Older Calspa with multicolor LED lights around the tub (above water line) : 2 LEDs are not working. Options to fix?

[micheldb]

Hi, our rougly 15 year old Calspa hot tub has multicolor LED lights around the tub above the water line. 2 of the LEDs don't work. Is there an easy way to replace it? Can I just change the LED? If so, any idea what replacement bulb I need to get?

Let us know. Thanks

 

[ajw22]

Have you looked to see if the LED "bulb" is removable? Most are not.

If it is there are usually markings on it as to manufacturer and type.

 

[micheldb]

Have you looked to see if the LED "bulb" is removable? Most are not.

If it is there are usually markings on it as to manufacturer and type.

Very good point! I didn't even look at that! (I don't know the anything about them). I'll check that.

 

[RDspaguy]

Spa LEDs are usually chained, with a feeder wire and branches to each LED. Typically if an LED goes out you have to replace the whole circuit back to the controller, which is usually 2-8 LEDs and the feeder, but there are some with plug connections for individual LEDs. They were problem-prone so weren't use for long.
In either case, the LED goes into the fitting from the back and is usually buried in foam. Being brittle with age, these fittings can break off and pull away from the shell, giving the impression of a dim or burned out LED when it's just loose. It's easy to break them when digging out the foam too. They are not fun to replace.
Start by locating the controller and checking wire connections. Unplug in sequence to determine which feed they're on and if the two are alone on that feed. Switch plugs around to determine if it is in the controller or the circuits. Post pics and results. If the bad ones work when in a different plug replace the controller.
Dig out the LEDs (note how easy that sounds) and check the LED fitting. Test LEDs.
Track the wires back to the junction, again usually buried in foam, and check connections. If a plug-in, check connector as they are junk once damp. If it's a hard-wired connection dig out the rest of the LEDs in that connection as you have to replace them too. Post pics.

 

[micheldb]

Spa LEDs are usually chained, with a feeder wire and branches to each LED. Typically if an LED goes out you have to replace the whole circuit back to the controller, which is usually 2-8 LEDs and the feeder, but there are some with plug connections for individual LEDs. They were problem-prone so weren't use for long.
In either case, the LED goes into the fitting from the back and is usually buried in foam. Being brittle with age, these fittings can break off and pull away from the shell, giving the impression of a dim or burned out LED when it's just loose. It's easy to break them when digging out the foam too. They are not fun to replace.
Start by locating the controller and checking wire connections. Unplug in sequence to determine which feed they're on and if the two are alone on that feed. Switch plugs around to determine if it is in the controller or the circuits. Post pics and results. If the bad ones work when in a different plug replace the controller.
Dig out the LEDs (note how easy that sounds) and check the LED fitting. Test LEDs.
Track the wires back to the junction, again usually buried in foam, and check connections. If a plug-in, check connector as they are junk once damp. If it's a hard-wired connection dig out the rest of the LEDs in that connection as you have to replace them too. Post pics.

Thanks for the info. That sounds a lot more complicated than changing a bulb !!! I'll have a look but I think I'll just live with the dead light !!!