JKF

Last year my hot tub froze when I was gone down South driving my parents. I did not doing anything for it was a solid block of ice. This Spring/Summer I monitored for leaks. It all seemed good, the ater level never changed. Of course procrastinating a little bit, I got it cleaned out and replaced with fresh water. I turned the breaker on and it tripped after some time (not instantaneously). I checked continuity across the element and it was present. I removed the two wires from the control panel to the heater and turned the breaker on. The pumps turned on and the breaker never popped again. I purchased a new element online. I thought about but did not order new washers. I replaced the heater but could not get the housing to stop dripping. I eventually cracked the plastic PVC shutoff valve. I ordered new parts to include washers this time. I got it all back together last night and filled. When I woke up this morning, the breaker was tripped again. This has been quite the event...... Please help, what am I missing? lost in Michigan