Common Hot Tub Error Codes Explained

Nobody likes to see an error code pop up on their hot tub’s display panel. Fortunately, hot tub error codes are a fantastic troubleshooting tool, if you know what they mean. Today, we will list the most common hot tub error codes, and discuss what those codes mean.

Flow Errors

Common Error Codes: FLO, FLO, FL1, LF, DR, DRY

In our experience, the most common hot tub error codes are flow errors. Flow errors are caused when the hot tub’s sensors detect a lack of water flow through the heater element. Common causes of flow errors include:

• Low water levels. If the water is less than halfway up the opening to the skimmer/filter area, there simply may not be enough water flowing through the filtration system.
• Dirty filters. Dirty filters will restrict the amount of water flowing through the filtration system and can cause flow errors in some circumstances.
• Faulty sensors. Flow errors can sometimes be caused by faulty or incorrectly installed sensors.
• A faulty spa pack. In rare cases faulty spa packs can also cause flow errors.

Low Water Errors

Common Error Codes: DR, DY, DRY, H20

Low water errors are meant to indicate a lack of water in the hot tub pump. These errors are usually a sign that there is not enough water in the hot tub, although they will also display if there is air trapped in the pump (an “air lock”).

Air locks commonly occur after refilling the hot tub. To get rid of an air lock in your hot tub pump, simply loosen one of the pump connections. You should hear air escaping. When there is no more air being released, tighten up the connection and restart the hot tub. If the error code is still displaying, consult a professional.

High Limit Errors

Common Error Codes: ***, —, HILI, HL, HOT, OH, SP-OT, SN1, SN

These hot tub error codes are caused when the water in the hot tub gets too hot. For a high limit error to be triggered, the temperature sensor has measure a temperature well over the set temperature; typically over 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you notice a high limit error on your hot tub’s control panel get a thermometer out and check the water temperature. If the hot tub is indeed above 110 degrees you may have a problem with your heater or spa pack. If the hot tub temperature is normal, you’re likely dealing with a faulty temperature sensor.

Cold Water Errors

Common Error Codes: COL, COLD, COOL, FP, FR, FRE, LO

These error codes are triggered when the hot tub detects the water is much colder than the set temperature. As with high limit errors, you should first get a thermometer out and check the water temperature. If the hot tub is indeed significantly colder than the set temperature (more than 10 degrees less) you likely have a problem with your heater. If the hot tub temperature is normal, you’re likely dealing with a faulty temperature sensor or spa pack.

Frozen Water Errors

Common Error Codes: ICE, I CE2

These hot tub errors codes indicate that the water is so cold that it is in danger of freezing and the hot tub’s freeze protection feature has been activated. If you see one of these errors, contact a professional to diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible. You can also place a small space heater in the hot tub cabinet on it’s lowest setting to help ensure that the water in the pipes doesn’t freeze while you’re waiting for the problem to be fixed.

Panel Errors

Common Error Codes: PNL, OP, EO, SA, SNA, SNB, SH, SNH, SEoP, SESH, SN1, SN2, SN3

These hot tub error codes are an indication of a broken electronic component. Depending on the exact code, this could be anything from a broken sensor to a blown fuse to a malfunctioning spa pack. If your hot tub is showing a panel error, consult a professional to help you properly diagnose the issue.

Note: An error code starting with an “S” typically indicates a faulty sensor, though the issue can sometimes be with the spa pack itself.

Circulation Pump Errors

Common Error Codes: CP

This code indicates a problem with the hot tub’s circulation pump.

Hot Tub Display Console Codes That Aren’t Errors

Fortunately, not all hot tub panel codes are error codes. Some are system status codes which are used to provide you with information on how your hot tub is set to run. Here’s a list of a few of the more common hot tub system status codes.

ScLN – Used by older generation Self-Cleaning Hydropool Hot Tubs to tell you when the hot tub is in its Self-Cleaning filtration mode.

Pr – Displayed when the pumps are priming, usually when the hot tub has just been turned on or reset.

Econ, Ecn, SE – Displayed by some hot tubs when they are running in economy mode (only heating the water when the hot tub is already running a filtration cycle).

Std, Flon – Displayed by some hot tubs when they are running in standard mode (heating the water anytime the hot tub dips 2 degrees below the set temperature).

F2, F4, F6 – Displayed by some hot tubs to show how long they are set to filter. F2 = 4 hours, F4 = 8 hours and F6 = 12 hours.

Hold – Displayed when panels buttons have been hit too many times, or too quickly.

LOC, L1, L2 – Indicate that the panel has been locked. Enter the code used to lock the panel to unlock it and resume normal operation.

Do You Have A Different Code?

There are hundreds of different spa packs that have been used over the years by the various hot tub manufacturers; many with their own set of error codes. If your hot tub is showing an error code that is not on this list, give us a call! One of our associates can help you diagnose the issue and get your hot tub back up and running as soon as possible!