Spa and Hot Tub digital or blinking indicator light error codes-Spa Tec

Translate your spa or hot tub error messages and blinking indicator light codes

Error codes indicate a problem and give you a good idea of what is wrong as long as you know what to look for.

These Codes are Control System Manufacturer Specific
To determine your Spas control manufacturer look at the systems electronic control box cover (front or back) for the manufacturer.
Note: Some Spa assemblers have their companies sticker over the front cover.

Balboa Control Manufacturer

Scroll past Common Error Codes for: What common codes actually mean and what you can check prior to scheduling service

Common Spa or Hot Tub Error Codes will be updated as they become available.

ACC (Applied Computer Controls)Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

CoLd = Temperature in the spa heater housing is below 40° F. Status of the heater element is unknown. The low speed pump or circ. pump will operate continuously until the temperature rises above 45° F.
OH = Over heat. The spa is at a temperature above 108° . Do not use spa when temperature is flashing or the OH message is displayed.
HLoH = Hi Limit Over Heat. Hi limit sensor is disconnected or shorted or the spa temperature is above 112° F.
SEoP = Sensor open or disconnected. Heater disabled but the spa is operational.
SESH = Sensor short, nonfunctional. Heater disabled but the spa is operational.
PSoC = Pressure switch open with circulating pump.
PSoL = Pressure switch open with low pump.
PSoH = Pressure switch open with high pump.
ToE = Time out error. Rare system error. Spa unusable. Contact ACC.

Balboa Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

pd = Power supply, unit running on battery backup
OH = Sensors reading 112-118° F.
OHH = Overheat. Spa has shut down. One sensor has detected 118º F. at heater.
OHS = Overheat. Spa has shut down. One sensor has detected 110ºF.
Flo = Improper flow or pressure switch malfunction
Cool = Water temp 20° below set point
ICE = Potential freeze condition has been detected
Sn1 = Hi-limit sensor malfunction
Sn3 = Temp sensor malfunction
SnA = Spa is shut down. Sensor plugged into jack A is not working.
Snb = Spa is shut down. Sensor plugged into jack B is not working.
SnS = Sensors out of balance. If alternating with temp, may be temporary condition. If display shows only this message (blinking) spa is shut down.
HFL = Substantial difference between temperature sensors detected. Could indicate a flow problem.
LF = Persistent low flow problems. (Displays on the 5th occurrence of "HFL" message with 24 hours). Heater is shut down, but other spa functions run normally.
dr = Inadequate water detected in heater.
dry = Inadequate water detected in heater. (Displays on third occurrence of "dr" message). Spa is shut down.
Pr = When spa is first actuated, it will go into Priming Mode.
ILOC = Interlock failure - possible pump or ozone spike .
(---) =Unknown water temperature. (Displays when first powered up after refill).
Std = Spa operating in Standard Mode.
Ecn = Spa operating in Economy Mode.
SE = Spa operating in Standard-in-Economy Mode.
SL = Sleep mode

Brett Aqualine Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

OH = Temp exceeds 118° F
Fr = Freeze condition - temp below 40° F
FL = Pressure switch failure
EO = Shorted temp sensor
E1 = Open temp sensor
E2 = Shorted hi-limit sensor
E3 = Open hi-limit sensor
E4 = Shorted flow switch
E7 = Improper electrical connection

CTI Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

th1/39 = On startup indicates temperature probe problem.
th2/current temperature = On startup indicates temperature probe problem.
th3/39 = On startup indicates water temperature less than 39° F.
OH = Overheating, water over 112° F. System will restart when temp. drops.
hot = Overheating, water over 112° F. System will restart when temp. drops.
HL = High limit switch tripped.

Dream Maker Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

OH = Overheat 108° F, spa is deactivated. Do not enter the water.
FL = Flow. Pressure switch is not working.
SN = Non functional high temperature sensor. Heater is deactivated.
F2 = 4 hours daily filtration
F4 = 8 hours daily filtration
F6 = 12 hours daily filtration
FC = continuous filtration

EasyPak Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

C = Celsius
CL = Current Time of Day
ECdu = Economy Mode Duration
Econ = Economy Mode Turn On
F = Fahrenheit
Fldu = Filter Cycle Duration
Flon = Filter Cycle Turn On
FLC = Pressure Switch Alarm
FLO = Pressure Switch Alarm
FrEE = Freeze Protection Alarm
HL = High Temperature Alarm
Loc = Panel / Keypad Locked
PrH = Temperature Sensors Alarm
Prr = Temperature Sensors Alarm
Tu = Temperature Set Celsius
Tu = Temperature Set Fahrenheit

