by pressing the control panel. The control panel temperature setting + and – button are not working as well. Tried powering down overnight and restated it but not change in operations. When powering back up. it goes through it normal function of displaying current software release, display 888amd all indicator LEDs are lit.
Hi Brett. I’ve seen both a bad connection from the topside to the board and or a bad topside cause this as well as I’ve seen a bad board cause this.
Hi I have a sundance Optima Hottub 2001.
I reset up after the winter and it ran great for three weeks. Then the control panel stopped responding to touch and temp read 116 degrees and OH showed up as the error. I was told to replace the temp sensor so i shut it off at the breaker . I replaced the temp sensor with a new one and turned it back on. I now get an error 40d and still no touch features respond but the pumps are running there cycles and the hot tub heats up. If i disconnect the j6 sensor terminal completely from the board the control panel touch features respond and work but with sensors errors (SN3 Iloc Sn1) with temp 106F. Any help greatly appreciated. Brandon.
Sounds like could be a poor connection and or a bad board Brandon.
Hi,
We have a 2002 cameo Sundance Spa. It was working fine but then something went wrong. We have a bad weir gate it pumped air for awhile. We had a FLO signal come up and we think we cleared that but now Pump #1 won’t work on the display board when u press it. It comes on automatically if power is shut down and then re started but I can’t manually turn on and off. Everything else works fine. We unplugged the display wires and re started but still nothing. Any suggestions. I was hoping to avoid spending so much on new display panel just to find out if 1 button works. Are there fuses for the pumps. Thank you
Kelly you could check to see if the pump 1 icon comes on the control panel when you push the button. If it does not and you don’t hear the relay click on the board you could have a bad control panel.
I was recently given a b6x dream maker spa, I think it is from about 2004. The lights have not been working for a while which does not bother me. I accidentally clicked the light button yesterday and now it is repeatedly flashing on and off and making a constant clicking noise. When I click to adjust temperature “56” keeps popping up. The jet button also doesn’t seem to work now. All these problems seemed to have stopped overnight and everything was normal this morning and able to enter F1 mode but it just started clicking again and all the same problems are occurring.
Sounds like a bad controller box Jordan. These are $800.67. Let me know if you would like to order one and I’ll send you a purchase link.
Hi,
I got a 680 Series spa and both buttons for pumps plus the one for LED lights suddenly stopped working. The ones for setting the temperature work just fine. Pumps are running during a regular cycle. I tried re-plugging the cord and cutting off the power, but the issue persists. Is it the control panel that got broken? Is there a way to disassemble that panel without braking anything (it seems to be glued)? What else can I try?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Sounds like it could be a bad control panel Michal.
Hi Nigel! First, thanks so much for your awesome help. This is a fantastic site. Hoping you’ll have some insight for us too!
We have a 2019 Master Spa Twilight Series 8.25 spa. After recent water change, the topside control panel Balboa MP6 is now only partially responsive. We can turn lights on, get the Jets screen to pop up, but no action with buttons for Jets 1 or Jets 2. Can access menu, but only some buttons responsive to touch. Temp will go down but will not go up (responds to touch request for increase in temp by turning orange, but just blinks and won’t change). Any thoughts?
Power cycle the spa. Otherwise sounds like a bad connection from the topside to the board, a bad topside and or a bad board.
Hello, I have a Strong G2 spa running a Balboa MVP240TSD Topside Control – 4 Button 54678-01. It’s pretty cold here now, so I put my cover over my spa to save energy. When I removed it last night the lights were on and the tub was cool. The topside was flashing 80. I used a thermometer to check the water and it was 80. None of the buttons will function. After I reset the unit with the GFI, the lights went off and no longer come on. When I removed silver data cable from the controller the pump came on. When I plugged it back up it goes back to the same as I found it. All the voltages are correct and the fuses are good in the VS300. Do you think I just need a new topside, or is it something else?
Could be a bad controller and or a bad topside Robb.
Nigel What a great site for getting help with hot tubs. I have a 2003 Jacuzzi J-370. After shoveling out from the blizzard this weekend, jumped in the tub for a much deserved soak. Tried to use pump #2 from the remote panel – nothing happened. Tried to turn it on from the main panel, again nothing. Powered on/off the hot tub via the breaker. Pump #2 came on and ran for its 20 minutes. Could not turn it back on with either control panel. All other buttons on the main control panel worked fine. From reading other users problems, does it sound like it is a bad remote panel that is causing the issue by chance? Would the test for that be to disconnect it and see if the main an get pump #2 to turn on? Many thanks!
Try disconnecting the remote panel Shannon.
Nigel – now pump 2 is cycling intermittently without any pushing of the buttons will run for a few seconds and then shut off… any ideas?
Try disconnecting the remote panel Shannon.
I have a 2014 Sundance Maxxus with three pumps… after a water change and new filter what I would call pump 3 will not come on. This pump is the second button push on the controller. Push once the pump comes on, push second time, that pump does not come on. The other two pumps come in fine. Help?
Cheryl it sounds like the amp draw feature of that spa. Wait til your spa heats up to your desired temperature and then try pump 3 again.
Great thread! Thanks for all the help you have offered. We bought a house that had an existing Sundance 680 Series ( I believe it is the Denali). we cannot get the ‘+’ and ‘-‘to respond. Every now and then they will work. The light comes on but it does not stay on. The jet buttons work some of the time, you may just have to push a few times. Is it the pad or the controller?
Likely a topside keypad Teresa.
