We just got a 1992 Hot Spring Sovereign (110 V) from friends who had not used it in over a year.

I filled it up with water, got the chemicals right, and the jets are working. When I turn up the thermostat (without the jets running), though, after a couple of minutes the “Heater Reset” on the control box trips. It is not possible to reset it right after it trips; only after waiting a bit can I reset it.

I cannot see or feel any water being circulated when the jets are off, so I am pretty sure that there is no water circulating. I checked for trapped air going in and coming out of the circulation pump, but there was no air, just water.

My best guess is that the circulation pump is not working, so the water that’s in the heater gets too hot (since it stays in there is not moved out by the circulation pump) and trips the heater thermal cut-off.

Does this make sense? If so, would I be able to replace the circulation pump myself? (I am fairly handy and have done electrical and plumbing work before, but am not a spa expert.) Or are there other possible explanations for our problem?

yes, repair/replace the circ pump. You are correct.

Thank you for the quick reply. Can I/do I have to get one from Hot Spring? Or a generic model from somewhere else? I would appreciate any suggestions.

http://spapartsnet.com/Spa/Hot-Springs/... 8_3_1.html This is the fastest route if you want to replace it.

Hey I am struggling with the same problem right now. Did replacing the circulation pump work for you??