How do I know if my spa heater element is bad?

If your spa isn’t heating as it should, it might be time to examine your heater. A bad heater often keeps your spa pool cooler than it should be.

This article will guide you through the signs that indicate a faulty heater, provide troubleshooting tips, and explain when it’s time to call a professional for repairs.

Key Takeaways

• The spa heater element is responsible for warming the water in your spa.
• Electrical repairs around water require a licensed technician to ensure safety.
• A technician may advise replacing the element alone or the entire assembly if old.

Important: A licensed electrician must carry out all electrical work on your spa. Any electrical information included here, whether it is troubleshooting or other instructions, are provided for use by a licensed electrician only. Local electrical codes supersede any information found here.

What is a spa heater element?

A spa heater element is the part of the spa’s heating system that is responsible for warming the water. It’s usually an electric component housed in a metal tube, designed to transfer heat efficiently.

When electricity flows through the element, it generates heat, which is then transferred to the water passing over it within the heater assembly. The heating element is often controlled by the spa's thermostat and is crucial for maintaining the desired water temperature in the spa.

Heating elements can vary in size and power, depending on the model and power supply of the spa controller. When these elements malfunction, they may prevent the spa from reaching or maintaining the set temperature, indicating a need for inspection or replacement.

How do I know if my heating element is bad in my spa or hot tub?

If your spa is not heating, the problem can be the heater element itself. There are several tests to be done if this is the case.

1. Check the breaker box to see if the circuit breaker is turned on.
2. Check the spa's control panel to make sure the heating element is turned on.
3. If your spa has automatic temperature control, set it to a higher temperature and see if the water heats up.
4. Testing the voltage to the heater with a multimeter will help determine if your heating element is bad. (An electrician will be required for this)

• Spas operate on 240-voltage power. Using the multimeter tool, if the meter reads 240 volts, the problem could be the heating element. If it reads 0, and if power is connected to the spa, the circuit board may need checking.

5. Disconnect power and test if the heating element is faulty through an OHM test (impedance test). This testing method identifies the resistance of the element.

To do this, please follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Make sure the spa is turned OFF.
• Step 2: Disconnect the heater element from any wires.
• Step 3: Switch the multimeter setting to OHM.
• Step 4: Test both leads on the heater element.
• Step 5: Check the reading. If the reading shows 9-14 OHMs, the heating element is more likely not the problem. However, if the meter doesn’t show any reading, the issue might be the heating element.

What to do if the heating element is not working?

If your spa heating element isn’t working, here’s what you should know to address the issue safely and effectively:

• If the heating element is found to be faulty after testing, avoid attempting repairs or replacements yourself. Always hire a licensed electrician or spa technician for safe repairs. Electrical repairs around water are risky.
• The technician may ask if you want to replace the entire heater assembly or just the heating element. If the heater is a few years old, they might recommend replacing the whole assembly.
• If you need help finding a replacement, simply fill out our contact form or send a photo of your heating element to our Parts Team, and we’ll help you find the right match.