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The Daily Insight

How do you start a Balboa hot tub

Author

Charlotte Adams

Published Apr 25, 2026

Temp. … The last measured water temperature is constantly displayed. … Press “Jets 1” to turn pump 1 on or off, and to shift between low and high speeds (if equipped). … Press the corresponding button once to turn the device on or off. … Your spa will enter Priming Mode ( ) when it is energized.

How do you set up a hot tub for the first time?

  1. Rinse and Drain. If you’re a new hot tub owner, you’re going to have to get used to the cleaning that comes with hot tub ownership. …
  2. Turn off All Power. …
  3. Clean the Empty Hot Tub. …
  4. Install or Clean the Filter. …
  5. Fill Your Hot Tub. …
  6. Prime the Pump. …
  7. Add the Start-Up Chemicals. …
  8. Run the Pump.

How long does it take a Balboa hot tub to heat up?

It will take less time to heat if it is warmer outside. If you want your hot tub to be 100 degrees, it will take 4 hours to reach it’s temperature. If you keep your hot tub cover on, you can shorten that time.

How do I get my Balboa spa out of sleep mode?

On screen it will just state rest mode or whilst running filteration it will state “run” “pump” “for” “temp”. TO EXIT REST MODE:- Press Temp, then press light repeatedly until ‘MODE’ appears in the LCD. Toggle between READY and REST by pressing temp. Press light or wait for 10 seconds to go back to the Main Screen.

What does the AUX button do on a Balboa hot tub?

Priming the Pumps Also, push the Pump 2 or “Aux” button, if you have a 2nd pump, to turn it on. The pumps will now be running in high-speed to facilitate priming. If the pumps have not primed after 2 minutes, and water is not flowing from the jets in the spa, do not allow the pumps to continue to run.

Should I leave my hot tub on all the time?

One question we sometimes get asked is should I leave my hot tub on all the time? The answer is yes! Hot tubs are designed to be left on permanently and this is how they work best. Of course, they’ll need to be drained regularly but for the most part, they are left on 24/7.

Should I Shock hot tub after filling?

After filling the hot tub with fresh water, or if the tub has heavy usage, you will want to use a chlorine shock. Shock is a sanitizer that kills living organisms, bacteria and other water contaminants. The downside to using chlorine is that you must wait at least eight hours before using the hot tub.

What causes a hot tub not to heat?

If your spa heater won’t heat, remove and clean the filter(s) to rule out a pressure or flow rate problem in your hot tub heater. Low water level, a clogged pump impeller, closed valves, clogged pipes, or blocked spa drain covers can also cause flow issues.

What does SL mean on Balboa hot tub?

Balboa topside displaying SL or SLP. If the “SLP” or “SL” Message is Alternating with the Water Temperature on the Topside Display, the Spa is Operating in the “Sleep Heating Mode“. This is NOT an error message. Note that a Sleep Heating Mode will drop the water temperature 20 degrees below the set temperature.

What mode should hot tub be on?

We reccommend setting your spa to “Auto” so that the water is always warm and ready for you to use. If you ever notice that your hot tub water temperature has dropped, but there are no error messages displayed on your control panel, you should check that the spa is set to “Auto” mode.

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How do I reset my Balboa hot tub heater?

  1. Locate the spa’s high-limit reset. This is a red button found on many spa packs. …
  2. Press the high-limit reset button. …
  3. Turn on your spa and observe its operation. …
  4. Flip the breaker panel switch on or press the reset button on the GFCI outlet to restore power.

How do I know what Balboa hot tub I have?

The number referenced here on the panel is the product serial number along with the product part number. On this topside panel the serial number is 52649-01200508020042. The first five numbers along with the dash and the two proceeding numbers will be the product part number.

What temperature should I set my hot tub in summer?

Setting Hot Tub Water Temperature in the Summer As a rule of thumb, many users keep their hot tub set at temperatures ranging between 97-99 degrees.

