spa issues dr code on spa, spa shuts down

[Jpronto]

Hi, I have a spa showing code dr then it stops heating. Left it off, topped up the water, cleaned the filters but left them off to test the suction at the plumbing. Turned it on. It goes through a few minutes before it thrusts on the jets for a minute the drops off to heat mode. The pump runs briefly then heat light goes on and will indicate but flutters. With in less that a minute the pump shuts off, the lamp goes off and the dr code comes on. No breakers kick and I even ran a high flow hose into the plumbing to displace any air. The tub has been running for several months and it never got low enough to suck in air. I can activate the jets and it is flowing through with gusto. 

[CanadianSpaTech]

On 11/27/2024 at 7:41 PM, Jpronto said:

heat light goes on and will indicate but flutters.

Fluttering is test firing the heater. Once it goes solid it is heating. 

Is there any error codes on topside? What brand of spa and what control system is in it. Post photos of the circuit board and the schematic on inside cover.

Does the spa have a circulation pump or does it use a main pump #1 on low for heating and filtering?

Sounds like the heat/filter related pump/circ pump is not moving water. 

[Jpronto]

Hi, sorry I have not been able to respond. Had some other things come up and I won’t be able to get to the hot tub for at least a few more days. I’ll get the side off and post as soon as I can. 

[Jpronto]

Got some pics. Pump on the left runs. The pump on the right will hum for a little bit, the heat light will flutter, the water temperature will rise 2 degrees then it will shut down and display the error code. Now it is flashing dry not just dr. The filters are still off. It’s a Tropical Sees, Balboa Components. I did find a drip occurring at the heat pump mount and tightened it then turned things on and off running the jets each time after tightening the pump  

[CanadianSpaTech]

19 hours ago, Jpronto said:

will hum for a little bit

Sounds like the impeller is getting hung up or a weak start cap. At the back of the motor you should see a small opening where the shaft of the motor sits. It will have a slot in it where you can place a flat head screwdriver in it and when it is humming try and give the shaft a helping spin and see if it starts running. Reasons: Could be a weak start capacitor in the motor or the impeller shaft could be getting hung up in the seal. I am working on the same thing right now and once the shaft is helped to spin it might run for an hour or a few days. Going with a new replacement. As weather get sub zero I don't want to have to have it crap out on my customer mid Winter and it's -20.

[Jpronto]

Got some pics. Pump on the left runs. The pump on the right will hum for a little bit, the heat light will flutter, the water temperature will rise 2 degrees then it will shut down and display the error code. Now it is flashing dry not just dr. The filters are still off. It’s a Tropical Sees, Balboa Components. I did find a drip occurring at the heat pump mount and tightened it then turned things on and off running the jets each time after tightening the pump  

[Jpronto]

Okay, I put a screwdriver in and gave it some turns. Then fired it up. It’s been running now for 15 minutes and is heating. Before it would shut down after a minute. My wife says she might let me move back into the house. 😂. We’ll see how it goes. I’ll post another update in a few hours. 

[CanadianSpaTech]

2 hours ago, Jpronto said:

My wife says she might let me move back into the house

Better get in there and get some hot food in ya because it will likely have to be helped to start again if it stops. Post a photo of the white sticker on the top of the pump and I'll find the right replacement for you. 

[Jpronto]

I think it’s good! It’s still running but should stop soon as it looks like it’s at the set temp. I‘ll still get you a picture in the morning in case it becomes a re-occurring issue. A hundred thanks!

[Jpronto]

Here’s the heat pump. It’s been working flawlessly since early yesterday. 

[CanadianSpaTech]

https://pool-spa-supplies.com/balboa-water-group-pump-circ-bwg-vico-power-wow-25hp-230v-amp-cord-oem-1070056?srsltid=AfmBOopyIQmV8nqM-vv9Fy42pWPI-00uCHeH0zsHIp62RqLGEIdOGaag

[Jpronto]

Still running fine. Thanks for time and expertise!