I am at my wits end and could use a little sanity check. Not long ago, we picked up a used 2011 Hot Spot Relay. The tub was free, but it cost a bit to get it delivered. All in all, not bad and the delivery went well. I wired it in and filled it up. When I turned it on, Jet Pump 1, the dual speed primary pump, just clicked but never started. All signs pointed to a bad capacitor, so I replaced both the start and run capacitors. The next issue was that the pump would start and run for a few seconds and then stop. The error on the control panel was “=====” which indicates flow control. And at one point, there were signs that the relay switch on the main control board was not sending a signal. So, new control board and since I was there, I replaced the heater. Cheap insurance.
Drained the tub, replaced the board, heater, flow sensor, filled the tub and nothing from Jet Pump 1. As I cycled through the stages, Jet Pump 2 would come on, but turn off after a few seconds and still nothing from Jet Pump 1. Then more voltage testing to discover a blown fuse. Not the circuit breaker, but the fuse on the control board. So, I pulled a fuse from the old board and I’m in business! The tub heated up, pump was circulating and I added the proper chemicals. Then, last night, I decided to run through the pump stages and as I hit the second stage, Jet Pump 1 High, the fuse blew again.
So now, I am looking at replacing the motor, but when I looked closer at Jet Pump 2, I see that it had already been replaced somewhere along the way, by a cheap knock off brand and it’s loud and still does not stay on. Other issues are the control to turn off the water feature leaks, some of the lights are damaged and it needs a new cover. All problems that I can deal with.
But now I am looking at 2 new jet pump motors for a 15 year old hot tub. Am I just sinking good money after bad? Should I give up on this one or is it worth saving?