vsgs Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Hi folks. I know this is probably a beaten question, but I have to ask. I purchased a used Arctic Spa tub, and had it hooked up. All was well, until the top side control seemed to lockup. I have replaced the pad, and all was well again. Lots of pressue out of the jets, and such, and the temp was 51, as I had used the hose. It has been plugged in and running now for 2 days, and has only reached 78. I have it set on 104, and it just seems to be taking way too much time to heat up. I have read that this should not be a heater element issue, as it is heating. I don't think it should take this long, am I wrong? I have taken the filter out, as I read the filter may restrict the flow to the pump, but that was a new filter and does not seem to be dirty at all. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. VSGS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomab Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 I don't think it should take this long, am I wrong? VSGS Sorry, but I have no solution for trouble shooting this. There are more qualified people on the forum that can help you with that. But I can confirm that it should not take even close to that long to heat up. I have an Arctic Tundra and it took about 8 or 9 hours to heat up after a refill. I'm sure someone will chime in and help you out. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianrepairman Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 if the heater icon is on and you don't have 3 flashing dots its more then likely a burnt out heater or a melted wire at the circuit board if it one of those remote artic heaters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelerPete Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Hi on your tubs topside panel does the icon that flashes under the temp display for your heater ever go solid? If not then your heater isn't engaging and you could check to see if it's plugged into the control box nice and tight. If that isn't it there is probably a fuse that is inline for the heater inside the control box and you can swap one for the motor to see if it's that. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Hi on your tubs topside panel does the icon that flashes under the temp display for your heater ever go solid? If not then your heater isn't engaging and you could check to see if it's plugged into the control box nice and tight. If that isn't it there is probably a fuse that is inline for the heater inside the control box and you can swap one for the motor to see if it's that. Pete Thanks for the replies, I believe the light is on steady, as its trying to heat. If the fuse is blown, would it not heat at all? I will have look at the connections to ensure its all hooked up, but again, would it not heat at all then? Keep it coming, I need the help,... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Hi folks. I know this is probably a beaten question, but I have to ask. I purchased a used Arctic Spa tub, and had it hooked up. All was well, until the top side control seemed to lockup. I have replaced the pad, and all was well again. Lots of pressue out of the jets, and such, and the temp was 51, as I had used the hose. It has been plugged in and running now for 2 days, and has only reached 78. I have it set on 104, and it just seems to be taking way too much time to heat up. I have read that this should not be a heater element issue, as it is heating. I don't think it should take this long, am I wrong? I have taken the filter out, as I read the filter may restrict the flow to the pump, but that was a new filter and does not seem to be dirty at all. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. VSGS When you say plugged in, is this a 110V tub? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Hi folks. I know this is probably a beaten question, but I have to ask. I purchased a used Arctic Spa tub, and had it hooked up. All was well, until the top side control seemed to lockup. I have replaced the pad, and all was well again. Lots of pressue out of the jets, and such, and the temp was 51, as I had used the hose. It has been plugged in and running now for 2 days, and has only reached 78. I have it set on 104, and it just seems to be taking way too much time to heat up. I have read that this should not be a heater element issue, as it is heating. I don't think it should take this long, am I wrong? I have taken the filter out, as I read the filter may restrict the flow to the pump, but that was a new filter and does not seem to be dirty at all. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. VSGS When you say plugged in, is this a 110V tub? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Hi folks. I know this is probably a beaten question, but I have to ask. I purchased a used Arctic Spa tub, and had it hooked up. All was well, until the top side control seemed to lockup. I have replaced the pad, and all was well again. Lots of pressue out of the jets, and such, and the temp was 51, as I had used the hose. It has been plugged in and running now for 2 days, and has only reached 78. I have it set on 104, and it just seems to be taking way too much time to heat up. I have read that this should not be a heater element issue, as it is heating. I don't think it should take this long, am I wrong? I have taken the filter out, as I read the filter may restrict the flow to the pump, but that was a new filter and does not seem to be dirty at all. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. VSGS When you say plugged in, is this a 110V tub? Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Hmmm seems real slow to me. If it's about 4-5 KW heater it should get 4-7 degrees per hour. Maybe the element is starting to get bad? Should take about 10 hours to get it to temp from 50 degrees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Hmmm seems real slow to me. If it's about 4-5 KW heater it should get 4-7 degrees per hour. Maybe the element is starting to get bad? Should take about 10 hours to get it to temp from 50 degrees. Thats what I was thinking, from a basic standpoint. Is that a common occurance, that it just kind of peters out over time. I would think that it would, however most reports on this site are saying if it heats at all, its something else wrong, but it only makes sense that the element is starting to croak. I have had 4-7 degrees in 12 hours, but not anything better than that..