What is my Jacuzzi telling me?

Here is a list of the common Jacuzzi Error Codes and what they mean:

• Error Code: Pr

Pr or Pr--, also known as "priming mode", runs after turning the hot tub on. If the priming mode does not clear after approximately 7 minutes you may need to prime the pumps (thAley may have an airlock). Pr may be followed by dr, dY, HH, OH, HL, or LF (these errors indicate low or no water flow).

• Error Code: FL2  

An FL2 error indicates that your hot tub senses water through the flow switch when it should be sensing no flow. (This could also be a pressure switch depending on make and model). To protect the hot tub, the heater will be disabled because the hot tub cannot "trust" the flow switch. Due to the nature of the problem, this error requires a technician to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem in the field.

The most common (but not all) reasons for this error are: 

• The switch sensor hardware is stuck and as a result, is sending a flow status to the circuit board, or the switch is faulty and is sending an incorrect flow signal to the circuit board 

  • In both of these scenarios the flow switch needs to be replaced

• The pump relay on the circuit board is stuck and the pump is operating when it should not be. In this case, the flow switch is operating correctly, but the circuit board believes the pump has turned off.

  • If there is water flow, and you have an FL2 error this is likely the cause and requires a circuit board replacement

• The pump relays and the flow switch are operating correctly, but the circuit board is misinterpreting the signals.

  • This indicates that the circuit board or top-side controller is faulty and needs replacement.

An FL2 error can be tricky to diagnose because the same symptoms can present themselves for each case. For example, while the problem may be a faulty relay, the pumps may not run because the hot tub enters into a protection mode and cuts power to many components. This can cause misdiagnosis.

While frustrating, it is not possible to diagnose or troubleshoot the problem over the phone. This is why we recommend a service appointment to diagnose and confirm the problem before replacing parts.

During winter, ensure that your hot tub does not freeze by taking a few minutes to place a space heater in the cabinet.

• Error: GFCI Tripped

The "GFCI Tripped" error protects the hot tub from continuing to overheat due to a stuck pump relay. A stuck pump relay would result in the pump running continuously even if the water in the hot tub was over 104 degrees. Normally, when the temperature of the hot tub becomes too hot, all equipment is shut down to allow the hot tub to cool. Because pumps run hot, they can increase the water temperature even with the heater off.

The GFCI Tripped error indicates that the hot tub tripped the break intentionally to turn off all power to the hot tub. The condition that causes a GFCI Trip can be "accidentally" caused by other conditions, however, it is best to have your hot tub checked over to be sure the problem does not continue.

The GFCI trip error requires a manual reset on the circuit board, best completed by a technician.

If after resetting the breaker, the problem persists, you will need to have the hot tub serviced to diagnose the issue.

• Error Code: FL1, FLO, or Open Flow Switch

The error code FL1, FLO, or a message "Open Flow Switch" means that your hot tub is not detecting sufficient water movement when the pump is running. In older Jacuzzis, the top-side display will switch between showing the current temperature and the message "FLO". If only FLO appears on screen you have an FL2 error.

We recommend checking the following items related to these error codes before booking a service appointment. (Dr, DRY, and H20 are also flow errors that can be solved with the following instructions).

Before troubleshooting ensure there is enough water in the hot tub. The water line should be sitting just below the headrests. When the pumps are running there should not be any "sucking" sounds from the filter area. If there are "sucking" sounds (intermittent or constant) then your hot tub does not have enough water. After ensuring there is enough water follow the directions below.

Did you recently fill your hot tub with water (e.g. a drain and refill)? Or has your hot tub water dropped too low (even for a moment)?

You could have an airlock in your pump or lines. Because a pump is designed to move water, it cannot move air. If air is trapped in the pump, you'll need to push it out. There are two methods to clear an airlock.

1. Are the filters clean and in good condition? Is anything blocking the filter?

1. Ensure there is no debris in the hot tub (especially floating).

2. Remove the filters and set them aside. Visually inspect the pipe under the filter for blockages. Double-check that there is no debris in the hot tub that could go into the filter suction line.

3. Turn on the jet pumps (with the filters still out). Make sure you monitor the hot tub while it runs without filters to ensure that no debris gets pulled into the filter area and down into the pumps.

4. If the FL1 error goes away after removing the filters, it is possible that your filters need to be cleaned or replaced. Clean and/or purchase new filters.

5. Reinstall the clean or new filters into the hot tub.

2. Are your jets open?

Inadvertently closing all (or most) jets will prevent water from flowing fast enough through the heater (and could potentially cause a leak). Ensure that your jets are open so that there is unobstructed water flow.

Reset the Hot Tub

1. After performing each of the procedures above, turn off the breaker for the hot tub at the GFCI or main panel for 5 minutes.

2. Power up the hot tub.

3. Optionally, let the tub run for 5 minutes and then repeat steps 1 and 2 up to 4 times. Do not repeat a power cycle more than 5 times. And do not let the hot tub pumps run for more than 3 minutes without any water flow.

If all steps above have not resolved the error code, please book a service appointment. 

• Error code: DRY, DY, H20

DRY, DY, and H20 errors indicate that the hot tub may not have enough water because it has too little (or no) water running through the filter. This is the same as FL1 errors of Jacuzzi hot tubs and can be troubleshot in the same way.

• Error code: Prr

The system is detecting a problem with the regulation probe. Please book a service appointment to diagnose and repair the issue as this could be a probe, heater, or circuit board problem.

• Error code: HL

The error code HL indicates that the hi-limit sensor has detected water temperature in the heater of over 119°F and has disengaged the heater.

