I have had a gas heated hot tub for years, but moved to an area where gas isn't available. I recently purchased a used hot tub. Aquatic Industries is what is written on the shell and the cover to the controls. I went ahead an installed a new heating element (universal 5.5k). I had to fix a leak around the flo-thru tube, so I figured I might as well spend the $60 (too high or low?) and replace it.

So, everything seems to work. As I don't see a separate recirc pump, I am assuming it is a 2stage pump. One level for jets and the other just for heating circulation? Both appear to work FOR A WHILE. After the heat kicks on for a few minutes (though no heat is noticable even on the tube itself) it kicks one of my 20amp breakers. (i have each leg on a 20amp breaker, acceptable?) The jets are no longer usable, but the recirc is still working. If I leave that long enough it will kick the other breaker.

I was halfway expecting to see my old heater to be corroded...but surprising it wasn't too bad.

The control panel seems completely functional. The jets button has two "stages" that work flawlessly until you turn the heat knob. The heat/status led lights up. The light button turns the lights on and off appropriately. She just won't heat and keeps kicking breakers.

Any ideas on where to start? This forum seems to be the authority on spa help, so I figured it would be great resource to start with. Pics can be added if that is of assistance..

Thanks in Advance!

-marc

ouch ouch ouch!

Get those two single pole breakers out of there. If you are using two breakers, you must be running 240V. At 240V the heater element ALONE will draw 23Amps. You need to hook everything through a 40 or 50A GFCI breaker. Don't forget to use the proper amperage wire.

Don't expect the tub to start feeling hot right away... it will take hours for it to heat... figure around 8-16 degrees an hour depending on the spa.

After that, try the spa and see what happens.