I recently acquired a Hot Spring Classic Model F '98 Spa. I had a qualified electrician install the electrical converting it to 230v. The spa heats up just fine, the lights and control panel work, but the pump for the jets seems as if it won't prime. When the pump is turned on, it spurts some water out one or two jets, but a low amount of water. After running for about 20-30 seconds the pump shuts off. After about 2-3 minutes, the pump comes back on. This leads me to believe its the thermal trip that is turning off the pump. This cycle of pump on, pump off continues. I know the pump is running and not seizing because I can see the shaft spinning.

I've tried everything I can think of to get the pump to prime (I'm still assuming thats the problem). I've put a hose down the filter inlet, stuck a hose in the jets and loosened the coupling on the pump to let air escape.

I'm out of ideas. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Did you check voltage to the pump? Be sure it's only getting 110v.

Just a guess, but it's possible your electrician also converted the pump motor to 220v, and it's only getting 110v.

Most 110/220v convertable spas leave the equip running at 110v, and only the heater truly converts to 220. If you electrician converted the pump wiring to 220v, and it's only getting 110v, it would act as you are describing.

How many breakers power the spa. one or two, and are they 110v or 220v breakers? There should be 30 amp 220v breaker, AND a 20 amp 110v breaker in a converted Hot Spring Spa.

That's the first thing that comes to mind...

I'm with SWINE.