Gecko Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

FLO = Pressure switch failure, switch open
FLC = Pressure switch failure, switch closed
Prr = Temp sensor failure
Prh = Hi-limit sensor failure
HL = Sensor measuring 119° F
FrE = Possible freeze condition detected

Invensys Controls for Watkins Hot Springs and Tiger River Spas or Hot Tubs:

Green Logo "Ready" indicator blinking = Heater Temperature sensor problem.
Blue Logo "Power" indicator blinking = Heater high-limit thermostat tripped.
Entire spa is inoperative = Check power source• Reset GFCI; call for service if it will not reset
• Disconnect power for at least thirty seconds to reset heater high limit. If it
will not reset, check for clogged filters. If tripping continues, call for service.
• Deactivate spa lock

Hercules Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

OH = Spa temp exceeds acceptable limits
FLO = Flow problem
ICE = Freeze condition detected
SN1 = Hi-limit sensor failure
SN2 = Temp sensor failure

Hurricane Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

PS = Flow or pressure switch failure
SH = Shorted sensor
OP = Open Sensor
LO = Temp below 60° F - freeze
HL = Temp above 118° F

Hydro Quip Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

Pinnacle Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

OH = Temperature has exceeded 110° F
SN = Sensor failure
FL = Flow/pressure switch stuck in closed position

Spa Builder's Control Systems for Spas or Hot Tubs:

Sn1 = Nonfunctional high temperature sensor. Heater is deactivated.
Sn2 = Nonfunctional temperature sensor. Heater is deactivated.
FL1 = Water flow problem, inhibited or pressure switch malfunction. Check for proper spa water level and ensure pump is primed. Check for clogged filter.
FL2 = Pressure switch problem. Switch closed while pump is deactivated.
COL = Cool condition. If water temperature drops 20ºF below set temperature, low speed pump and heater activates to bring temperature within 15º of set temperature.
ICE = Freeze condition. 55ºF detected. Low speed pump and heater will activate until spa reaches 65ºF.
OH = High temperature condition, has reached 110ºF. Do not enter the spa. Low speed pump (and air blower if so equipped) will activate to assist in lowering temperature.
--- = "Watchdog". Water temperature has reached 118ºF. Entire system is disabled. Contact qualified service technician.

Sundance Spa or Hot Tub Control Systems:

ILOC = Interlock failure - possible pump or ozone spike
FLO = Pressure switch malfunction or Flow switch malfunction (system specific)
Hold = Panel buttons pressed to many times to quickly
HOT = PCB temperature above acceptable limit - air blower on
ICE = Potential freeze condition
Pnl = Communication between PCB and panel interrupted
Sn1 = Hi-limit sensor failure
Sn3 = Temp sensor failure
---- = "Watchdog" (spa is deactivated) A problem has been detected

Vita Spa or Hot Tub Control Systems:

HiLi = Water temp over acceptable limit
BJ2P = Pump/Blower purge - normal condition
FP = Freeze protect-temp under acceptable condition
SS=0; SS=S; LS=O; LS=S = Multiple causes; open sensors, bad connection to panel, improper voltage, etc.

Flashing Light Spa or Hot Tub Error Codes:

1 flash - 3 second gap High Limit fault
2 flashes - 3 second gap Pressure/Flow switch short circuit
3 flashes - 3 second gap Pressure/Flow switch open circuit
4 flashes - 3 second gap Open circuit Sensor(s)
Flash - 1 second on, 1 second off Same as OH
Flash - briefly OFF once per second Same as Sn1 or Sn3
Flash - briefly ON once per second Same as FLC
Blinking Power Indicator Light - Hydromate High Limit tripped or, sensor fault
1 flash per second - onga 4352, 53, 95, etc Pressure switch open circuit - could also be motor, or motor thermal overload
3 flashes per second - onga 4352, 53, 95, etc Electronic fault - sensor (most common cause) or PCB
Green flashes - Spaquip Pulsar/2095 series Water sensor fault - lack of water
Red/Green alternate flashes Temperature sensor fault, open circuit, or high limit tripped - push Reset Rod

Below find what common codes actually mean and what you can check prior to scheduling service

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: FLO, FLC, FL, FL1, PS, Blinking Lights

These codes are related to flow issues or the pressure switch/flow switch and are by far the most common error codes. These error codes are caused by a variety of reasons. The fundamental reason is water flow through the spa control system, if the water is not flowing at a rate to satisfy the switch, it will result in one of the error codes above.

