HH Error Code

[mmbirtcher]

About a month ago, the pump stopped running. I shut power off prior to checking the code. I replaced the capacitors and the pump still did not run. Checked to confirm pump volutes were not obstructed and they weren't. I prepared to remove the pump but manually turned it with a large screwdriver on the end. The pump started right up and has run for a month.

Last night I went out to enjoy the spa and found it was 54 degrees and not running. An HH code was indicated. As it was late, I disconnected power and went inside. This morning I closed the breaker and the spa started right up with no other action on my part.

StrongSpa single pump 220v wired

I am concerned that it will randomly stop again during below freezing temps. What should I check to prevent this?

[CanadianSpaTech]

Likely caused by a low flow condition. When was the last time you cleaned your filters? Next time (or anytime you have an error code appear) Turn off power... Remove filter and restart spa run without filter and see if error comes back. Dirty filters are a flow killer. Filters should be cleaned weekly... bi- weekly at most

[mmbirtcher]

Thanks.

The last time it happened I did not change the filter and it ran for about a month. The filter gets cleaned / changed at each time the spa gets emptied and refilled. It is used once or twice per week by one person. Does that require weekly cleaning? That seems to be a lot for very minimal use? 

 

Regardless, I'll pull the filter. Maybe I am not cleaning properly.

[CanadianSpaTech]

Might be time to soak it in filter wash. Always good to have a second set. Cleaner you keep the filter the better everything else runs. 

[mmbirtcher]

Yes, always do wash the filter and keep two so one is clean and ready. I did find a handful of leaves in the screen before the filter and removed them believing that was the likely solution. Two week or so later the spa has been running perfectly until last night. I go to get in and pump is not running. There was a humming sound indicating that the pump was trying to run but wouldn’t. I turned it with a screwdriver and it ran fine. This morning, back to humming, but I am certain that it will start if I turn it.

As mentioned above, I replaced both capacitors that match the specs picked up at local HVAC supply. It has run mostly fine since installing those except as above and the last night / today. Dropped a cleaned filter in last night. When the pump is running, there is nothing I can see that indicates a clog or flow issue?

[mmbirtcher]

Quick update. Went out to check it, intending to turn with a screwdriver driver to get it running. Hit the jet switch and just a click. No humming sound now. Shut power to spa, turned pump, turned power back on and hit jet switch. Click and readout says Pr, but no humming sound or pump operation. Is this likely a pump issue or a control board issue? Until recently this spa had 0 issues and has always run well and been cleaned regularly.

[mmbirtcher]

And now it just started running again… this is like the car that runs fire when taken to the shop…

[CanadianSpaTech]

7 hours ago, mmbirtcher said:

Click and readout says Pr

PR is priming mode. Normal. Should start to run after 5 min priming mode completed. 

[mmbirtcher]

I have had the spa running with no filter (not using it) and closed. The pump still randomly shuts off and shows the HH code every 2-3 days. Give it a turn and starts right back up no problem. Is the temp sensor causing it to stop or is the pump just randomly shutting down because its starting to die?

[CanadianSpaTech]

Might have a weak start/run capacitor on the pump. 

On 2/6/2025 at 10:43 AM, mmbirtcher said:

Give it a turn and starts right back up no problem

Are you turning the shaft at the back of the motor to get it going again?

[mmbirtcher]

Yes, the shaft at the back of the motor where it has the screwdriver style slot. I had thought that it wasn't the capacitors as I replaced them both, but I guess that it could be.

[Spa Board Doctor]

There are electrical points in the back of the motor that are opened and closed by a centrifugal switch.  These points can foul, and when the motor rotation stops, the points don't close as they should.  The fouled points can sometimes be cleaned with a very small file or emry cloth and then some electronic cleaner or 90% isopropyl alcohol.

[mmbirtcher]

I'll give that a try also, thanks! They really are simple machines, should be easy.

[saunaguy]

Sounds like the pump might be sticking or the startup torque isn’t quite enough to get it going consistently. Since manually turning it got it working before, it could be a sign that the bearings are wearing out or there’s some internal resistance (maybe debris you didn’t catch). The fact that it randomly stopped again and restarted without intervention makes me think the motor’s thermal overload is tripping and resetting.

I’d check for any voltage drops at the pump connections to make sure it’s getting full power. Also, inspect the pump relay or contactor if it's failing, it could be intermittently cutting power. If it happens again, try listening for a hum before it fully starts; that could indicate the start winding isn’t kicking in properly. Since freezing temps are a concern, you might want to keep an eye on it and have a backup plan like a small heater near the equipment area just in case it stops again.