hi all,

I noticed that the hot tub was off the other day when checking it. No power at all, and the GFCI was also not 'humming', ie no power. I went inside to check the breaker and it wasnt tripped. Went back out to the GFCI and pressed the red RESET button, the power came back on... hot tub fired up and went through its priming. The LCD on the tub said "Pr" , after about 5 mins it went "--F" like it was about to either display or turn the heat on, and i heard the GFCI trip and hot tub turned off. I reset the GFCI again and the same thing happened.

I have no idea where to start. Any ideas?

Thanks all!

I'd consider replacing the heater element. That's more than likely what's tripping your GFCI.
http://spapartsnet.com/Electric-Heaters ... 6_0_1.html

Thanks for suggestion. Heating element bad already? only been about a year.. geez. Is there any way I can test it to make sure that is the problem? uncle (lives next door) is an electrician, so I'm sure he'll know what youre talking about Thanks for response.. appreciate it

Disconnect BOTH leads (copper strips most likely) to your heater element.

Repeat the process. If the gfci doesn't trip then you've found the problem.

Heater elements are dorks about everything. move them, bump them, drain and refill... look at them cross-eyed... they can go to crap for no appparent reason.

According to this manual on page 5 (page 5 of manual, not actual PDF page): http://www.platinumhottubs.com/manuals/ ... Manual.pdf

The heater element is INSIDE the heater tube. Assuming I have to drain the tub to get at it then?

The element is inside. The terminals that connect to it are outside.

Look at this page:
http://spasupport.com/eheater/bbfthtrelerep1.html (Third row of photos)

Your circuit board is different design but they all connect the same. Two large wires, or two copper straps from the board to the element.

Hi,

well i just took the hot tub apart and I saw the two copper straps you were talking about. I disconnected them from the heating tube (but left them attached to the circuit board which I doubt matters). The spa still turned off after the "--F" display. as it was in PR (priming) , I turned all the jets on (first jet to speed 1 and 2, and second set on), also turned the Blowers on (bubbles). Those all worked fine.

Not sure what is tripping it now. Any clue? doesnt seem like its the heating element after all

So, you're saying that your particular gfci has a 'reset' button on it? I presume then this is a separate mounted enclosure with a test/reset type of gfci mounted?

and... you did disconnect BOTH leads to the heater, not just one correct?

If your spa is the same as the one in the owners manual, try disconnecting the circulation pump, AND the audio power line that goes to the controller if yours has it.

Repeat test.

evening..

Yes, the GFCI has a red reset button on it and a test button. it also has a big fuse type thingy you can pull out (which i did when working on it) and also a flip switch for a 15amp, but i dont think that does anything (i've tried both on and off)

Yes, i disconnected BOTh leads to the heater.
Yes it is tripping again, seems to be at the same exact spot as before.

Question. while disconnecting the circulation pump (is this easy?) and the audio (easy as well?) , should I also have the heating element disconnected?

Thanks for ur help

yes leave the element disconnected.

If that's a VS series controller (grey plastic box), then your circ pump is going to unplug from the circuit board. (Look at the manual you quoted earlier).

My bet is that you've got a faulty circ pump.