Hello, I have a 2001 Sundance Cameo Spa. I cleaned the spa and refilled. Once the spa was filled, the water heated and ultimately went into “OH” mode. I changed out the temperature sensor. Filled the spa back up and it went into normal heating mode. The circulation pump works. The spa went into cleaning mode with both pumps operating as well as the blower motor for bubbles. The main control panel will not operate any of the pumps or blower motor nor will it allow for the temperature to be decreased, only increased. The auxiliary control will operate both pumps and the blower motor. Any ideas? Can this be a faulty main control panel?
Could be a bad main control but disconnect the aux control and don’t be surprised if the main control works after that indicating the aux control and or aux cable is bad.
Thank you for the quick reply. I unplugged the auxiliary control, and no change. The main control panel was not functional outside of operating the light and providing temperature and the automated heater function. No other control is possible. Bad main control panel?
Yes it would seem so: https://shop.aqua-tech.ca/collections/hot-tub-parts-sundance-spas-electronics-1/products/sundance-spas-control-panel-lcd-pn-6600-860
Hi,
Do I need a new top side controller? It is 1997 Gecko 8 button (TSC-4). Sometimes but not always, the temp display goes up to the max by itself. I can watch it on the display panel rising irradicably to 104 degrees but can not control it. When it works, all pumps function properly but I shut the circuit breaker off when not using it because I don’t know when this will occur. Very intermittent.
Thanks for your help.
Think of the top side as a remote control Dale. There is no memory stored in it. So probably a bad board and or on the outside chance a bad topside.
Hello. I am having control panel problems. The tub is a 2013 Jacuzzi J-280 with 2 pumps. The controls are all acting on their own. The lights randomly turn off and on, as do the pumps. The temp readout says its at 100, but water temp is really at 60, or 80, or what ever. When we try turn it up, it gets set to 103, and nothing happens. All the functions of the tub work, just work randomly, or on their own. I believe it to be moisture or water in the top control panel, but i hate to buy a new one for 500 and that not be it. What are your thoughts?
thank you
Put a regular thermometer in the spa water and tell me the temperature it reads and than also tell me the temperature your topside control panel is reading at the same time Clarence.
I have a Dream Maker Spa. I replaced the topside control panel 18 months ago. This week only the light button and temp down button on the topside panel will work. Temp up and jets will NOT work. Is this an issue with the topside panel or main board? The jets turn on for the pre-set cycles and it is only heating to 91 degrees (because the temp up button will not work).
Try unplugging your power supply for 15min and then plugging back in Mary. If that doesn’t correct it check the connection from the board to the topside control panel including right at the back of the topside control panel. Make sure the ribbon cable is fully inserted into the topside. If that all checks out you could have a bad topside and or bad circuit board.
Nigel- Thanks for sending me in the right direction! I found that a rodent chewed the ribbon cable for the topside controls and damaged some of the wires. I cut the damaged section and spliced it back together. All of the buttons are working again! I really appreciate you taking time to respond to my query.
Glad things worked out for you Mary. If you are ever in need of any spa chemicals please let us help with that. Here is a link to our current collection: https://shop.aqua-tech.ca/collections/hot-tub-chemicals
I have a cal spa model ps4 and the jet button won’t start the jets. I bleed the system several times but still no good. The heater works and flow in the jets when the freeze protection is on and the timer works. I think the two speed motor or the switch is bad. Any suggestions?
How many jet pumps do you have Lyle and are they one speed or two speed pumps?
Hot tub topside control panel is totally dead, noticed a few days ago. I have a sundance 2005 or 2006 bahia hot tub. I am getting 120 volts at each leg. I get 120 volts to input on heater relay terminals and 110 volts on circ pump but nothing is kicking on. My step down transformer is giving off 60 volts on one of the legs of the orange and black wire should be 12 volts from my understanding. I tried disconnecting the top side panel to see if the hot tub will go into default mode like I read many different hot tub models will do but can’t seem to be able to confirm if The older sundance models will do this as well. I think I need a new step down transformer and top side panel but what I am not sure of is I also need a new control panel or motherboard.
Hi Jeremy, were you looking to purchase these parts?
Hi I have a el8000 balboa. The main panel control light up and number are display mine that is start priming. But the number won’t start! After the displays go blank. I disconnect the aux panel.
Still nothing. After I disconnect everything on the main board. Still nothing.can you help me ?
Forgot, I just put a brand new cat800(main control panel.
Sounds like perhaps maybe a bad controller. Let me know how many pumps you have and if you want to try a new controller.
I just put a brand new controller panel cat900
The prime number appear but won’t run
After the digital blank. But went I push a button the light of the display light up but no digital en a can run any pump
I have 3 pumps I blower
Sounds like perhaps a bad controller box. Did you want to try a new one?
How that my aux panel control work fine.
And the light of the Maine panel control light up. I just won’t prime. Any idea.
Is the Aux panel able to turn on and off the pumps currently?
I have a GECKO IN.YE-5 spa system with a IN.K200 control. The pump runs normally on the pre-programmed cycles, but when I push the pump button on the control nothing happens. The LED lights up and I hear a “click” in the in.ye-5 system, but the pump does not come on. Would appreciate suggestions.
Sounds like perhaps a bad controller box Brian. Here’s a link to buy a new one: https://shop.aqua-tech.ca/products/gecko-bundle-retrofit-spa-pak-inye-5-pn-bdlye5k200
Question regarding a 2011 Sundance 880 series Optima Spa. Topside control will not turn on pumps or blower or respond to any of the programming or temp buttons. The 2 buttons for light control work fine. Reset at breaker and sometimes the display will show the clock, sometimes the temp, other times nothing except the heater and ozone icons (if being called for). Circulation cycle and heating seem to be operating normally. Is there a good way to determine if this is a topside control problem or a main circuit board issue?
If circulation pump cycle and heater work normally sounds like perhaps a bad topside control.