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Spa gets to temperature then shuts off - FL code


GraemeSpa

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So I have a beachcomber 578 spa, it was working fine since we bought this house about 6 months ago.

Then we got an FL code so I cleaned out the filter, checked for air pockets etc but ended up buying a new flow switch and then it worked again for about 6 weeks, I then bought a new flow switch as I thought the first one was faulty. The new switch did indeed work and the spa was all good for about another 2 months. Now I'm getting the same FL code once it reaches temp, circulation pump will shut off and it sits till temp drops below setting and then the FL code hits the panel.

Now when I unplug the flow sensor it fires up immediately and the I plug it in, that allows me to use the tub intermittently. 

I tested the flow for ohms and it's behaving normally, but the board seems to be getting a closed signal from the flow sensor when its open, hence the solid FL?

Any thoughts?

I should mention I did have the pump rebuilt professionally too.

 

 

 

 

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PXL_20210115_184018619.jpg

PXL_20210201_232007135.jpg

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If unplugging the flow/pressure switch clears the solid flo error but creates a flashing flo error, which goes away when you reconnect the flow/pressure switch then it is a shorted switch or wires. A circuit board issue would not be corrected by fiddling with the plug.

Post a pic of the flow/pressure switch so we know what you have there.

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Remove and inspect the flow switch toggle and post. Check for any debris or build up that can prevent proper contact. Next inspect the toggle part and make sure it is not bent in any way and hangs near straight about a 1/4" away from the post. Make sure the toggle doesn't get caught against the side of the housing when re installing. Check proper alignment once installed and that it is in line with the flow of water. 

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I was under the impression that the board won't tell the pump and heater to turn on unless it has an "open signal" from the flow sensor. So by unplugging it, that changes the signal to open as it thinks the flow sensor is closed. The flow switch manufacturer, Harwil, told me to bend the metal "away" from the upright so it didn't read any false closed signal. I will try the opposite and bend near straight, I've made sure it's clear and clean, I've tried tweaking the angle a few times by a few degrees and nothing.

 

Thanks

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The flow switch must be closed to engage the heater. If yours is turning on the heater, not just the indicator light, with the flow switch unplugged from the board then it has a bad board.

On most brands I am familiar with a flashing flo error means the switch is open when the pump is on (and it should be closed) and a solid flo means it is closed when the pump is off (and it should be open). Not all controls work this way. Post a pic of your circuit board so we know what you have.

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1 hour ago, RDspaguy said:

The flow switch must be closed to engage the heater. If yours is turning on the heater, not just the indicator light, with the flow switch unplugged from the board then it has a bad board.

On most brands I am familiar with a flashing flo error means the switch is open when the pump is on (and it should be closed) and a solid flo means it is closed when the pump is off (and it should be open). Not all controls work this way. Post a pic of your circuit board so we know what you have.

The original post has the control board pictures. One thing I've never tried is unplugging the sensor and leaving it unplugged to see if the heater comes on or not, I've always just quickly unplugged, let the pump start then plug back in and the heater then goes on. 

Thanks

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  • 2 years later...
On 2/21/2021 at 3:40 PM, GraemeSpa said:

So I have a beachcomber 578 spa, it was working fine since we bought this house about 6 months ago.

Then we got an FL code so I cleaned out the filter, checked for air pockets etc but ended up buying a new flow switch and then it worked again for about 6 weeks, I then bought a new flow switch as I thought the first one was faulty. The new switch did indeed work and the spa was all good for about another 2 months. Now I'm getting the same FL code once it reaches temp, circulation pump will shut off and it sits till temp drops below setting and then the FL code hits the panel.

Now when I unplug the flow sensor it fires up immediately and the I plug it in, that allows me to use the tub intermittently. 

I tested the flow for ohms and it's behaving normally, but the board seems to be getting a closed signal from the flow sensor when its open, hence the solid FL?

Any thoughts?

I should mention I did have the pump rebuilt professionally too.

 

 

 

 

PXL_20210131_184913181.jpg

PXL_20210131_184927973.jpg

PXL_20210115_184018619.jpg

PXL_20210201_232007135.jpg

Hi Did you ever get to the bottom of this ?? I have the same problem and I'm now on my 3rd flow switch. Seems to me that something is causing the switch to break down. 

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