How to Reset Hot Tub Control Panel?

Looking for how to reset a hot tub control panel?. Great, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you can expect to learn  the following:

• What a hot tub control panel is
• Do hot tubs have a reset button?
• How do you reset a hot tub control panel?
• And more…

If you’ve been enjoying your hot tub for a while and all of a sudden you notice the hot tub control panel isn’t doing what is supposed to be doing, it can be frustrating.

Maybe your hot tub control panel is displaying error codes, flashing lights, or giving you wrong signals then it may be time to do some resetting or restarting the hot tub and all will be back to normal.

But first of all, let’s look at what the hot tub control panel is and what it does.

What is a Hot Tub Control Panel and What Does It Do?

Your hot tub topside control panel is your mission control for your spa experience. You can think of the hot tub control panel as the “dashboard” of your hot tub. It tells you all you need to know about what’s going on in the water and gives you control enough to customize your soaking experience.

This is the place you can customize your message, your temperature, and your hot tub’s filtration cycles.  The control panel is responsible for all kinds of functions and it helps you create the exact experience you want.

Now, depending on the model of hot tub you have, there are different types of topside control panels with different options. Some older models have only one button while newer models may have eight or even more buttons. with a good control system, you have absolute control!.

Also Read:

How does the hot tub thermostat work?

Do Hot Tubs Have a Reset Button on the Control Panel?

Hot tubs control panels do not have reset buttons, but their spa heaters can be reset using a button. In order to fully reset the control panel, the user should manually turn it off or unplug it and wait for 10 to 20 seconds.

However, to reset the heater, the user has to use the high-limit reset button.

There are generally two “hard resets” in hot tubs, the GFCI and the high limit reset.  The high-limit reset is a small red button that is located on the control pack. It is used to reset the heater.

The GFCI on the other hand will pop if there is any type of electrical short such as water getting into the heating element, the reset on that can be in one of the three-place. 1-at the circuit breaker, 2-at the plug outlet or on the end of the cord (110-volt models, or 3- on the pack located near the heater chamber.

When you want to reset a hot tub, you should ensure that there is proper maintenance done correctly, like making sure the filters are working, the water level is on point and the electricals are plugged in.

How Do You Reset Your Hot Tub Control Panel?

To reset your hot tub control panel, simply switch it off, wait for between 10 to 20 seconds and then switch it back again. If the error signal still persists, then you will need to consult your hot tub manual to see what exactly is the issue.

In an instance where the control panel is simply not working, then check your hot tub connections to it and also see if any water might have gone into it to cause the problem. If it’s still not working, then you may need to replace it or consult a hot tub repairer.

Here are the different scenarios that might require you to reset your hot tub control panel.

Hot Tub Control Panel Error Messages

Error codes showing on your control panel are an indication that something is wrong and you will have to figure out how to fix them. Different brands use different error codes to indicate a problem.

Here are the common causes of error codes displayed on your hot tub control panel.

Most common fault – Dirty filters ( the most common cause), blockage, switch failure, low water level, pump failure, broken wire.

Hi-Limit Fault – Dirty filters, low flow, low water level, blockage, sensor fault, water debris in switch, splashed/leaking water shorting connectors.

Flow/Pressure Switch Closed Circuit – Switch failure, switch adjustment required, debris in switch, splashed/leaking water shorting connectors.

Overheat Fault – Same as sensor fault. If the sensor reads extremely high-temperature 45C-48C. The spa usually shuts down.

Temperature Sensor Fault – Sensor fault, pump heat interference, water entry to sensor or connector/corrosion

If any of these errors show on the control panel, sometimes, resetting the hot tub control panel will do. You may need to hold two different buttons down or a brief sequence of buttons to achieve this. Control panels are different. Depending on your manual, would show you exactly what to do.

Just in case you are unable to get the error off by resetting it, you may need to follow these instructions.

 The Hot Tub Control Panel Has Crashed

The control panel is a computing device and is prone to crash from time to time due to software errors. If know-how to soft boot or reset the control panel, then it’s worth giving it a try, mostly by switching it off and on again.

If you switch it off, let it stay completely off for 10 to 15 seconds to allow all the data to clear and for the software to reset itself.

After that, turn the power back on again and allow the hot tub control panel to settle properly.

If your hot tub control panel still isn’t working properly or displaying properly then there are a number of things that you can try to see if you can get it working again.

However, if your hot tub is still under warranty then you should consult your dealer rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.

Check the Water Level

Has your control panel recently got wet?. Water is a very good conductor of electricity and can cause electrical shorts if they mix together. If by any chance there have been any of the components on the control panel have been in contact with water, then this can cause problems if not managed properly.

Well, you may be wondering, but isn’t the hot tub control panel supposed to be waterproof, so that it can be submerged in water without any issue, well, there is waterproof sealing around the control panel. But if the sealing is damaged, it will be exposed to water damage as well.

If it happens that the water has entered into the control panel, here is a trick that works well for mobile phones that have been dropped in water.

Find a rectangular container and fill it with ordinary cooking rice. Put the control panel inside the container and bury it in the rice. Leave it overnight. The idea is that the rice will soak the moisture out of the control panel and with a little bit of luck it might start working properly again.

If this trick doesn’t work, then you need to leave it in a warm dry spot for some days for the water to evaporate from it.

Check the Connection Cable for Damage

Some control panels are connected to the hot tub via a  cable. If that is the case with yours, you need to check to make sure it is not damaged in any way. Look out for cuts on the cable and scrapes where the cables inside could be touching and causing short circuits.

If the cable is also inappropriately bent in areas, this can cause the cable to damage and cause a short circuit. Any damage to the cable will affect the control panel as well.

Here are simple steps to guide you to replace your hot tub control panel in case you are replacing the current one.

1. Turn Off the Power. Before you begin to replace or install the control panel, you should turn off both the electricity and the water supply to your tub.
2. Remove the Old Panel. Take the old control panel off the front of your hot tub.
3. Add the New Hot Tub Control Panel.
4.  Connect Your Panel.

Final Thoughts on Resetting Hot tub Control Panel

The hot tub control panel enables you to control how you experience the hot tub. It can develop faults that will require your attention to fix them.

Resetting the hot tub can sometimes help in solving the problem. But if after the after tips don’t work, then you need to get a professional or replace it with a new one.