How to Fix Hot Tub Flow Errors

A flow error is a safety feature. It tells you that the spa's computer isn't detecting enough water moving through the heater. To prevent damage, it shuts the heater down. The good news is that the cause is usually a simple blockage or restriction.

Troubleshooting Your Flow Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Work through these checks in order, from the most common to the least likely causes. In most cases, you'll have your spa running again in no time.

1. Check the Water Level: This is the simplest check. If the water level is too low, the pumps can draw in air, causing a loss of flow. Ensure the water is well above the highest jets and covers the filter housing completely.
2. Clean or Replace Your Filters: This is the number one cause of flow errors. Filters clogged with dirt, oils, and debris drastically reduce water flow. Remove the filters and see if the error clears after a few minutes. If it does, you've found the problem.
3. Check for Air Locks: If you've recently refilled your spa, air can get trapped in the pipework, blocking water flow. To fix this, try turning the jets on and off (from low to high speed) a few times. You can also slightly loosen a pump union to let the trapped air hiss out, then retighten it.
4. Ensure All Jets are Open: Sometimes, too many individual jets have been closed, which restricts the overall flow of water through the system. Open up all the jets fully.

If you've tried all the steps above and the error persists, it could indicate a more technical issue like a faulty pressure switch, flow sensor, or a problem with the circulation pump. At this stage, it may be best to contact a qualified technician.

Essential Products for Preventing Flow Issues

Proper maintenance is the best way to avoid flow errors. Here are three key products to keep your hot tub's circulation system in top condition.

1. Our Best-Selling Hot Tub Filter

Meet our best-selling filter, a popular choice for excellent filtration that prevents flow errors. As this is a universal filter, please check the product dimensions to ensure a perfect fit for your spa model.

View Filter Details

2. Filter Cleaner Spray 500ml

Effortlessly dissolve built-up grease and grime from your filter pleats. This fast-acting spray restores filter efficiency in minutes, ensuring maximum water flow.

View Filter Cleaner Spray

3. Hot Tub Flush 500ml

Purge your spa's entire plumbing system of hidden build-up. Use before draining to clear pipes of biofilm and grime, preventing future flow errors from the start.

View Hot Tub Flush

How to Properly Clean Your Hot Tub Filter

Since dirty filters are the main culprit, here's how to clean them effectively.

1. Turn Off the Power: For safety, turn off the power to your hot tub at the isolator switch or breaker.
2. Remove the Filter: Open the filter housing and carefully unscrew the filter. Lift it out of the spa.
3. Rinse with a Hose: Use a garden hose (avoid a high-pressure jet wash) to spray down the filter, working from top to bottom. Spread the pleats to rinse out the trapped debris.
4. Use a Filter Cleaner: For a deep clean, spray the filter thoroughly with an instant filter cleaner or soak it for several hours in a chemical solution. Follow the product's instructions, then rinse again.
5. Allow to Dry & Reinstall: Let the filter dry completely if possible, as this helps kill any remaining microorganisms. Then, reinstall it, close the housing, and restore power.

Your Flow Error Questions, Answered