Bad Pump or Controller?

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M

MJuric

0
Aug 19, 2016
73
Byron, Il
I don't post here often and I couldn't find the search function so forgive me if this has been previously covered.

We have a hot tub. It was here when we bought the house. We haven't used it since we moved in so it's been sitting for almost ~3 1/2 years. Since we are all in quarentine my son thought it would be a good idea to try and get it going.

We filled it, plugged it in, nada. No circulation, no noise, nothing.

There's power to the system because the control panel lights up, I can set temp etc. When I click on the jets I can hear what, to me, sounds like a relay going on and off.

My guess would be that the control panel is fine and that the motor is shot for some reason. I'm just wondering if there any "Easy" things I can look at that might diagnose the problem a little closer and possibly a quick fix. If it's a 99% chance that the motor is shot I might even pull it out and play with it to see if I can get it going again....I mean after all I'm stuck in the house for the next couple weeks.
 
M,

How did you fill it up? Was it just low on water or empty?

On mine, if you do not add the water to the filter area, it will form an air lock and not allow the pumps to come on.

If it was empty for 3 years, I would worry that the motors and pressure switches would be "frozen" in place.

The only way to tell for sure is with a voltmeter.. Check the input voltage to the pump(s) and see if the pump is getting power or not.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Last edited:
Do you know what brand or year?
Can you post a pic of the controller? Maybe of the equipment and control pack?
Remove the side panel to access the equipment bay. It is usually the side with the controller. Turn off power and open the control pack (box with all the wires going to it). Look in box or on circuit board for fuses. Remove fuses to test.
Look for a hi-limit reset, may be a button on the front or side of the pack, or on the heater if it is separate from the pack.
Check the board, components, and wiring for burns, discoloration, or corrosion.
Check the wiring going to the pump and equipment for damage (rodent chewing) or loose plug connections. Check any plug connections for discoloration or corrosion.
If you can reach the pump, try to spin the shaft by hand by reaching between the plastic wet-end and metal motor and grasping the shaft with pliers, or by removing the endcap of the motor and using a screwdriver or allen wrench on the end of the shaft. Depending on brand, this may not be possible. If it does not turn easily, you will need a rebuild or new pump, even if that is not the only issue. It is a common problem after being shut down for a while.
Keep us posted on your progress.
 
RDspaguy said:
Do you know what brand or year?
Can you post a pic of the controller? Maybe of the equipment and control pack?
Remove the side panel to access the equipment bay. It is usually the side with the controller. Turn off power and open the control pack (box with all the wires going to it). Look in box or on circuit board for fuses. Remove fuses to test.
Look for a hi-limit reset, may be a button on the front or side of the pack, or on the heater if it is separate from the pack.
Check the board, components, and wiring for burns, discoloration, or corrosion.
Check the wiring going to the pump and equipment for damage (rodent chewing) or loose plug connections. Check any plug connections for discoloration or corrosion.
If you can reach the pump, try to spin the shaft by hand by reaching between the plastic wet-end and metal motor and grasping the shaft with pliers, or by removing the endcap of the motor and using a screwdriver or allen wrench on the end of the shaft. Depending on brand, this may not be possible. If it does not turn easily, you will need a rebuild or new pump, even if that is not the only issue. It is a common problem after being shut down for a while.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Click to expand...
This is perfect, thanks.

I did reach in between impeller and the motor to try and turn the pump. I could not get my fingers in there but was able to get a pair of pliers on the shaft. It did not seem to turn hard, but again, hard to tell due to awkward position, lighting etc. The shaft is rusty, which is why I though the motor might be frozen up. I will take the control panel apart and take a look. I will check a few places with the Voltmeter and see if I have power to the motor etc.
 
Jimrahbe said:
M,

How did you fill it up? Was it just low on water or empty?

On mine, if you do not add the water to the filter area, it will form an air lock and not allow the pumps to come on.

If it were empty for 3 years, I would worry that the motors and pressure switches would be "frozen" in place.

The only way to tell for sure is with a voltmeter.. Check the input voltage to the pump(s) and see if the pump is getting power or not.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
It was completely empty. Filled the tub up with a hose.

If you have an Air lock does the pump not come on or does it just not circulate water? I broke the connections at the motor, before and after, to try and bleed air off and did not hear any come out.
 
Check voltage to the pump. Check fuses.
Can you post a pic of the control box so we know what we are dealing with.
Are there any error codes on the topside?
I can only do so much from here. Help me out. Post some pics, find a name.
 

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