Rule number 1 is to always fill the hot tub after a drain down by placing the hose pipe in the filter housing suction fitting (remove filter) this fills the hot tub from inside to outside, rather than placing the hose pipe in tub, (this fills outside to inside) and is the primary cause of FLO errors.

If however you have the fault then the first thing to do is shut the spa down, do not empty, remove the filter and make sure all the jets are open (as best you can). Then re-start the hot tub, if the error code goes away, the problem was either a dirty filter (clean or replace) or too many jets were closed off.

If your spa is not overheating and you are getting the above error codes then a couple of things need to be investigated. Depending on where the temp sensor is mounted; usually in the wall of the spa in a sensor mount, you could have a flow issue. Shut the spa power off, remove the filter and make sure all the jets are open. Then power the system back up, if the error code goes away, the problem was either a dirty filter (clean or replace) or too many jets were closed off. In most cases overheat issues are related to the relays on the circuit board, or the temp sensor has failed and will need to be replaced.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: HH, OOH, OH, OHS, OHt, HL, HiLi, Sn2, Sn3, tS, Ht, Blinking Lights

At least one of the sensors has detected water temperatures of 110 degrees or higher inside the heater.
These indicate that the spa has shut down due to an overheat situation:
Note: Overheating may occur if the low-speed pump is set to operate for extended periods of time, or if the incorrect pump is installed. In rare cases (usually warmer climates), the circulation pump may also cause overheating.

The following is a list of most probable causes of this message. Inspect these first:
• Check slice or ball valves. Make sure that they are open.
• Clean the filter(s), waterline skimmer and footwell suction for any blockage..
• In extremely hot weather, check for proper cabinet ventilation.
• Check for excessive filter duration. Note: A common programming mistake is overlapping filter times that may cause the spa to filter continuously.
• Check the water level.
• Check the water temperature with an accurate temperature thermometer. Remove the spa cover and allow the water to cool. Adding cool water may be necessary. Touch any button to reset the system. If the water is still hotter than the set temperature, press the blower button (if applicable) to cool the spa.

If your spa is not overheating based on physical vessel temperature and you are getting the above error codes call for service.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: HL, HFL

- This indicates that a substantial difference in temperature between sensors has been detected during heating.

- This could indicate a flow problem. Check water level in spa. Refill, if necessary. If the water level is okay, make sure the pumps have been primed.
On the fifth occurrence of the above message the panel may display -LF. This indicates a persistent flow problem

The heater is shut down while all other spa functions continue to run normally. Power on the spa must be cycled before the heater will function again.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: SN, Sn1, Sn2 Sn3, HL, E1, E3, Prh, HtS, Blinking Lights

Again these can be caused by a flow issue. The first thing to do is shut the spa down, remove the filter and make sure all the jets are open. Then power the system back up, if the error code goes away, the problem was either a dirty filter (clean or replace) or too many jets were closed off.

Other issues that can cause these error codes one or more of the service valves is not open up all the way.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: Sn, SnS

This indicates that the sensors are out of balance.
If alternating with temperature, it may just be a temporary condition. If flashing by itself, spa is shut down.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: Cd, CLd

This indicates that a sensor detects a possible freeze condition. This is a normal spa function; no further action is necessary.When either sensor reads below 40 degrees F., the system provides freeze protection. It automatically activates the pump (and the heater if necessary) to circulate the water and warm the plumbing. The equipment stays on until the sensors detect that the spa temperature has risen to within 20 degrees of the set temperature. The other pumps and the blower will purge for 30 seconds to 2 minutes at the end of the freeze condition. If pump 1 was turned on due to this reason alone, this message will appear for up to two minutes right after very cold water is detected.

Note: Internal freeze protection only functions when there is proper power running to the spa, and the control system is operational.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: :IC , iCE

This indicates that the auxiliary sensor detects a possible freeze condition. This is a normal spa function; no further action is necessary.
When the auxiliary sensor reads around 40F- (actual temperature dependent on specific auxiliary sensor used), the system provides freeze protection. It automatically activates all of the pumps and the blower to circulate water and warm the plumbing.

Note: This auxiliary freeze protection functions at all times, even when another fault condition has occurred and has otherwise shut the spa down.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: dr, dry

This indicates that there is not enough water in the heater. This could indicate poor flow or air bubbles in the heater.

The Spa or Hot Tub Panel Displays: SL

This indicates the system is in sleep mode and can be changed by pressing the up temp. button then pressing the mode or light button depending on the system.

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