10+ y/o Hydr-quip spa
2 y/o spa pack
2 speed aqua-flo pump (having the problem)
50 amp c/b


I recently did some spring cleaning on my spa. Drained and cleaned and pulled both pump motors to inspect the impellers. I took covers off the motors for basic inspection and cleaned with air compressor. I ensured internal wiring in motor did not become disturbed or disconnected. All was fine, and re-installed everything back into spa.

Refilled spa. Once full, I went through the startup process of making sure the heater was turned off and started the pump motors. Could hear the main (2 speed)pump gather suction and start working once cavitation was going away. After about ten seconds of the main pump motor pushing some water, the breaker tripped. the breaker now trips immediately when I reset it and the heater element is still off so I think it is directly related to the pump motor. I can unplug the main motor and run the secondary (1speed) without tripping anything.

One note to mention...It seems like the two speed main motor cannot be turned off beforehand from topside control and wants to always start up once I reset the breaker. There is a basic vacuum controlled topside control. I also checked/rechecked the ground cables to the motor and it seems good.

Ideas anyone???

No replies, so I'll post myfindings for the benefit of others...

After reading other posts on this subject, I decided to disconnect my heater element and retry. The 2 speed pump motor successfully worked and did not kick out the breaker. I reconnected the element and tried again and the breaker kicked so therefore I isolated the issue and ruled out pump issue. Since my element and other componants were relatively new already, I proceded as if it was a moisture problem that may be causing the breaker tripping.

Here's what I did...I disconnected the heater element and left the spa pack front panel open to keep electronics exposed. I then turned on both spa pump motors and closed the skirt door to retain the heat generated by the motors. I let the motors run several hours which was also a good time to 'shock' the fresh water. After a few hours, i cut power and reconnected everything. Motors, heater element all worked fine after that and this morning my spa is up to temperature!!!!!