I have a hot tub that was turned off all summer. When I tried to turn it on today it pops the breaker.
220V on 50AMP GFCI. When the breaker trips it kinda sticks and when I reset it it does not feel smooth.
I checked the pump motor and it turns easy and smooth. I checked the heater and it is not open or corroded. Checked all the wiring and all looks good.
Could the breaker be bad?
Getting the details right for a wall assembly with the control layers to the exterior and lots of drying potential.
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Replies
Try disconnecting the ozonator and see if it still pops.
Ozonator is disconnected.Had problem with that last year.Thanks
Next best bet would be the breaker. Is the Gfi on the tub or the panel? If it's on the panel can you try the tub on another breaker to see if it still pops to avoid spending the $$ on a new one in case it isn't the problem?
ya it's on the panel.Using diff breaker as test is good idea.Thank's
Think I have it figured out.Disconnected 220V at hot tub panel and breaker still trips. Gonna pick up a new breaker.When I install it I will report.Thanks for the help.Russell
"Disconnected 220V at hot tub panel and breaker still trips. "Spounds like the problem, unless you have little mice chewing the cord in between.
New 50AMP GFCI breaker from HD - $80.00Installed and all seems to be working. I will let it run it's cycle and see what the temp is.If all is ok then it is drain, clean, new filter and refill.Looking forward to soaking and relaxing.Russell
"Looking forward to soaking and relaxing."A buddy gave me his old hot tub...we recently hooked it up-wow-a little slice of heaven...I sat in there this morning and watched the leaves fall...sweet
Yep it's the life.I will be putting mine up for sale soon. We want a smaller tub with more jets.I will be using mine until it sells.Fall and winter are my favorite seasons for tub use.Russell
Fixed it. Great. I have developed a visceral hatred of hot tubs after working at a resort where all 24 cabins have them. The newer ones make trouble shooting more like computer repair than mechanics. I just can't relax around them now.
Yep! Up and running.Thanks for your help.Russell
dumb question-we're new at this and just fire it up when we want to go in...no chemicals at allbut come winter-do you leave it on and let it cycle throughout the day? we waited a year to hook it up because it seemed so wasteful and now we're trying to figure out how to keep it as efficient as possible...my electrician figures it's .50 cents for every hour it runs.we're also looking at the solar heaters that install on the roof-any experience with that?right now it's one of my favorite spots on the planet...it's in our backyard with a view of the pond-pure peace and quiet-now this old farm feels like my camp!cheers,phil
We run ours on a timer 3 hours on 3 off. If the water temp drops to much it will come on automatically.During the winter ours may run us $30 - $40 a month. Insulate box as best you can and use a good tight cover when not in use.You should keep track of the water chemistry just like a pool. It can get very bad due to the heat and being covered.I do not have any experience with a solar heater.Russell
I can handle 30-40 bucks a month...and I'll take your advice and use 2" foam around the outside...our cover is toast-we need a new one.we are watching the ph-so far so good...we hate clorine...have any experience with alternatives??thanks,phil
We use chlorine in our hot tub and pool. We used to use non chlorine products but went back to chlorine because of ease of use.We have friends that still use non chlorine products and like them but I do not know what they are using.A good cover is the most important part of insulating a closed tub. Ours is bad also. We will get a new one before the real cold weather hits. About $450.00, Ouch.
Edited 9/28/2009 6:06 pm ET by Huntdoctor
$450 and the foam inside is open cell so it gets waterlogged and hard to lift. The lids are a huge scam - but what can you do.
I agree. We will be buying our 3rd one. Last about 4 years.Any ideas?Russell
No useful ones sorry. With the abuse they take at the resort some only last a year. We have looked at all sorts of alternatives like getting a surf board maker to come up with a hard shell design. One thing that does prolong the life is wrapping the new foam in another thicker (6 mil) layer of poly and sealing the joints. Not much you can do about the naugahyde breaking down though.
Make your own?
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
Put on your inventors twirly cap and think up a good way to make a cover. I'm stumped.
I've heard you can order new vinyl covers by themselves-I've got 4" foam in very good shape and we're hoping to just order the cover.
I just need cover also.Let us know.Russell
Yes you can buy either or. Most of our tubs are Sundance, but we get replacement covers from a local maker that is $150 cheaper. It might be worth asking a hot tub dealer near you.
Just an idea.Cover the foam with an old water bed bladder. Then make cover with good tarp or old winter pool cover.What do ya think?Russell
Unfortunately, with hot tubs there is no half way. Once you start them, you have to keep them going with regular filtering and adjustment of the chemicals - or drain them. If you test your tub you will be surprised at how quickly the pH and chlorine levels get out of whack, and this can have very serious consequences.
We're trying to keep the chemicals to an absolute minimum...but we do test the ph daily to keep on top of it.do you use bromide??thanks,phil
The resort uses bromine tablets in the floaty mushroom thing but chlorine when filling. Because the tubs are drained so often between guests, the ozonator and other maintenance treatments aren't as important. It is basically a start up treatment each time.
A neighbour asked me to look at a tub he had bought six months before. I went over and the water had a green scum around the edges. I asked him which chemicals he was using and he replied: "What chemicals?". He then rolled up his shirt to show he his chest which was bright red up to a line near his neck and stunningly white above!
what the ozonator??
Helps purify the water using ozone. Not really necessary but with one you might not use as much chlorine.Mine has not worked for several years and have had no water issues.
Edited 9/27/2009 4:04 pm ET by Huntdoctor
'IS IT DONE WITH AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE??
I think it is done with and ultraviolet light.Russell
yeah.. after i posted i remember seeing on i believe TOH, a ultra- violet light encased in tube where the water ran threw it. anyhow thanks for info....
Same price as for the rest of the electricity.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz