Hush Pump tripping breaker

[darcNL]

Hi everyone, thanks in advance for reading and trying to help in any way.

I own a Beachcomber model 380 hot tub since 2014 (zero issues until now).
Last week, I drained the hot tub in preparation for a fresh fill. However, we got hit with torrential rain lasting all week. The stairs that cover the motor area was (very stupidly) partially uncovered. Never thought much of it, filled tub and now the breaker trips every time I try and turn it on.

I eventually unplugged the Circ pump from the board and the breaker did not trip. I tried blowing compressed air inside the connectors and reinstalling - but the breaker again kept tripping. I don't feel like I should open the Circ/Hush pump itself.

Question now is, do I simply need a new Circ pump, or could the connection just have some moisture inside that needs drying out. I've attached some pictures in hopes someone has insight for me. I think I know the answer - I need a new Hush Pump. I'm just going through the grieving process here.

Thanks again so much!

 

[ajw22]

Is the breaker that trips GFCI?

If you are getting a GFCI trip, you probably have corrosion in the motor and need a new motor.

 

[darcNL]

Yes, sorry, it's the GFCI outside next to the tub that's tripping. Not the breaker inside in the panel.

Okay, new hush pump locally is $500 CAD. Just watched a video on how to replace. I'm going to go do that now and I;ll report back. Thank you!

 

[darcNL]

Installed new pump and everything is back to normal. Took me (a novice) about an hour and half to complete for anyone in the future reading. Might be overkill, but in case it helps anyone in the future, here's some tips:

I followed this YouTube video
Tips:
- Don't forget to cut the power. Obviously, but so important to reinforce.
- Use a #11 wrench for nuts that secure motor to base. Flathead for the copper grounding lines. Phillips for the screws on/in the main board area.
- You'll need a oil filter/PVC pipe wrench or a large set of channel locks. Snips, pliers, and maybe a large set of needle nose pliers.
- There is a reinforced clear hose that connect the Circulation and Massage pumps together. DO NOT try and remove the hose from the Barb Adapter that is on the pump. Just cut the hose and insert over the new adapter that is on the new pump. The hose is rather short (in my case it was) and I ended up snapping the Barb Adapter on the working massage pump (so had to remove that pump to reinstall a new Barb Adapter). So I recommend having a new one of these on hand before doing the job, just in case. My spa shop gave me one for free.
- If you reinsert a new Barb Adapter into a motor, use a small bit of teflon tape, hand tight and only slightly snug with pliers.
- All PVC pipe fittings - hand tight and snug with channel locks. Don't over tighten.

If I were to re-do this job again today, these are the steps I'd follow:
- Shut off power. Close all guillotine valves.
- Snip the clear reinforced hose from the broken pump (saving as much tube as you can).
- Remove PVC pipe fittings
- Removing wiring for the pump to the board and disconnect the ground copper line
- Unbolt pump from base
- Lay new pump in place, and reinsert the clear reinforced hose into new pump (this was very hard for me to do, and I thought a hair dryer might loosen the hose to allow inserting easier).
- Hand tighten the PVC pipes in place. Wire in new pump (to main board and ground).
- Bolt into the base.
- Tighten the PVC pipes.
- Open guillotine valves and check for leaks. Power on.