Before booking a service appointment we recommend taking these steps, If the problem persists, please book a service appointment: 

1. Clean the filters, and

2. Ensure the jets are open and, if applicable, appropriate valves in the equipment bay are fully open, then

3. Turn off the power to the hot tub for 5 minutes 

If The Hot Tub Water is Warm, Cool, or Cold

During winter, ensure that your hot tub does not freeze by taking a few minutes to place a space heater in the cabinet.

• Error Code: AOH

The temperature inside the hot tub skirt is too high resulting in temperatures above the normal limits of the control system. Remove the front panel to let out heat and replace it after cooling.

Open all jets, clean filters, and ensure the pump(s) are operating properly and that when they are engaged there is water movement. If the error returns, book a service appointment.

• Error code: Hr

The "Hr" error code indicates that an error has occurred with the system hardware.

Turn the power off to the hot tub for five minutes. Then, after turning the power back on, start and stop all pumps and blowers one at a time. If the error returns, a diagnostic will need to be performed to determine (please book a service appointment).

• Error Code: T--OH

If you are seeing error code T--OH on your hot tub's topside control DO NOT ENTER THE SPA, it means that the water temperature has reached 112 degrees F or 44 degrees C. The circulation pump has activated to circulate water through the heater. 

As a safety measure, the red lights of the spa may flash on and off as an indication that the spa is in an overheated condition. 

If The Hot Tub Water is Hot

Before booking a service appointment we recommend taking these steps

1. Remove the cover from your hot tub to allow your spa to cool down, adding cool water can assist in speeding up the process. 

2. Program the heater settings for Economy Mode. Please reference your owner's manual for specific instructions for your model of spa. 

If the problem persists, please book a service appointment. 

If The Hot Tub Water is Warm, Cool, or Cold

The temperature is likely being misread, however, you can try turning off the power to your hot tub, waiting 5 minutes, and powering the hot tub back on.

During winter, ensure that your hot tub does not freeze by taking a few minutes to place a space heater in the cabinet.

If the problem persists, please book a service appointment.

• Error Code: ---- WATCHDOG

If you see dashes ("- - -" or "- - - - -") or the message "WATCHDOG" on your control panel, do not attempt to use the hot tub. This error message means that the water is dangerously hot (120°F or hotter). Secure the cover on your hot tub and warn your household not to use the hot tub until a Service Technician can be dispatched. Your scalding hot tub will likely trigger the Watchdog software, which will deactivate the spa and flash red safety light as a warning. 

We recommend booking a service appointment to have a technician diagnose the problem. 

Tip: You may attempt to clear the watchdog error by lowering the temperature on your hot tub by 10-20 degrees. This may allow you to use the hot tub until the repair is made. Be sure to check the temperature of the hot tub before use as the top-side temperature display will be incorrect. If your hot tub continues to enter watch-dog mode, do not continue to lower the temperature set-point below 85 degrees.

Watchdog Error But The Water Temperature Is Not Scalding Hot

If the watchdog error occurs and the temperature of the hot tub water is 104°F or below, the problem is likely a faulty temperature sensor. Less frequently the error can be caused by a voltage spike. Before booking a service appointment, try power cycling your hot tub by turning the GFCI/breaker off for 5 minutes and then restoring power. After the initial startup sequence, if the error has cleared and has not returned then no further action is required.

Winter Precautions

As the "watchdog error" deactivates the pump and heater to try to cool the hot tub, it is important to protect your hot tub from winter damage and freezing by placing a portable space heater inside the cabinet.

If the temperature of the water is 104°F or above, the hot tub will shut down to cool the water. Monitor the hot tub to ensure that the water does not cool down below your temperature set point. It is not necessary to place a portable space heater inside the cabinet if the hot tub water temperature is above your set point. We continue to recommend that you book a service appointment to diagnose the problem.

• Error: SFTY TRIP -- -- -- --

The safety trip error message indicates that the vacuum switch has closed. This occurs when there has been a suction problem or a possible entrapment situation avoided. Press any button to clear the message.

• Error Code: SN1/SN2/SN3

The SN1 error code indicates that the hi-temperature sensor in the heater is malfunctioning.

The SN2 error code indicates that the hi-temperature sensor in the heater or the water temperature sensor is malfunctioning.

The SN3 error code indicates that the water temperature sensor is malfunctioning.

In all cases, the heater is disabled and will not operate unless the error is corrected.

If you see this type of error message we recommend booking a service appointment.

• Error Code: FL3

If you're seeing the error code FL3 on your topside control, it means the flow switch in your hot tub is behaving erratically. The spa heater will deactivate and jets pump #1 may also deactivate. 

We recommend these troubleshooting tips prior to booking a service appointment. 

1. Clean or replace your filter(s) to ensure your hot tub is receiving adequate water flow.

2. Ensure your spa has enough water and the water level is just below the pillow line. 

If the error code persists after completing the above troubleshooting steps, please book a service appointment.  

• Error Code: Flow Restriction

If you are seeing the error message "Flow Restriction" or something similar it means that your spas water flow is restricted. This is likely caused by a dirty or clogged filter(s) or a low water level. Clean your filters thoroughly or replace them and ensure that the water level is adequate.

If the problem persists, please schedule a service appointment and our Technician will diagnose the problem. 

• Error Code: COL/COOL

Hot tubs are meant to be hot. If you are seeing the error code COL/COOL, it means that your hot tub is not hot. The COL/COOL error code will appear anytime there is a steep drop from the set temperature, such as when you refill your hot tub. No need to call a Tech - just let the heater do its job and the water will reach its set temperature.