I drained my spa and turned it off. What I didn't know was that it automatically turned itself on after 30 minutes. It ran in cycles all night with very little water in the spa. Now the breaker trips immediately. I disconnected the different systems and it seems it may be the circ pump or the heater causing it. What could be ruined by running a spa without water?
Spa tripping breaker
- Thread starter dozer11
- Start date
Welcome to TFP!
The heater is very sensitive to being run without water. They pump(s) may also have failed, though that is more of a 50/50 chance thing than certain.
The heater is very sensitive to being run without water. They pump(s) may also have failed, though that is more of a 50/50 chance thing than certain.
Sounds like there may be some damage to the pump. As pumps age, more mechanical resistance develops in the motor and wet end. Running them dry will rapidly accelerate that process. As that mechanical resistance increases, more amperage is needed to run the pump at its designated RPM. That increased amperage draw is what is tripping your breaker. My spa does this occasionally when for instance both pumps are on high and the heater is trying hard to warm the water = maximum amperage draw. It could also be the heater but the timing points to possible pump issues.
- May 22, 2013
- 2,796
- Pool Size
- 12000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Have you been able to disconnect the heater or turn it all the way down / off so you can see if turning only the motor on trips the circuit breaker ??