troubleshoot caldera after fresh fill

[Smittysmith]

Hi All,
I just used some ahh-some and cleaned out my hot tub and refilled. When I turn it back on at the breaker, the display shows me my set temp, actual temp, and then four dashes as it shuts down. I can hear the pump during the time before it shuts off and it doesn't sound the way it used to.
Does anyone have any advice on how to troubleshoot?
Thanks,
Smitty

 

[Smittysmith]

YouTube to the rescue! I had to go in the panel and bleed the pipe. Now the trouble is getting the panel back on! Any tips?
Thanks

 

[Smittysmith]

And the Ahhh-some worked great, by the way!!

 

[Jimrahbe]

Smitty,,

I have a Caldera spa and have found that if I fill the spa by just throwing the hose in the tub, it can cause an air lock..

If I put the hose in the skimmer area, I do not get that problem.. When I did have an air lock, I drained and refilled, so not sure if there is a better way.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Smittysmith]

Thanks Jim!
I was able to pull a pipe off for a sec and while the motor was on and it let the air out.
The hose in the skimmer is a good tip for next time!
Smitty

 

[RDspaguy]

An air lock on a caldera circulation pump can often be cleared by pressurizing the filter inlet with a hose placed in the pipe against the grate and something to stuff in around it. I would use my hands. This works best if the pump is running. You can also release air at the circulation pump connection, but that is a heavy and awkward panel to maneuver into place. I would find 2 objects the same height as the bottom edge of the skirting and put one at each end of the panel to support it while you get a screw in it. Try to hit the old screwholes or it will be trouble at the drain. Leave them loose until you have them all started.

Great spas, I owned one myself for a few years.