Help library
Hot tub troubleshooting, in plain English
Acrylic, swim spa or inflatable: safe things you can check yourself, what the codes on the topside mean, and when it's time to get a tech on video.
Common problems
Hot tub not heating
Jets run but the water stays cold. Usually it's flow, not the heater.
Read the guideGFCI keeps tripping
The spa shuts off and the GFCI won't stay on. Treat it as a safety signal.
Read the guideWeak jets or pump not working
Weak, surging or no jets: water level, filters and air first.
Read the guideAirlock after a refill
Just drained and refilled, and now no jets or no heat? Prime the pumps.
Read the guideHot tub overheating
Water too hot or an OH-type code. Stay out of the water and check it.
Read the guideCloudy or smelly water
Cloudy, foamy or smelly water: filters, sanitizer and pH first.
Read the guideWinterizing and freeze protection
Keep it running, or drain and winterize it properly. No car antifreeze, ever.
Read the guideSafe hot tub temperature
104°F is the ceiling. Why, and who should go lower.
Read the guideBrands and error codes
Balboa error codes
HFL, LF, dr, OHH, OHS, sensor and GFCI messages, from Balboa's own guides.
Read the guideGecko error codes
FLO, HL, OH, Prr, AOH and UPL, from Gecko's troubleshooting guide.
Read the guideInflatable spa codes (Lay-Z-Spa, Intex)
E02, E03, E04, E05 on Lay-Z-Spa, E90 on Intex: what they mean.
Read the guideThese guides cover safe checks a hot tub owner can do and explain what the manufacturers' own documents say. Always follow your owner's manual. Switch the spa off at its GFCI or breaker before opening the equipment bay, and never work inside it with the power on. Wiring, breakers, GFCI replacement and control-pack work are jobs for a licensed electrician or qualified spa technician.
Need a replacement part? Hot tub parts, matched to your model (heater parts, pumps, control packs & topsides, filters, covers & lifters). Need someone on site instead? Find a local pro. Local info: help by city.