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don_ Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 I have a coyote, made by Arctic, so it uses the same insulation scheme. I have the temp set to 102, but it never drops below 103, I don't think the heater ever turns on, the pump does all the heating. Could it be that your heater is not turned on, and you are getting all your heat from the pump alone? My tub will heat from the low 70's to over 100 in about 4 hours. Don Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Hmmm seems real slow to me. If it's about 4-5 KW heater it should get 4-7 degrees per hour. Maybe the element is starting to get bad? Should take about 10 hours to get it to temp from 50 degrees. Thats what I was thinking, from a basic standpoint. Is that a common occurance, that it just kind of peters out over time. I would think that it would, however most reports on this site are saying if it heats at all, its something else wrong, but it only makes sense that the element is starting to croak. I have had 4-7 degrees in 12 hours, but not anything better than that..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 I have a coyote, made by Arctic, so it uses the same insulation scheme. I have the temp set to 102, but it never drops below 103, I don't think the heater ever turns on, the pump does all the heating. Could it be that your heater is not turned on, and you are getting all your heat from the pump alone? My tub will heat from the low 70's to over 100 in about 4 hours. Don Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Hmmm seems real slow to me. If it's about 4-5 KW heater it should get 4-7 degrees per hour. Maybe the element is starting to get bad? Should take about 10 hours to get it to temp from 50 degrees. Thats what I was thinking, from a basic standpoint. Is that a common occurance, that it just kind of peters out over time. I would think that it would, however most reports on this site are saying if it heats at all, its something else wrong, but it only makes sense that the element is starting to croak. I have had 4-7 degrees in 12 hours, but not anything better than that..... I have not felt the heater inside the cover to verify it is hot, but would I really get 28 degrees out of just running the pump, with out the heater on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salp Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 That tub should heat within a few hours... and if your pump was going for a couple of days, than it probably is from the pump. Call Arctic and they will help you over the phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webble Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 I have a coyote, made by Arctic, so it uses the same insulation scheme. I have the temp set to 102, but it never drops below 103, I don't think the heater ever turns on, the pump does all the heating. Could it be that your heater is not turned on, and you are getting all your heat from the pump alone? My tub will heat from the low 70's to over 100 in about 4 hours. Don Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Hmmm seems real slow to me. If it's about 4-5 KW heater it should get 4-7 degrees per hour. Maybe the element is starting to get bad? Should take about 10 hours to get it to temp from 50 degrees. Thats what I was thinking, from a basic standpoint. Is that a common occurance, that it just kind of peters out over time. I would think that it would, however most reports on this site are saying if it heats at all, its something else wrong, but it only makes sense that the element is starting to croak. I have had 4-7 degrees in 12 hours, but not anything better than that..... I have not felt the heater inside the cover to verify it is hot, but would I really get 28 degrees out of just running the pump, with out the heater on? if the heater icon is on solid on the topside, then you need to check to see if there is draw by the heater. you need to clamp one of the hot lines going to the control pack. you should get between 22-25 amps with the heater on and pump 1 running on low speed. If you are only getting 4 amps then the heater is not drawing. So then you need to check and make sure you have power to the heater lugs. these are the lugs at the bottom left of the motherboard. you should have 240 volts to the lugs when the heater icon is on. If you dont then you may need a new motherboard. if you do have 240 volts then you most likely need a new heater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 I have a coyote, made by Arctic, so it uses the same insulation scheme. I have the temp set to 102, but it never drops below 103, I don't think the heater ever turns on, the pump does all the heating. Could it be that your heater is not turned on, and you are getting all your heat from the pump alone? My tub will heat from the low 70's to over 100 in about 4 hours. Don Nope, she's wired into the new GFIC box, 220. Hmmm seems real slow to me. If it's about 4-5 KW heater it should get 4-7 degrees per hour. Maybe the element is starting to get bad? Should take about 10 hours to get it to temp from 50 degrees. Thats what I was thinking, from a basic standpoint. Is that a common occurance, that it just kind of peters out over time. I would think that it would, however most reports on this site are saying if it heats at all, its something else wrong, but it only makes sense that the element is starting to croak. I have had 4-7 degrees in 12 hours, but not anything better than that..... I have not felt the heater inside the cover to verify it is hot, but would I really get 28 degrees out of just running the pump, with out the heater on? if the heater icon is on solid on the topside, then you need to check to see if there is draw by the heater. you need to clamp one of the hot lines going to the control pack. you should get between 22-25 amps with the heater on and pump 1 running on low speed. If you are only getting 4 amps then the heater is not drawing. So then you need to check and make sure you have power to the heater lugs. these are the lugs at the bottom left of the motherboard. you should have 240 volts to the lugs when the heater icon is on. If you dont then you may need a new motherboard. if you do have 240 volts then you most likely need a new heater. Thanks, I will check this out in the next few days, Thanks again, V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 According to what I have avaialble for a manual it states that the pump should have 2 speeds. I should hit button 1 for low speed, and hit it again for hi speed. I hit my button once, and all I get is one speed, if I hit it again it goes off. I am wondering if my pump is not working right, and low speed is shot. This would make sense, as the spa is supposed to heat on low speed RIGHT? Does any Arctic Spa have just one speed? I can get the model number later today I guess, that would make it easier. .