Jets tripping GFCI breaker

[sergiomax]

Hello everyone,

First off, you'll have to excuse my ignorance because I do not know anything about spas and hot tubs (is there a difference between the two?). Recently we bought a house and it just so happens that it came with a spa (Hot Springs Vanguard model from 2001). I did not even know that the spa was filled until a couple of days ago when, just out of curiosity, I decided to remove the cover. To my surprise, the spa was filled with water and the water was hot. Then I started figuring out how to use this thing. Anyhow, figured out most of these things and, of course, something came up. After turning on the jets the spa would work for some time (10-30 min), but then GFCI breaker would trip. After reseting the breaker same thing happens: it would trip minutes after turning on the jets. So I looked inside to see if I can find some electrical issues. Found a couple of potential issues with pictures below:

First two pics show a wire that hangs in air. The wire comes from the black box. I do not know much about this wire, but wires usually connect to something. Anyone has an idea where this wire is supposed to go?

The second two images show a flat cable that is pretty burned out on both ends with damaged and exposed wires inside. Anyone has an idea what this cable is and if I could find a replacement? Would it be complicated to replace it? 

Do you think these issues are the reason for the spa breaker to trip?

 

Thank you very much!

      

[sergiomax]

So the wire is a ground. Definitely needs to be grounded somewhere. Anyone knows where to ground it? 

The burned out cable, I'm thinking it leads to control panel. Does anyone know if the cable can be replaced without replacing the control panel?

 

Thanks,

 

S

[sergiomax]

The damaged cable is a phone jack style connection cable that is coming from Aux control panel. Before I start prying things out, anyone knows if I can replace the cable without replacing the Aux panel?

Thanks,

 

S