The ultimate guide to hot tub error codes
Updated October 2026
When something goes wrong, most hot tubs show a code on the control panel. Here’s what the common codes mean, what you can safely check yourself, and when it’s time for an engineer.
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Can’t find your code, or not sure what it means? Type it into the troubleshooter.
Look up a codeWhat the common codes mean
Codes vary between makes and control systems, so always check against your manual or the page for your make. These are the ones we see most.
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| FLO, FL, LF | A flow problem: the system can’t see enough water moving through the heater. | Clean the filters, check the water level and open the jets and valves. |
| dr | On Balboa systems: not enough water in the heater, or air in the system. The heater stays off until it clears. | Top up, clean the filters and clear any airlock. |
| OH, OHH, HL | Overheat or high limit: the water or the heater has got too hot, so the system has shut down. | Don’t get in. Take the cover off and let it cool. If it keeps coming back, ring us. |
| SN, Prr | A fault with a temperature sensor or probe. | This one needs an engineer. |
| E1, E2, E3… | Numbered codes mean different things on different makes. | Check your manual or the page for your make, below. |
Full code lists for your make
Each make has its own codes. Pick yours for the full list.
Not sure which system you have? The make is usually printed on the control panel or on the control box inside the cabinet.
How to clear an error code
- Switch off at the isolator, or unplug the tub if it’s a plug-in model.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Switch the isolator back on, or plug it back in.
- Watch the panel as the tub starts up.
If the code clears, it may have been a one-off. If it comes back, the tub is telling you something.
Don’t keep resetting it. The code is there to protect the tub. If it keeps coming back, switch off at the isolator and call us. Never open the control box yourself.
Quick checks you can do safely
- Check the water level isn’t low.
- Take the filters out, clean them and refit them.
- Make sure the jets and any valves are open.
- Write down the exact code, or take a photo of the panel.
- If the tub has tripped the power, see our page on tripping electrics before resetting.
When it needs an engineer
Some codes point to a fault you can’t fix with a filter clean or a reset: a failed sensor, a pump or heater problem, or a fault on the control pack. That’s when it’s worth getting someone to look.
On a fault diagnosis visit, we test the parts the code points to and tell you what we’ve found and what it’ll cost before we fit anything. If a part has to be ordered, we come back to fit it.
For faults that show up without a code, see hot tub not heating, hot tub leaks, tripping electrics or our guide to common hot tub problems.
What a diagnosis costs
A fault diagnosis is a standard repair call-out.
- Call-out, including the first hour
- £75
- Each hour after that
- £35
- Parts
- Extra
- The first hour on site is enough for many repairs.
- If a part has to be ordered, we tell you the cost first, then come back to fit it.
- We’re not VAT registered, so there’s no VAT to add.
Faults found and fixed
From 47 reviews on Google
“The service provided was excellent. Jon came round the following day after I called and was able to diagnose the fault very quickly, luckily for me it was a blown fuse in the circuit board so was a cheap repair. Can’t fault the fantastic customer service.”
“Called Jon last minute as the hot tub stopped working and Jon messaged straight away to say he was on a job and would get back to us asap and he did, called this evening and was so so helpful!! Explained to my husband about things he can check himself and he was so honest to explain that it might be something we can fix before he comes out. If the problem can't be solved we will 100% call Jon out to help us, thanks Jon! This is what customer service should be like everywhere!”
“I gave Jon a call over the weekend, and he gave me advice over the phone - which actually lead to me sorting out the issue, free of charge (because he didn’t have to come out). That really is awesome service. Thank you, Jon!”
“Thank you for coming out in the rain to repair our hot tub. The new control panel is working fine it was nice to meet you and I will recommend you to my friend and family who have hot tubs it’s Sunday afternoon and we are looking forward to going in the tub with a glass of wine. Thank you once again Mike and Cathy at lanlivery”
Error code questions
Can I just keep resetting the tub?
No. A reset can clear a one-off glitch, but if the code keeps coming back, the tub is protecting itself. Switch off at the isolator and call us.
Why does the same code mean different things on different tubs?
Each control system maker uses its own codes, especially the numbered E-codes. Check your manual, or see the page for your make: Balboa, Gecko, Jacuzzi or Spa-Quip.
Can you repair my make of hot tub?
We work on most makes, including Hot Spring, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Jacuzzi, Arctic Spa, Caldera, Roto Spa and Beachcomber, and on Balboa, Gecko and SpaNet control systems. Tell us what you’ve got, and we’ll tell you straight away whether we can help.
What should I tell you when I ring?
The make of the tub, the exact code and what the tub is doing. A photo of the panel helps.
Still showing a code?
Switch off at the isolator, then ring or WhatsApp us with the code and a photo of the panel.
If your tub is sunk into decking or the ground, or set against a wall, it helps to mention it when you book. If you’re not sure, a photo is fine.
Where we work
We’re based in Tuckingmill, Camborne, covering Mid and West Cornwall, from Bodmin and Newquay to Penzance and everywhere in between. Towns we cover include:
See the 18 towns we cover
Somewhere else in Cornwall? Just ask. Every area we cover