Hot Tub Won’t Turn On? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

Hot Tub Won’t Turn On? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

Few things are more frustrating than planning to relax in your hot tub—only to find it won’t turn on. Whether the spa is completely dead or just not responding correctly, this guide will walk you through common causes and solutions to help you get back in hot water (the good kind).

1. Check Power Supply & GFCI Breaker

The most common reason a hot tub won’t turn on is a tripped GFCI breaker or a disconnected power source.

What to do:

  • Make sure the spa is plugged in (for 120V plug-in models).

  • Check your home’s GFCI breaker and reset it if needed.

  • Inspect the spa’s control panel for signs of power.

If your spa trips the breaker repeatedly, the issue could be with the control board or heater. You can find replacement spa circuit boards at SpaPartsExperts.com.

2. Control Panel Not Responding

If the panel is on but buttons aren’t working, the problem could be the topside control panel itself or a deeper wiring issue.

Try this:

  • Power cycle the spa by turning it off for 30–60 seconds.

  • Inspect the panel for moisture damage or error codes.

  • Test with a known working panel (if possible).

We offer a wide range of spa control panels compatible with major brands like Balboa, Gecko, and more.

3. Heater or Temperature Sensor Failure

Sometimes your spa won’t turn on because the heater or temp sensor has failed, causing a safety shut-off.

Clues to look for:

  • Flashing error codes like "OH," "SN," or "FLO."

  • Cold water despite the pump running.

  • Spa powers on, but doesn’t heat or shut down quickly.

Visit our Heaters & Sensors section for compatible replacements and detailed part specs.

4. Pump Not Working or Humming Only

If you hear a humming noise but nothing’s running, your spa pump motor might be jammed, overheated, or burned out.

Try this:

  • Check if the pump spins freely when turned by hand.

  • Make sure it’s not airlocked (common after draining/refilling).

  • Replace a failing pump with a new spa pump.

5. Blown Fuses or Wiring Damage

If nothing powers on at all, you may have a blown fuse or loose wire inside the spa pack.

Inspect for:

  • Burn marks or loose terminals inside the control box.

  • Broken fuses on the circuit board.

  • Rodent damage to wires (yes, it happens more often than you'd think!).

If you need a full replacement, explore our Spa Packs & Controls category for complete solutions.

Still Stuck? We Can Help

Need help? Contact our spa tech team and get personalized troubleshooting support.

 

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