How do you unlock Balboa?

Spas using Balboa control systems To unlock the panel, while holding down the “Temperature” button (or the “Up” button if you do not have the “Temperature” button), gently press and release the “Light” button twice.

Can I use my hot tub without chemicals?

Using your hot tub without chemicals could turn the water green within a matter of hours, posing a huge safety risk to users. … Bromine is a similar chemical to chlorine; however, it can be kinder to the skin. It is also more efficient at higher temperatures, a benefit that is often the most appealing to hot tub users.

How soon can you go in a hot tub after adding chlorine?

How soon can I use a hot tub after adding chemicals? When adding chlorine, wait 30 minutes before testing the water again. For non-chlorine shock, wait 10 minutes. For chlorine shock, wait 20 minutes.

How often do you put chlorine in a hot tub?

A chlorine level of between 3-5mg/l must be maintained in your hot tub at all times. The addition of chlorine will depend upon usage and bathing habits. It could be daily or every 2-3 days (for 1mg/l add 2g per 1000 litres).

Should you add chlorine to hot tub after every use?

You should put chlorine in your hot tub at least once a week. However, some people prefer to add a small amount after each use. Finding the best water care routine will depend on how often and how many people use it. Chlorine levels should be between 1.5 and 3.0 ppm.

How often do you add sanitizer to a hot tub?

Once per week is the average for bromine systems, and once every two weeks is typical for SmartChlor systems. (If your hot tub is equipped with an ozonator, adding spa shock supplements the work of the ozonator and further refreshes the water.)

How often should you add shock to a hot tub?

The general rule of thumb is to shock your swim spa at least once a week. If it’s getting a lot more use than usual or several different people are using it, you may want to consider shocking the water twice a week. Just make sure to test the water beforehand and ensure your pH levels are where they’re supposed to be.

What temperature should I keep my hot tub when not in use?

We always recommend keeping the temperature at 38°C, not only will this keep you warm, it also helps to protect your hot tub as the heat generated stops your power pack from freezing over. Make sure to always keep the cover on when you’re not using it, so the heat doesn’t escape.

How do you run a hot tub economically?

  1. Turn the temperature down on your hot tub.
  2. Check your electricity tariff.
  3. Check the condition of your hot tub cover.
  4. Insulate your hot tub cabinet.
  5. Close your hot tub air jets.
  6. Clean your hot tub filters.
  7. Upgrade your hot tub. In Summary.

What is the most economical way to run a hot tub?

Many people set their hot tubs at a temperature of 104F, but dropping it by just two degrees can help you save big on electric bills. In addition, using the energy saving setting when you’re away allows you to reduce the heat. In summer, you can often turn the heat completely off or at minimum use a lower heat setting.

How long should a hot tub run each day?

Since your hot tub pump circulates the warm water as well as the sanitizer, a general rule is to follow manufacturer recommendations or leave the pump on for a minimum of eight hours per day.

How do you unlock a Balboa TP600?

Unlocking the Balboa TP600 Topside (Standard Mode) Print While pressing and holding the UP Temperature button, slowly press and release the Lights button TWO (2) times. If you require any further assistance, please contact Customer Service.

What does EC mean on Balboa hot tub?

Ecn or Ec is Alternating with Temp: The Spa is Operating in the “Economy” (Ecn or Ec) Heating Mode. The Water Temperature is Sampled Only during Programmed Filter Cycles. The Heater will Only operate and Heat up to Set Temperature during the Filter Cycles.

Why is my hot tub flashing SL?

If the SLP or SL Message is Alternating with the Water Temperature on the Display, the Spa is Operating in the Sleep Heating Mode.

How do I fix the Balboa Dr code?

  1. Check the water level in the spa.
  2. Refill if necessary.
  3. If the water level is okay, make sure the pumps have been primed.
  4. Press any button to reset, or this message will automatically reset within 15 minutes.