Filled the spa running for a couple of months with no problems then all of a sudden it shutdown with four dashes on the display. Read up on it and as suggested replaced the circulation pump, high temperature sensor, checked out the other 3 switches and can’t seem to find the problem. Ran the hot tub with no filter and still shuts down after a minute with the four dashes. I am thinking of draining it and refilling it with a new filter and see if that fixes the issue. Any thoughts anyone?
Caldera Tahitian Paradaise hot tub Four Dashes
- Thread starter Atalo
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- caldera four dashes
Instead of just guessing, isn't there a reference that tells you what the controller thinks it's telling you with those four dashes?
I don’t have an electrical schematic, a manual online suggest: dirty filter, temperature sensor, low water level, pressure switch. I am trying to find the pressure switch replacement although I have jumped the switch once I start the pumps but it still faults out.
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Replaced the pressure switch, the alarm issue remains, it shuts down after a minute or so with the four dashes
I'm just taking a flyer here, as I have so little experience with tubs. But if something you've found tells you that this indicates a problem with water flow or level, or temperature, and you think you've ruled out flow (via the pressure switch), that leaves level or temp. Is there a level switch, or does it get that indication from the flow sensor? And how about a bad temperature sensor that's giving it a bad or out of range reading?
Sadly there is not. There could be, and other systems do, but these guys want you to have to call them.
Thermistors (sensors) can be tested, the pressure switch can be bypassed and tested. But increasing temps from low flow cannot be tested as you cannot test sensors while connected.
Dirty filters are the most common cause, but the problem should correct once filters are removed or replaced.
Heater relays can stick and cause errors fast at start-up.
Debris in the impeller can cause problems too. Remove circ pump and check impeller. A circ pump should be nearly silent and warm to the touch. If it's noisy or hot it's on it's way out.
The bubbles are the clue, but if you've never paid attention you won't notice. The ozone return in the footwell should produce tiny champaign bubbles that shoot out as they rise, curving to the surface. If they are big or go mostly straight up you have low flow, but still enough pressure to close the switch, which leads to a runaway temp in the heater. A discrepancy of even a few hundred ohms (fraction of a degree) can trigger an error on these systems.
Tranformer issues can also be a problem, and are often difficult to test for in the field. But that's a new board, so you verify everything else first. I don't see anything obvious (it's the tiny board stacked on top of the main board) but that doesn't prove anything.
So, remove filters and test. Check circ pump for noise/heat. Check bubbles. Turn off power and test thermistors. Disconnect heater wiring at circuit board. Remove and check circ pump impeller if necessary (loud or hot) and replace or re-install as needed. Turn on power and test pressure switch and heater control function (turns on/off).
With heater disconnected does it still error?
Post results.
These guys actually use thermistors rather than solid state temp sensors?
Pressure switch has been ruled out along with circulation pump, temperature switch and high limit temperature switch as well. I’ve drained and refilled the tub. I noticed that after I let it set for some time and just turn power on for the jets (power off for the heater) that it will run the pumps without issue. It’s only when I turn on the 20 amp circuit breaker (heater power and am not sure what else) that the four dashes appear and hot tub shuts down. I wish I had a schematic. I only have those three sensors so I don’t know what else it could be. I am ruling out the circuit board since it works the pumps without issue. I noticed the manual just gives out simple information operation and maintenance so this is a bit above that now. (Fyi I am an industrial electrician) but no experience with the hot tubs themselves. Thank you for your reply.
I love declarative statements.
Not switches.
It's the likely culprit, followed by the circ pump. Easy enough to test.