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Water Boy Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 According to what I have avaialble for a manual it states that the pump should have 2 speeds. I should hit button 1 for low speed, and hit it again for hi speed. I hit my button once, and all I get is one speed, if I hit it again it goes off. I am wondering if my pump is not working right, and low speed is shot. This would make sense, as the spa is supposed to heat on low speed RIGHT? Does any Arctic Spa have just one speed? I can get the model number later today I guess, that would make it easier. .... You could be on the right track. The pump does have two speeds, and it has to run on low speed for it to be able to heat. I thought you said earlier in your post that the pump was running right. Keep in mind if you go out there and it is running, that would be running on low speed. Then you would only have to hit the button just once for it to be on high speed. But if it isn’t running, and you hit the button once, and it doesn’t turn on, that could be what it is. Maybe the low speed capacitor isn’t working, which could cause it not to heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 According to what I have avaialble for a manual it states that the pump should have 2 speeds. I should hit button 1 for low speed, and hit it again for hi speed. I hit my button once, and all I get is one speed, if I hit it again it goes off. I am wondering if my pump is not working right, and low speed is shot. This would make sense, as the spa is supposed to heat on low speed RIGHT? Does any Arctic Spa have just one speed? I can get the model number later today I guess, that would make it easier. .... You could be on the right track. The pump does have two speeds, and it has to run on low speed for it to be able to heat. I thought you said earlier in your post that the pump was running right. Keep in mind if you go out there and it is running, that would be running on low speed. Then you would only have to hit the button just once for it to be on high speed. When I look at the tub, the water is circulating gently, and the panel has no arrow under pump 1. I hit pump one, it gives me the arrow icon, and the jets come on. the icon is solid on this setting, and when I hit the pump 1 button again, it shuts off, both pump, and icon. This gives me the idea that the pump is not doing what is supposed to, and not heating properly because pump 1, low speed is not working. If it is, it should be a flashing arrow icon, after I hit it once, and solid if I hit it again, therefore, indirectly giving me 3 settings on pump 1 (off, low,high) correct. This would also be affecting the filter cycle, as well as not heating correctly if I am on target. Is there any tests I can do myself do verify that pump 1 low is toast, other than verfiying that it is a 2 speed pump,..... Your help is helping me cross stuff off here, for sure But if it isn’t running, and you hit the button once, and it doesn’t turn on, that could be what it is. Maybe the low speed capacitor isn’t working, which could cause it not to heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 How can I check the capcitor for pump 1....? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Water Boy Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 How can I check the capcitor for pump 1....? If it is running gently, it sounds like the pump is working right. But, one simple way to check it, if the pump isnt running at all, and you turn the pump one on, and it doesnt come on, then it probably is the pump. If you hit it again, and it comes on high speed, it is probably the capacitor. Dont really know of any other way to test it from that point. I am just the sales guy and not the service guy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Yes. I see. The pump is running gently (just circulating), which would be on low then? If it were indeed on low, it should show on the panel, under pump 1 a flashing icon no? As it sits I seem to have only the cirulating level, which I assume is always running, and a high pump 1, with a continual icon under it, after I push it once. If I push it again, it goes back to what I think is the circulating one. ???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Water Boy Posted October 3, 2009 Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Yes. I see. The pump is running gently (just circulating), which would be on low then? If it were indeed on low, it should show on the panel, under pump 1 a flashing icon no? As it sits I seem to have only the cirulating level, which I assume is always running, and a high pump 1, with a continual icon under it, after I push it once. If I push it again, it goes back to what I think is the circulating one. ???? Not always on the icon. Rignt now I am looking at the spa here, and pump one is running on low, and the spa is heating. When the pump is on low, and it is heating, the arrow under the heating icon is on, but there is now arrow under the pump one. But, when I turn pump one on high speed, the arrow comes on. It sounds like your pump is running right. Sounds like to me maybe the heating element is going out. You might call a service guy to check it out to be sure, but odds are that is what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 Ok, thanks a bunch. I am new to all this stuff, and I guess I am in a panic, having bought the tub used, and already replaced the control panel after being told everything works. Buyer beware I guess,..... The pump is doing what I call circulating, which is running at a "low" speed, and it has from what others on this site has said, warmed up just from the pump, without the heater. It was at 84 last night, after running since Wednesday from 51. When I hit the pump 1 button, the jets come on stronger than the circulating cycle, and the icon is solid. If I hit it again, it goes back to the "low" one that I figure is circulating. I will do some more digging tonite, and check out underneath after work tonite, to verfiy model, and pump number etc. I am crossing my legs, that its just the heater element, and not the pump.... Thanks for the help, its giving me some good things to check out before I call someone in.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsgs Posted October 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2009 I am getting a code on the display "Or 07" it looks like. Does that mean anything to anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttrublue Posted October 4, 2009 Report Share Posted October 4, 2009 What model year is your spa? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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